Football Academy Programme

Our post-16 Football Academy Programme is delivered in partnership with the ‘Palace for Life Foundation’. Our programme offers students a unique opportunity to take part in first class football training alongside studying towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport.

Football Training

Football training generally takes place during periods 4-5 of the school day and is headed up by ex-Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Northampton Town player Eddie McGoldrick and his team of ‘UEFA’ Qualified Coaches. Eddie’s playing and coaching experience is invaluable to helping all our young athletes excel on and off the pitch.

Throughout the year, our first team squad take part in regular fixtures in the Youth Development League and Cup and get the opportunity to play in showcase fixtures against other academies from across the country. If players are injured and unable to play/train, then they are given a tailored rehabilitation programme by our team’s physiotherapist and can take advantage of our on-site fitness suite to aid in their recovery. Matches take place on a Wednesday, so do not clash with student’s club matches, and we pride ourselves on not discouraging students from continuing to play with their ‘weekend’ team. Selected students may also be invited to take part in 'Professional Club' and 'England School Boy' trials.

A standard training week will involve: Technical and Tactical Work, Phases of Play, Set Piece Plays, Match Analysis and Strength and Conditioning.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

The Level 3 Diploma is generally delivered during periods 1-3 of the school day and is run by the Abbeyfield ‘PE’ Department.

The Extended Diploma is the equivalent of students studying 3 ‘A-Level’s’ and offers students an industry-focused pathway for those interested in sports-related careers. Students will cover 14 units over the 2-year course with a combination of internal and external assessments including Anatomy and Physiology, Business in Sport, Coaching for Performance, Sports Leadership and Sports Injury Management.

Completing the course will give students a solid foundation to progress to further study such as university degrees or other professional qualifications. It can also lead to a variety of career paths including sports coaching, sports development or give students a substantial theoretical foundation for those lucky enough to pursue their dream career in the Football Industry.

Entry Requirements

• Grade 4 or above in English and Maths
• Competent practical ability in Football
• (Desirable) Grade 4 or above in Science
• (Desirable) Grade 4 or above in a PE-based subject

If you are interested in joining the Abbeyfield Football Academy for September 2025 or have any questions in regard to the Academy, then please contact our Teaching and Learning Lead for the Football Academy via email FootballAcademy@abbeyfieldschool.org.uk .