EDUCATION & SEMI-PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY
A full time education and football study programme for 16-19 year olds. (Est 2014)
ABOUT THE EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
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WHO IS THE STUDY PROGRAMME FOR?
The ESPFA is for those who wish to combine progression in football, whilst having the opportunity to gain educational sporting qualifications. This vocational element of the programme is tailored for those who wish to combine progression in football, either playing or coaching, with the dynamic area of physical education, sports coaching and sports science.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS CAN I ACHIEVE?
There is a range of qualifications that are available to students on the course depending on which club you enrol at. The core modules of the education programme focus on developing knowledge and understanding of sports science, leadership and coaching skills to enhance sports performance.
Students can currently achieve the following qualifications:
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NCFE Level 3 in Sport and Physical Activity
WHAT PROGRESSION IS THERE ONCE THE COURSE IS COMPLETED?
Throughout the duration of the course, the ESPFA will present pathways that are on offer from our partners and external institutions for our students to explore post completion of their qualification.
The Level 3 in Sport qualification can lead to further studies in higher education (such as a university) or direct employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as sports coaching or sports management. On the football side of the programme, students have the opportunity to play for semi-professional/professional clubs as well as the pathway to study, coach and play in the United States or elsewhere on an international scholarship.
WHERE WILL THE COURSE BE BASED?
The education will be based at a local facility with a dedicated education tutor delivering the qualification supported by a team of senior management staff.
At certain times throughout the duration of the programme, specialist facilities may also be used for elements of the course.
WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
​Students will be given the opportunity to build up their own CV and take part in work experience at the football clubs, gaining experience on match days and non-match days, through a wide range of tasks which could include coaching, administration, promotion, marketing, etc; and will differ from region to region.
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IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
​All enrolled students will be able to apply for bursaries from our education funding partners at the beginning of the educational year.
LEVEL 3 IN SPORT
COURSE ATTENDANCE
Full time.
COURSE COST
FREE (although there is cost for training kit via our partners AFB Kits.)
COURSE LENGTH
1 year for a Diploma with the opportunity to progress to a further year with the Extended Diploma.
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WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THIS COURSE?
If you want to pursue a career in coaching, teaching, sports therapy or are planning to progress on to a higher education sports-related degree, this course is ideal for you. You will gain an in-depth understanding of sports science, coaching, fitness and nutrition. Additionally, the breadth of optional content in this qualification allows learners to widen their opportunities to progress to a number of different higher education courses.
WHAT LEVEL 3 OPTIONS ARE THERE?​
Depending on your grades you will study one of the following in the Sports and Physical Activity pathway:-
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Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels) - (540 GLH)
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Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels) - (720 GLH)
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Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) - (1080 - GLH)
Each region programme is different, for clarification on which qualification your region will study, please speak to your regional recruitment manager.
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COURSE UNITS
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MANDAOTRY​
Exercise Health and Lifestyle
Preparing for a Career in Sport
Sports Coaching
Personal and Professional Development
Assessing Risk in Sport
Leadership in Sport
CORE UNITS​
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Physiology and Fitness
Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
Athletes Lifestyle
Analysis of Sports Performance
Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
EXTENDED​
Sports Nutrition
Sporting Injuries
Psychology for Sports Performance
Sports Development
Current Issues in Sport
Ethics and Values in Sport
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WORK EXPERIENCE
As part of the study programme, all students are required to completed 30 hours of work experience over the academic year or in a dedicated, typical working week.
Students can take advantage of the experiences on offer at our player pathway partner clubs in areas such as coaching, physiotherapy, business, media or teaching. Alternatively they can gain experiences in other sectors such as trades and hospitality with local businesses.
Students have the opportunity to gain work experience in the sporting sector they are currently studying. If they wish to pursue a different pathway upon programme completion, they can choose to experience any general working environment.
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MATHS AND ENGLISH
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Students who fall short of achieving a grade four in Maths and/or English will have the opportunity to retake one or both core subjects during their time on the programme.
Dedicated weekly Maths and/or English lessons are included in the timetable for the academic year for those that require them with exams held at external venues in May and June.
PROGRESSION
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Whether you study the Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A levels) or the Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A levels) there are opportunities to progress to Higher Education establishments, such as university or scholarships in the US via the UCAS points you accumulate on successful completion of the qualification you achieve and the grade you are awarded.
UK UNIVERSITY
Our Level 3 in Sport programme is the perfect pathway for progressing on to university here in the UK. During your time on the programme, our highly skilled and experienced tutors and management team will be able to guide you through the application process with UCAS. For more information you can visit the following link - www.ucas.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
Throughout your time on the programme, we will be bringing in external organisations who specialise in providing scholarships in the United States of America and other countries. An attractive pathway for those students who perform well both academically and on the football pitch and wish to extend their education and footballing development in a new environment.
SUCCESS STORIES
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Since 2014, there have been many students who have progressed onto higher education or gained apprenticeships in different sectors. Each year we like to highlight some of them, as they showcase what is on offer to new and current students if they achieve their goals.
UNIVERSITY
SCHOLARSHIPS
