Herefordshire and Ludlow College partner up with Cheltenham Town for new football education programme

Herefordshire & Ludlow College are collaborating with Cheltenham Town Football Club.

The newly crowned English Football League 2 Champions signed with the College this week and have exciting plans to work closely together from June 2021. 

Their aim is to deliver an invigorating new opportunity to the male footballing talent in Herefordshire and nearby counties. For those who are hoping to make the ‘big time’ as footballers, coaches and trainers, or even to follow other careers within the footballing industry, can now combine their footballing interest with a full-time college course. 

The Football Education Programme allows students to train and play like professional athletes, while obtaining a Sport Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. Although the development is currently only for males, there are hopes to include female players in the coming years.

Each week, there will be up to eight hours of football training and game time, alongside strength and conditioning training and individual programmes – which are led by UEFA-licensed coaches.

Students will also have the opportunity to play in the Under 19s English Football League and the Community & Education Football Alliance League. Matches may include Portsmouth, Swindon, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Newport County and Bristol City.  There will also be an opportunity to play in the Under 18s Midland Floodlit Youth League, if you show progression.

Football development will be combined with either a BTEC Level 2 or 3 in Sport, meaning that students can still study whilst doing the sport they love. Each programme will include maths and English qualifications for those that need them, as well as being able to gain employability skills and work experience. 

After studying on the programme, students may be able to progress to university to take their education further. Alternatively, apprenticeships are available for those who would prefer to enter employment and earn whilst they learn.

Any player who excels on the College’s football and education programme will also have the opportunity to train with the Cheltenham Town FC Academy youth team. Former Academy students have had trials for several non-league, semi-professional and professional football clubs and won scholarships to colleges in the USA. 

Cheltenham Town FC and the programme’s teaching staff will be at the College’s next open event on Tuesday 8th June, so if you have any questions to ask then this would be a brilliant opportunity to do so. You will need to book onto this event, more information is available on Herefordshire & Ludlow College’s website.

You can also apply for a place via Herefordshire & Ludlow College’s website, and trials will be taking place at Herefordshire FA 3G, County Ground, Widemarsh Common, Hereford, HR4 9NA on Thursday 3rd June, 9.00am – 12.00 noon; Friday 16th June, 9.00am – 12.00noon and Tuesday 24th June, 9.00am – 12.00 noon. 

If you think this could be for you, then please apply for a trial here.