If you are looking to take up your further education at Nelson and Colne College and love the idea of playing football alongside your studies then our Girls’ Post-16 Academy is for you.

The Girls’ Post-16 Academy programme is delivered by Burnley FC in the Community staff in partnership with the Nelson and Colne College Group. The programme gives talented young players between the ages of 16 and 18 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience.

The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to combine football playing skills with academic practice in the dynamic facilities at Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College.

BFCitC and the Nelson and Colne College Group offer emphasis on enhancing technical skills and ability, while supporting educational and career development.

Students will train three to four times a week following a playing and development strategy under the guidance of our UEFA licenced coaches.

• Students have the option to study at one of our two campuses (Nelson & Colne College and Accrington & Rossendale College) both which are part of the Nelson & Colne College Group.
• Students will study from a selection of programmes, including a full-time BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development (equivalent to three A Levels) under the guidance of Nelson & Colne College Group’s highly qualified staff.
• Classes are delivered over a two-year period and combine theory and practical sessions. Students are assessed through external exams, observed practical assessments, written assignments, presentations and professional discussions.

• The units covered within the BTEC include: Sports Coaching, Nutrition, Sports Psychologyand Work Experience

• Our academic programme allows students to develop the essential skills, knowledge andqualifications required to progress into a career in sport and leisure, either directly, or throughprogressing into higher education

• Students will have the opportunity to complete their FA Level 1 in Football Coaching alongsidetheir academic subjects which includes emergency aid and safeguarding qualifications

• Students will represent Burnley FC in the, NFYL, EFL CEFA and AOC Football League

• Additional fixtures with EPL and EFL Community sides

• Overseas, end of season training camps/tournaments provide excellent opportunities to train and play in different countries whilst experiencing different cultures.

• Play in Burnley FC official home and away kits
• Students are provided with FREE Burnley FC Training kit
• Individual and squad photo’s at Turf Moor
• Opportunities to showcase talent through access to NFYL and English Schools/English Counties representative squads trials
• Access to fully qualified Physiotherapists
• Strength and conditioning programmes to carry out in the onsite gym
• Fixtures are filmed and analysed
• Nutrition guidance
• Career support
• Links with, and opportunities to play for Burnley FC Women
• Progression routes into higher education
• A pathway into scholarship opportunities in America
• We allow players to physically and mentally develop by tailoring training sessions around their current needs whilst also pushing them in a non-pressurised way to becoming a better, more confident player and person.

To enrol onto our BTEC Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma, students will need at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English (Grade 4).

A Level 2 course option is available for those who do not meet the requirements, subject to an interview.