EAST LANCASHIRE LEARNING GROUP PARTNERSHIP
Our partnership with East Lancashire Learning Group is truly unique, offering you the chance to develop sporting excellence alongside the only Ofsted-rated Outstanding Further Education College in Lancashire.
Through this exceptional collaboration, we support the development of Football, Netball, and Cricket. Youโll have the opportunity to study the course that best suits your ambitions while receiving high-quality sports training and support from Burnley FC in the Community coaches.
SPORTS ACADEMIES
Our Football and Education programmeย (previously known as our Shadow Youth Team) gives talented young male players aged 16โ18 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience. It is delivered by Burnley FC in the Community staff in partnership with East Lancashire Learning Group.
What does the programme include?
- Professional Training:ย Train four times a week following a structured playing and development strategy, led by UEFA-licensed coaches.
- Competitive Matches:ย Represent Burnley FC in the National Football Youth League (NFYL), English Football League (EFL) Community & Education Football Alliance (CEFA), and AoC Football League.
- Academic Study:ย Enrol in the full-time BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development โ equivalent to three A Levels.
- Additional Fixtures:ย Compete in selected matches against English Premier League and EFL community teams.
- Showcase Squad: is a combined team of the best ARC and NCC players, competing against high-level opposition and performing in front of club and academy scouts.
- International Opportunities:ย Participate in overseas end-of-season training camps and tournaments, offering the chance to play abroad and experience new cultures.
What are the benefits?
- A pathway to scholarship opportunities in the United States
- Opportunities to showcase talent through NFYL and English Schools/English Counties representative squad trials
- Strength and conditioning, along with sports analysis programmes
- Access to fully qualified physiotherapists
- Nutrition guidance
- Play in Burnley FC official home and away kits
- Heavily subsidised Burnley FC training kits
- Individual and squad photos at Turf Moor
What are the entry requirements?
To join the Football and Education Programme, you must be enrolled in a course at Nelson and Colne College or Accrington and Rossendale Collegeโ preferably in Sport, although other courses may be considered. Each course has specific entry requirements, which can be found on the relevant course pages on the college website.
Our Girls Post-16 Academy offers talented young female players aged 16โ18 the opportunity to combine academic studies with elite football training. This programme is designed to support both personal and athletic development, providing a pathway into higher education and competitive football.
What does the programme include?
- Professional Training: Train three to four times a week following a structured playing and development strategy, led by UEFA-licensed coaches.
- Academic Study Options: Choose from a range of study programmes at Nelson and Colne College, including the full-time BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development โ equivalent to three A Levels.
- Competitive Matches: Represent Burnley FC in the National Football Youth League (NFYL), Community & Education Football Alliance (CEFA) League, and AoC Football League.
- Additional Fixtures: Take part in selected matches against English Premier League and EFL community teams.
- International Opportunities: Participate in overseas end-of-season training camps and tournaments, offering the chance to play abroad and experience new cultures.
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What are the benefits?
- Pathway to scholarship opportunities in the USA
- Opportunities to trial for NFYL and English Schools/Counties representative squads
- Links with and opportunities to play for Burnley FC Women
- Access to strength & conditioning and sports analysis programmes
- Support from fully qualified physiotherapists
- Nutritional guidance
- Official Burnley FC home and away kits
- Heavily subsidised Burnley FC training kit
- Individual and squad photos taken at Turf Moor
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What are the entry requirements?
To join the Football and Education Programme, you must be enrolled in a course at Nelson and Colne College โ preferably in Sport, although other courses may be considered. Each course has specific entry requirements, which can be found on the relevant course pages on the college website.
Our Cricket Academy welcomes both male and female players of all skill levels, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. Training sessions are held up to four times a week, complemented by weekly matches to maintain a strong competitive edge.
Participants also have the opportunity to compete in T20 college tournaments, gaining valuable match experience. The academy is designed to fit seamlessly around your academic schedule, ensuring a healthy balance between sport and study.
Delivered in partnership with Lancashire Cricket, the programme includes exciting trips and inspiring guest speaker sessions.
What are the benefits?
- Strength and conditioning, along with sports analysis programmes
- Access to fully qualified physiotherapists
- Nutrition guidance
- Play in Burnley FC official home and away kits
- Heavily subsidised Burnley FC training kits
- Individual and squad photos at Turf Moor
Our Netball Academy welcomes female players of all skill levels, offering a supportive and inclusive environment to grow and thrive. Training sessions take place twice a week, with weekly matches to keep the competitive spirit alive.
Participants also have the opportunity to compete inย North West regional tournaments, gaining valuable experience and exposure. The academy is designed to complement your academic schedule, ensuring a well-balanced routine.
All training is delivered indoors in top-quality facilities by our experienced coaching team, who provide high-level, structured sessions.
Beyond training and matches, the programme includes exciting trips and outings, enriching the overall experience.ย
What are the benefits?
- Strength and conditioning, along with sports analysis programmes
- Access to fully qualified physiotherapists
- Nutrition guidance
- Play in Burnley FC official home and away kits
- Heavily subsidised Burnley FC training kits
- Individual and squad photos at Turf Moor
HIGHER EDUCATION
Burnley FC in the Community and East Lancashire Learning Group offer two higher education courses: CERTHE Sport Coaching and Performance and BSC (Hons) Sport Coaching and Performance
Our BSC (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance, ran in partnership with Nelson and Colne College University Centre, provides a positive environment that engages independent student learning and develops transferable skills relevant to employment in the sport coaching and performance industry. It will develop your academic knowledge and practical application of sport coaching and performance studies through a flexible and innovative learning environment. The programme will help develop critical, reflective practitioners using current best practices in the sport coaching and performance industry.
What will I learn
Year 1
โข Introduction to Coaching
โข Personal and Professional Development
โข Introduction to Psychology
โข Coaching Pedagogy
โข Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
โข Introduction to Research Methods
Year 2
โข Applied Issues in Sports Development and Society
โข Career Focused Professional Development
โข Psychological Issues in Professional Sport
โข Coaching Skills Project
โข Physiology of Strength and Conditioning Exercise
โข Research Development
Year 3
โข Sports Policies and Agendas
โข Applied Sport Psychology
โข Applied Strength and Conditioning
โข Professional Development and Practice
โข Research Project
Entry Requirements
Candidates are selected on the basis of their ability to cope with and benefit from the programme. Their suitability can be demonstrated either through previous educational achievement or through experience and attitude.
Admission by prior qualification will normally require a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points.
Our CERTHE Sport Coaching and Performance, ran in partnership with Nelson and Colne College University Centre, and endorsed by Liverpool John Moore’s University. This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their Sports knowledge, experience and advance their career opportunities.
This qualification can be a standalone Level 4 qualification which gives students their first step into the field of Sport Coaching and Performance, but it can also lead on to the full BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Performance degree offered at our university centre.
What does the programme involve?
- Shadowing Coaches delivering on many projects and community activities including disability sport, walking football, health provision, the community kitchen, school provision
- Wide-ranging active work experience with Burnley FC in the Community
- Blend of academic study with real-world experience
- Completion of the FA Level 1 Coaching Award
- Participation in the National Football Youth League Under – 19โs and 23โs Football Youth League, football training session three times a week, including strength and conditioning sessions and match analysis
- Burnley Football Club Training and Match Day Kits are also provided.
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Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS points from A Levels or BTEC National Diploma
- GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent
- A recognised Access to HE Diploma
- Mature students who do not have prior academic qualifications in relevant subjects, but have work/ life experience may also be considered on an individual basis.
OUR PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information please contact D.finch@burnleyfc.com
For more information on our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures please contact Sharon Swindells, Safeguarding Manager at Burnley FC in the Community or view our safeguarding pageย here.