Champions without kicking a ball!

One of two sides turning out for the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club in the NPLFA's two divisions, the youngsters took the title after their nearest rivals at Mickleover Sports lost 1-0 to Radcliffe in their final home game of the season.

Proud officials at The Winner Recruitment Stadium are now hoping their next generation of stars can beat Matlock Town Whites in the NPLFA Grand Final at Leek Town's Harrison Park next month after the young Gladiators booked their berth last week by winning the CHRYSO Division championship.

Taking place in Derbyshire on Friday 11 May to determine who becomes the 2018 NPLFA Champions, the winners will lift the Jordan Burndred Memorial Trophy, presented for the first time last season to honour the memory of Leek Town NPLFA student Jordan Burndred who died in tragic circumstances in 2016 while on holiday with his family in Turkey aged 17.

The NPLFA was founded with the backing of the Football Association at five pilot clubs in September 2014 to provide career pathways into the football industry with youngsters studying on two year BTEC courses.

Still the only league-wide academy in English football combining sport with education and now expanded to 12 members clubs, the NPLFA welcomed its fourth intake of students this season while launching a new higher education partnership with Loughborough University so students could continue their studies to degree level within the Northern Premier League.

For further details and information on the football education programme, visit www.nplfa.co.uk or contact them at info@nplfa.co.uk.

Images courtesy of @NPLFA/Twitter

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