NPLFA making dreams come true

With thousands of students up and down the country still going through "clearing" to secure places on degree courses starting this September, the NPLFA is now looking to offer talented, hard-working and ambitious candidates the opportunity to train and play full-time for a semi-professional academy at one of the 12 participating EVO-STIK League clubs in the Midlands and North.

Thanks to a new partnership getting underway this September with Loughborough College, the NPLFA's tutors are offering two types of blended learning courses - a BSc in Sports Coaching to gain valuable work experience at a semi-professonal club while obtaining coaching qualifications and a three year BSc in Sports Management covering the football industry and a host of cross-transferable skills.

NPLFA vice chairman Darren Royle said on Friday: “This is a major development around the creation of our U17, U19 and U23 league program that is facilitated through our first class education partners and we are excited and looking forward to developing the football pathway and degree programme with Loughborough College."

He added: "Players can now join their NPL Football Academy at participating clubs at 16 and have a realistic prospect of both studying and playing full time up to the age of 21."

Chris Cockerton, head of higher education at Loughborough College, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with NPLFA. Loughborough College’s full or part-time Blended Learning Degree programmes are the perfect fit for the academy players wanting to continue their education whilst remaining committed to their sport and their clubs.

"This five year pathway allows players to complete a BTEC and a full BSc or BA Honours degree without having to leave their club or the intensity of training to be the best they can be in their sport. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with NPLFA and to creating fantastic opportunities for their players.”

Founded with the backing of the Football Association at five pilot clubs in September 2014 to provide career pathways into the football industry and still the only league-wide academy in English football combining sport with education, the NPLFA continues to expand and is expected to cater to more than 400 students in its fourth intake for the new academic year.

Mickleover Sports won the NPLFA Youth League for the third season running in May while Warrington Town's stars of the future lifted the inaugural NPLFA Cup at Stole City's Bet365 Stadium later that month. For more information and to see the NPLFA's latest promotional videos, follow the NPLFA on Twitter at @NPLFA or visit: www.nplfa.co.uk.

For more information on the NPLFA's two degree courses and to register for the 2017 intake and request a call back from tutors, students should email info@nplfa.co.uk.

Images courtesy of nplfa.co.uk

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