The Football & Education programme in Downham Market is an outstanding opportunity for young, talented male and female footballers in West Norfolk to continue their academic, footballing and career development through Downham Market Academy and the Foundation.
The programme, aimed at 16-19 year olds, provides the chance for players to combine an intensive 11-a-side football training and college fixture programme with studying for a Cambridge National Extended Diploma in Sport, the equivalent of three A-Levels.
Based at Athena Sixth Form College at Downham Market Academy, students will have access to some fantastic facilities, as well as a range of support both from school staff and the Foundation’s coaching team. A vibrant school setting, combined with an excellent football provision, ensures students have everything in place to be successful both on and off the pitch.
Click here to apply, download our brochure, or call us on 01603 761122.
Students on the course will study for a Cambridge National Extended Diploma in Sport over a two-year period and will follow a carefully planned pathway of modules to provide them with a broad range of knowledge and experience whilst remaining linked to potential career pathways.
Students will cover units such as Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Coaching and Sports Psychology.
All delivery is angled to include a football theme to increase engagement and success in learning.
The pathway ensures that students can achieve at their level whilst gaining the necessary qualifications for their chosen next steps, including employment and higher education.
A comprehensive football coaching programme allows for individual and team development through a series of technical and tactical sessions across the week, based around the 11-a-side game.
Players will also take part in a series of Futsal activities and fixtures to support their technical development, mobility and overall in-game decision making.
Players selected for squads will have the opportunity to represent Norwich City Football Club against other programmes, professional clubs and colleges.
Students are supported with their off-field development through our Life Skills Programme which focuses on topics that complement both the student and programme’s needs
The units delivered across the two years will encourage students to:
– Be safe & healthy
– Be independent
– Be ambitious
Units will be delivered in line with the Foundation’s values of growth, respect, commitment, integrity, belonging and resilience. Sample workshops to date include Fatal Four, drug and alcohol awareness, CV workshops and University preparation.
To date, numerous students from our Football & Education programmes have gone on to excel with further studies in a wide range of courses at universities throughout the UK. Many have also progressed into semi-professional football, had opportunities at professional clubs and gained overseas scholarships in the USA.
A number of students have chosen to continue their studies at CSF with our Foundation degree, or gain employment through our coach apprentice scheme.
"I really enjoyed the education. Linking everything to football made each lesson fun and enabled me to achieve well above my target grade."
Reece
Former student
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