Club and Northampton Academy announce exciting partnership
Northampton Town, in association with VLUK, are pleased to announce an exciting partnership between the club and Northampton Academy. The link up will allow the revamped Post-16 Football and Education Programme to use the excellent playing facilities at the Academy in Weston Favell for both training and matches for the U18 development squad as well as being registered as part of their outstanding Sixth Form.
Each year, the programme will accept up to 20 talented players providing they achieve 5 GCSE grades A*-C including Maths and English. The boys will study at Cobblers Study Centre for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (performance and excellence), which can allow students to move on to University once they complete the course. They will have the chance to earn other vocational qualifications, including the Level 1 and 2 Football Coaching badges which can lead into coaching employment either directly at the club in the successful schools programme or for other coaching companies. There will also be lots of opportunities for the players to train with the full Youth Team scholars and for any that do well, there may be chances for players to earn themselves a youth team scholarship and a crack at earning a first team contract.
On announcement of the partnership, Northampton Academy Principal, Anne Hill, said, “We are delighted to be part of this initiative, which means that the very best young sports people will be able to pursue their aspirations of a career in football whilst also keeping their feet firmly on the ground by continuing to learn transferable academic skills. Team sports can be an excellent way of motivating and inspiring young people and to have this partnership as part of our school will benefit students of all ages. What we are sure of is that everyone who takes part in this scheme will be successful both on the pitch and in the classroom."
Pete Stephenson, who is the Lead Football & Education Programme coach, added, “This programme is an excellent opportunity for students in and around Northampton to continue their education to a high level as well as giving them the best opportunity available to still make it in the professional game. As the only professional club in the county and one that is so dedicated to developing young talent, we hope that this programme will enable players to develop throughout their 2 years with us to maximise their potential both on the playing and academic fronts. We are delighted to be in partnership with the Northampton Academy, who share our philosophies and aims and will help us strive for excellence on all fronts."
There are currently 16 students who have accepted places to join the programme in September. If you would like the chance to discuss the opportunity of taking one of the remaining available places, please contact pete.stephenson@ntfc.tv as soon as possible.
Pictured are Pete Stephenson and Jean Limpitlaw (either end) who are the programme leaders along with Northampton Academy’s Richard Windsor, Neil Champilovier and Principal Anne Hill.