Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation)
Attendance: Full Time
Location: Wellington Road Campus
Course code: X0042
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
Is this course right for me?
If you are passionate about football and want to combine competitive training with a recognised sports qualification, our Football Academy, delivered in partnership with Wolves Foundation, could be the perfect next step.
As a member of the Academy, you will combine academic study with regular training and competitive fixtures while representing City of Wolverhampton College and Wolverhampton Wanderers in academy leagues and national competitions.
Working alongside UEFA-licensed coaches from Wolves Foundation, you will develop your technical ability, tactical understanding, fitness, leadership and employability skills while studying a nationally recognised sports qualification. You will also gain coaching qualifications, benefit from excellent training facilities and have opportunities to showcase your talents to scouts within the academy league network.
Academy players are expected to follow the WOLVES Way values:
- Work Hard
- Organised
- Leadership
- Values
- Education
- Success
Qualifications available
- Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) – Pearson BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport
- Football Academy (in partnership with Wolves Foundation) – Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sport
- The level you study will depend on your GCSE results, previous qualifications and performance at interview.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
Entry requirements
Level 2: Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English and maths, or a relevant Level 1 Sport qualification
Level 3: Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or a relevant Level 2 Sport qualification achieved at Merit level or above
For all levels, you will also be required to:
Attend an interview with a member of the Sport team
Demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
Attend Football Academy trials
Show commitment to both football performance and academic study
Additional course information
Wolves Foundation partnership
As a Football Academy student, you will:
- Train with UEFA-licensed coaches from Wolves Foundation
- Represent City of Wolverhampton College and Wolverhampton Wanderers in academy competitions
- Compete in regional and national tournaments
- Have opportunities to be observed by scouts within academy leagues
- Develop industry knowledge alongside your football training
Training facilities
Students have access to:
- Professional coaching delivered by Wolves Foundation staff
- College sports facilities
- On-site gym facilities
- Sport science resources
- Competitive fixtures and tournament opportunities
Additional qualifications
Depending on your level of study, you may also gain:
- FA Playmaker
- Introduction to Football Coaching
- Industry-related coaching and leadership experience
Work experience
All Academy learners complete a minimum of 30 hours of work experience and work-related learning opportunities.
Academy kit
Students will be required to purchase a Wolverhampton Wanderers-approved Academy training kit. Details will be provided upon acceptance to the programme.
What will I learn?
Alongside your football development, you will study sport-related units including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing
- Professional development within the sports industry
- Sports leadership
- Application of fitness testing
- Sports psychology
- Practical sports performance
You will also develop your understanding of football coaching, player development, match preparation and performance analysis.
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Develop your understanding on key anatomical structure & function
- Learn how to develop training programmes for specific groups
- Develop your confidence in dealing with work related issues
- Understand how to apply your skills to areas of the industry
- Improve your knowledge and understanding within key training principles
- Gain valuable team working and communication skills by taking part in events such as the college Olympics
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods may include:
- Practical assessments
- Individual and group presentations
- Case studies
- Role-play activities
- Question and answer sessions
- Work-based assignments
- Portfolio evidence
- Projects and coursework
- Performance observations
- Time-constrained assessments
- Assessment is ongoing throughout the programme and combines both practical and academic elements.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the Football Academy can lead to:
- Higher-level Sport qualifications
- University or Higher Education study
- Sports-related apprenticeships
- Coaching qualifications
- Employment within the sport and leisure industry
Potential career areas include:
- Football Coach
- Professional Footballer
- Sports Development Officer
- PE Teacher (with further study)
- Sports Scientist
- Performance Analyst
- Physiotherapist (with further study)
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Leisure Manager
- Sports Psychologist (with further study)
- Talent Development Coach
- Community Sports Coach
- Football Development Officer
- Referee
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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