The West Bromwich Albion Foundation Female Football Education Elite Programme

This two-year course is aimed at 16-18 year-old talented female players who have a passion for football and an ambition to work in the industry. It’s vital that you are prepared to work towards an academic qualification in Sport as well as developing your football playing ability. The football programme will be similar to WBA Academy multidisciplinary training structure, to support its player development and recruitment. The course combines an academic qualification with football development, involving study for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport as well as weekly football training and representing West Bromwich Albion in the National Football Youth League (U19) against other professional clubs. Education takes place in The Hawthorns media suite, overlooking the pitch, with fitness training sessions at Xercise4Less and Central Campus. The football element is run by The Albion Foundation, and is delivered by UEFA B Licence Coaches who have direct links to WBA Academy and Scouts. You will participate in an average of 13 hours of teaching, 10 hours of coaching, 1 fixture per week and 2 hours of volunteering at The Albion Foundation. WBA training kit will need to be purchased through The Albion Foundation, to be worn during all college activities. WBA match kit will be provided for fixtures in the National Football Youth League. You will have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of work experience at the Albion Foundation as part of your study programme. There are also potential opportunities to train and play alongside the Women’s First Team squad.

Ongoing assessment is carried out through written assignment work, practical observations and presentations. Each learner will receive an individual player development plan at the end of each academic term. The aim is to create players who are multi-functional, handle high intensity football and who are low maintenance. The football academy will visit one Premier League game during the season, visit the WBA Academy and tour the stadium, as well as playing one match on The Hawthorns main pitch during the close season. You will also have chance to visit and be coached at the National Football Centre, St George’s Park; tour Wembley Stadium; and play in Europe as part of an end-of-season football tour. Successful completion of this course gives you the opportunity to progress into Higher Education at Sandwell College or university, and into employment in Sports Coaching and Development. Exceptional players may earn the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional or semi-professional player.