Merchants’ Academy offers a 2 year full time football course for students aged 16-19, that combines the practical elements of football training with the theoretical elements of sports studies. A large emphasis of this course is placed on their academic achievement and the future careers of the students.

Students will study the theory-based BTEC Sport, a professionally recognised qualification at both level 3 and level 2.  They will learn about the sports industry and develop their leadership and coaching skills.  Students also have the opportunity to study a variety of other courses that suit their individual preferences.

Students will have opportunities to obtain additional nationally recognised qualifications throughout the course, such as FA coaching qualifications, and develop their personal and social skills by interacting within the Academy and local community groups.

Future Careers

By following, and successfully completing the BTEC Sport Level 3, the pupils will have a number of options -

* 4 year Football Scholarship at a University in the USA (combined with a degree of their choice)

* Sports related degree at a UK University (future jobs – physiotherapy, sports coaching, PE teaching, fitness instructing, personal trainer, sport and leisure management etc)

* Full-time employment within the Sport and Leisure Industry