Durham Women FC work closely with Educational Partners in the local area to ensure players on our talent pathway can combine their studies with playing football.
This ensures our players become well-rounded people, and allows their studies and sporting ambitions to work together in tandem.
You don’t have to be a Durham Women FC player to access this great opportunity – any player, regardless of the club you play for or your footballing experience – is more than welcome to apply to join one of our educational partners.
Your fixtures will take place on a Wednesday – meaning you’re free to represent another club on weekends.
Scroll down to find out out more about our Education Partners…
DURHAM SIXTH FORM CENTRE
Combine your studies with a ‘football-rich’ programme of activities – through Durham Sixth Form’s partnership with Durham Women FC.
Players undertaking a Football Academy programme of study are talented individuals who want to combine either a BTEC sports course or an A-level programme of study whilst receiving specialist coaching from fully qualified UEFA-licenced coaches.
In addition to undertaking a programme of study, students will:
– Receive four hours of coaching per week at our state-of-the-art facilities at Maiden Castle, plus have the opportunity to attend additional strength and conditioning sessions
– Represent Duram Sixth Form Centre and Durham Women FC on a Wednesday afternoon in the National Football Youth League and A.O.C. National League and cup competitions
– The opportunity to take their Higher Sports Leader Award, which is equivalent to an additional A-Level
The most able footballers will have the chance to progress into the Durham Womens football squad. Places are strictly limited due to the practical nature of the programme (30 players per year).
Trials are held between February and April. Pre-season training begins end of July/beginning of August.
On completion of the programme of study, students can progress into sport-related careers or higher education.
BEDE SIXTH FORM
Bede Sixth Form have formed an exciting partnership with Durham Women FC to bring a Womens’ Football Academy to the area, and enable up and coming players the chance to shine both in their education and on the pitch.
Started in September 2019, this exciting initiative gives aspiring footballers aged 16 to 19 the chance to combine football with studying any of our A level or vocational qualifications.
Players in the Academy will get the chance to compete against some of the best young players in the country as they represent Durham Women FC in both the National Football Youth League and North East Colleges’ League.
Academy players may even get to represent Durham Women FC as part of one of their squads which will compete in the FA Women’s National League or Barclays Women’s Championship.
Academy players will receive three hours technical coaching per week from a UEFA B qualified coach.
Sound interesting? Come along to one of our sports taster sessions to try out what being part of the Academy will be like and find out more about this exciting opportunity.
NEWCASTLE COLLEGE
This year, we have confirmed a new educational partnership with Newcastle College – which will allow young females on Tyneside and beyond to combine their studies with an exciting football programme.
This partnership will allow those keen on pursuing a career in the sport to do so without having to leave their studies behind.
And the new partnership with Newcastle College will allow even more learners to benefit from the exciting opportunities this programme can bring.
Students who join the Women’s Football Academy at Newcastle College will be able to study for one of the many vocational qualifications on offer at the centre – which include sport coaching, personal training, law, policing and protective services, and a host of other options.
And alongside their studies, they will train at least twice a week while also taking part in a competitive fixture programme – with some sessions to be led by Durham Women first-team player, Sarah Robson.
Newcastle College also offers a strong enrichment programme, which has previously included overseas football tours to the likes of Italy and Malta.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
We’re holding an Open Evening on November 3, 2021!
Complete our Expression of Interest form below to sign-up to attend the Open Evening…
The data submitted in this form will be held by Durham Women FC and shared with the education provider you select. By sending the form, you consent to us sharing your data with the education partner. This data will only be used in regards to our Football Academies.