JOINING THE Academy If you are interested in joining the academy, you must firstly ensure you are eligible. Once you have done so, you can start the application process which is detailed below. Eligibility, Fees & Suitability Student athletes must be aged 16-18 as of 1st September on the year of their entry. Unlike other football academies in the UK, our academy is free to join. The only purchase a student athlete is required to make is for the official academy training kit bundles, students can keep this throughout their time at the academy and beyond. Suitable student athletes will have a dedicated and determined attitude to improve as a footballer and as a person, putting their academic committments first. Learning to balance both aspects is key to succeeding and enjoying their time on the programme.
Alfred Lucca Toms Isle of Wight to Oaklands College residential student Lucca is from the Isle of Wight and joined the academy in Sepember 2020. He is currently in his second year as a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business. His decision to join the academy was not only fuelled by the residential facilities and academy reputation, Lucca joined seeking an alternative qualification to the BTEC in Sport which he was restricted to closer to home. As a result, Lucca lives on site in our Residential Homestead and says: “Living on site has given me the independance and confidence needed to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional footballer, whilst also achieving my qualifications.”
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