The programme combines theoretical and practical learning. This means your time will be split between:

• Learning in the classroom from the outstanding SCL Education team
• Playing football and training on our state-of-the-art pitches at Stoneham Lane Football Complex (subject to COVID-19 restrictions)
• Taking part in real life work experience that will give you the skills and experience to build a future career in the industry
• Optional free of charge extracurricular coaching qualifications (L1 and L2) and referee training with associated mentoring

The aim of the programme isn't simply to make you the best footballer possible (although that is a key part of it). It's to make you as employable as possible by giving you a well-rounded introduction to the football industry and all of the possible roles that you could consider as a future career.

Like everyone, we are hoping that COVID-19 will soon be a thing of the past so that we can return to normality. However, in the event that there are still restrictions in place when the course commences in September, SCL have provisions in place to deal with this (find out more). Hampshire FA will also make provisions to offer as much industry guidance and experience as possible, subject to what the restrictions are at the time. The opportunity to play football and train will be completely dependent on what is permitted by restrictions, as will the opportunity to complete some specific courses attached to the programme. We are confident that when permitted by the government, our Stoneham Lane facility is as COVID secure as possible to keep students and staff safe and conduct all planned aspects of the programme.

Stoneham Lane Football Complex is Hampshire FA's newest and most advanced facility. Located on the outskirts of Eastleigh, close to Southampton Airport, the site has a number of great travel links.

DRIVING
The site is located just a few minutes (driving) from Junction 5 (Eastleigh) of the M27. There is free parking available for anyone wishing to visit the site by car or other motor vehicle.

BY TRAIN
The nearest train station, Southampton Airport Parkway, is a short 15-minute walk away.

BY BUS
The nearest bus stop is just a few minutes walk from the site. This is serviced by the Bluestar 2 bus route, which runs between Southampton City Centre and Bishopstoke. A large number of other bus routes cross with this.

The programme will operate a flexi-start policy, whereby we will adapt start times according to the travel arrangements that our students need to make.

EDUCATION
Successful completion of your study programme will provide you with the option to apply for university. As part of your weekly tutorials, you will receive support and guidance with your UCAS and student finance applications.

APPRENTICESHIPS
If you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the sport and leisure industry.

EMPLOYMENT
Upon successful completion of your study programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.

FOOTBALL
Studying with SCL provides you with an opportunity to play professional or non-professional football, as well as a pathway to progress to a USA Scholarship. An American Scholarship will allow you to continue your studies whilst training and competing at a high level.

The best thing to do is to submit an application and attend an open evening. See dates at the top of the page for the latest open evenings.

If you would prefer not to do this, please contact Chris.Smith@HampshireFA.com

This is the perfect programme for any student with a passion for football and aspirations of a future career in sport.

You will receive daily training sessions from a top-quality coach, with weekly matches in the SCL development league, allowing you to develop and progress as a player. Not to mention, this is all hosted at our £9 million, bespoke football facility, Stoneham Lane Football Complex.

On top of this, you will receive an outstanding education experience, matched with countless practical learning opportunities, which will allow you to get a much broader understanding of the football industry and get a taste for the different career opportunities that are available.

Whether you already know what you want to do in the future or not, you can leave this programme with a clear pathway to a career that you have experienced and enjoyed. All-the-while, you can continue to develop your playing ability as far as possible so that if you have aspirations of playing at a higher level (potentially professionally) this is also something you can pursue with our support.

There are two aspects to the Hampshire FA Football Academy Programme.

The educational side of the programme will be delivered by SCL.

SCL is one of the UK's leading independent providers of education through sport. They partner with over 70 of the most reputable sporting organisations in the country, delivering programmes just like this one with great success. In over 15 years of experience, SCL has educated, developed and graduated thousands of students.

The football side of the programme, including playing, training and industry experience, will be delivered by Hampshire FA.

Hampshire FA are the governing body for football in the county and have a proud legacy dating back over 130 years. Working closely with The FA on their National Game Strategy, we aim to use the power of football to open opportunities for all.

Using our extensive experience, resources and industry connections in football, we can deliver a world-class playing and coaching experience at our state-of-the-art Stoneham Lane facility, matched with a comprehensive and well-rounded experience of all other aspects of the industry to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue any career in sport.

Find out more about the partnership between Hampshire FA and SCL.

Discounts are available for students/residents on the IOW with Wightlink. Please contact Isabella Pearson to obtain. Please note that the discount is available for students on the Hampshire FA Academy programme and as such the student's details will be verified prior to obtaining. 

We are flexible to all students needs and able to deliver an NCFE Diploma that suits their individual academic ability and long-term educational aspirations.

The preference is for students to study the level 3 diploma, with the option to then revert to the level 2 if needed, however there is also the opportunity for those with higher educational goals to study the level 3 extended diploma.

NCFE Level Two Diploma in Sport

• Students will study 7 units over a 1-year period.
• Allows students to retake English and Maths GCSEs if necessary.
• Option to progress to a Level 3 diploma.

NCFE Level Three Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

• Students will study 12 different units over a 2-year period
• This qualification is equivalent to 2 A-levels or a BTEC National Diploma
• Option to progress to a higher education foundation degree

NCFE Level Three Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

• Students will study 18 different units over a 2-year period
• This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-levels or a BTEC National Extended Diploma
• Option to progress to higher education degree

Unlike other similar programmes, we believe we can deliver a more comprehensive and well-rounded introduction to the football industry (with skills transferable to the wider sports and leisure industry).

Other similar courses tend to focus on the footballing ability of the students. This means that when the students graduate the programme, if they're not talented enough to play football professionally, they're not necessarily in the best position to pursue other options.

The Hampshire FA Football Academy still aims to nurture playing ambitions and progress this as far as possible with the help of a top-quality training and playing regime. However, we also wish to provide opportunities for students to learn about other elements of the industry and use our experience and influence within the industry to help them create a pathway tailored to their individual needs and interests.