Leek Town are proud to announce the launch of a new Education Programme partnering with Buxton & Leek College and the University of Derby. The programme will offer an Elite football training programme alongside full-time education courses.

The programme is well established with a successful Academy already in place for several years at Buxton FC seeing numerous students represent in first team squads including during historic FA Cup runs. In addition a successful programme also exists at Derby County.

The Leek Town Football Academy will offer the following :

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity
• Up to 168 UCAS points and a direct pathway to almost all UK Universities
• Modules delivered by subject specialist teachers (NOT eLearning) and UEFA B Coaches
• Diverse degree route options including Sports Science and Business Studies
• Majority coursework with similar academic contact time to 3 A-levels
• Delivered at the F Ball Community Stadium, Leek (education, training and matches)
• Access to all Buxton and Leek College (University of Derby) student benefits, including college transport links, bursary scheme and much more
• A direct pathway opportunity to multiple university degree programmes
• A direct pathway opportunity from academy to semi-pro football via our First Team & Development squads
• Opportunities to train with the First Team & Development Squad, shadowing professional coaches and players

The programme will start in September 2023 and recruitment has already started. We will be holding an open day and taster events on the following days at the F Ball Community Stadium, Leek, ST13 8LD and would welcome interested students and parents to attend. You can register your interest by emailing academy@leektown.co.uk

Our events will be held on the following dates:

• Friday 24th February 2023 9am till 2pm
• Thursday 2nd March 2023 5pm till 7pm

Jon Eeles, Leek Town Chairman commented “We are delighted to partner with Buxton & Leek College and offer a full time Education Programme here at Leek Town. The programme is already established and well respected with two cohorts at Buxton FC, as well as Derby County and this gives us confidence to launch it in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We feel there is a significant opportunity and need in the local area for a programme of this nature, giving students an alternative to what is already on offer or indeed other similar programmes based in Stoke-on-Trent. We are very much looking forward to partnering with Buxton & Leek College and look forward to the start in September 2023”

Stuart Harrowing, Curriculum Leader for Sport at Buxton and Leek College said "The partnership with Leek Town Football Club will provide fantastic opportunities to young people in the community and surrounding area to continue focusing on both their footballing and sporting careers. We aim to deliver a high-quality education programme in line with the elite standards already being met at Buxton FC and Derby County. This will open up opportunities for students in the football industry, higher education, apprenticeships, and employment generally. It is truly and exciting time for young people to be joining the Leek Town Football Club Academy."

Claire Poole, Vice Principal Buxton & Leek College said "We are Excited and proud to be working with Leek Town to offer a football academy. We feel this will be an asset to the local community and will allow young people the chance of a career in professional football, to progress to employment or to study for a university degree."