At Port Vale Football Club (PVFC) we recognise that the continual education development of the player is a crucial part of the Apprenticeship Programme.

We take our commitment to education very seriously and seek to create a solid working relationship with all of our educational providers. We view the educational element not only as a ‘safety net’ should the boys not fulfil their football ambitions, but also as an opportunity to teach and encourage life skills that will prove valuable throughout their lifetime. The education department will obtain funding for specific projects depending on need and is supported through the League Football Education.

Our involvement falls within two levels and offers support for a third:

1. Schoolboy registration (9-16 years)

All schools that have boys in the Academy are informed of their registration by receiving a copy of the contract from the parent and an offer is made. The Head of Education at the Academy provides support (educational or otherwise) which may be appropriate. The boy is spending 4-6 hours training and a match on Sunday and so the total time is considerable and it is only thought reasonable that the school might want to discuss the boy's progress and achievement. At this stage we seek to build a relationship with the player’s school that leads to an open channel of communication. From this any potential problems may be identified and resolved at the earliest opportunity. We continue this support throughout the player’s involvement with the Club to ensure minimum impact on academic performance. Therefore, our education workshops will be delivered outside of school hours and during school holidays.

Support process for Year 11 boys:

All boys complete an academic questionnaire at the end of Year 10 detailing school subjects and current targeted grades. They also are asked to include the skills/character required to become a professional footballer and details of other careers they might be interested in. At the academy assessments (twice yearly) all parents and boys have an opportunity to discuss educational progress and any concerns with the Head of Education. If any educational concerns are shared with the Head of Education then the school is contacted (with parents’ permission) to offer support. At this meeting all boys are reminded about the need to work hard in Year 11 and to obtain the best possible grades related to his ability.

In December of each year, those boys in Year 11 who are released accompanied by their parents have a personal multi-disciplinary interview and are offered any further support by the Head of Education will give them a revision support pack. For those boys who are offered an apprenticeship the Head of Education contacts their school and their parents offering any extra support which might be required before GCSE exams.

2. Apprenticeship at 16-18 years

An educational pathway will be agreed with parents/carers, school, football club and the League Football Education (LFE) before the player join’s the Apprenticeship. The course he follows will be appropriate to his academic ability and will take into account possible alternative career aspirations. We will fully support all educational needs for a period of two years.

Formal education is provided by a local college. The Academy staff attend meetings at the college to review the boys overall academic progress on a regular basis which can also be viewed and monitored online by players and parents.
Parents evenings are held and appropriate Academy/College staff will attend.

Informal education is provided at the football club and includes a range of topics delivered by qualified staff and partners/speakers. We consider the important issues to deliver include alcohol, sexual health, sporting chance, personal safety and bullying and safe driving.

We strive to ensure that players who are not fortunate enough to achieve a professional contract move onto a positive destination which will include one of the following areas:

Employment/education/training/sport (semi-professional sport/other elite sport) and receive advice and guidance from the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) if the player opts for further training/education funding support should be available.

Exit and progression arrangements are comprehensive and gather information about career aspirations providing appropriate and relevant career pathways and support.

We believe the additional life skills support, advice and guidance given by academy staff throughout the player’s time with us at various stages of his development will inspire our academy players to follow positive pathways and destinations in the future with the coping skills which have been delivered.

(Further information can be found in the exit policy which includes strategies to deliver the above.)

3. Young Professionals - 18 to 21.

All young men in this age group are made aware of guidance available from the Head of Education who is always prepared to meet with them to offer advice especially if the player is to leave the club.