AoC Sport Football Academy
This opportunity is available to all learners who are enrolled on a full-time course at DCG. The Academy gives aspiring young footballers the opportunity to develop their 11-a-side football skills while studying academic qualifications in Sport to enhance their career prospects.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course is available to all learners who are enrolled on a full-time DCG study programme.
The AoC Sport Football Academy programme gives aspiring young footballers the opportunity to develop their 11-a-side football skills while studying academic qualifications in Sport to enhance their career prospects.
The Academy structure enables students to benefit from the expertise of highly qualified coaches, which enhances the football-focussed curriculum.
Training sessions and competitive fixtures are carried out alongside your main programme of study.
The number of Male and Female teams are dependent on player recruitment.
Entry Requirements
Applications are welcomed from individuals who regularly participate in football and who show a desire and willingness to develop their sporting performance.
There are NO academic entry requirements to be part of the Football Academy. However, attendance and behaviour is directly linked to selection for the team and participation in training.
What will you learn?
The Academy includes:
· A dedicated training calendar
· Opportunities to progress to elite level pathways
· Access to AoC Sport regional and national trials
· A comprehensive competitions programme
· Technical and tactical coaching
· Psychological, physiological and lifestyle management
· Strength and conditioning support
How will you learn?
This academy will be based at Broomfield Hall.
There are practical training sessions in which you will be expected to take part in, otherwise you may not be selected for games.
We encourage learners to develop a strong team ethos regardless of ability.
Academy training sessions may take place in the mornings, with fixtures on a Wednesday afternoon. Some timetables may not be compatible with this schedule.
You will be expected to maintain an attendance of over 95% throughout the year or your place in the Academy will be in jeopardy..
Students must under 19 years of age and be studying on a full time course at DCG to take part in the academy fixtures.
What will you need to bring with you?
Students are expected to wear black tops (T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies etc) when in class and when representing DCG during fixtures. They are free to wear what they choose on their lower half, as long as it is suitable for the activity being undertaken. Shin pads must be worn by all players. Footwear needs to be appropriate to the surface being played on.
We recommend the purchase of a DCG-branded top to aid team identity. This can be purchased from our online shop.
How will you be assessed?
You will be expected to maintain over 95% attendance over the year, or your selection for fixtures will be in jeopardy.
There is no formal assessment but performance in training and matches can and will determine future selection for fixtures.
Where next?
You will be able to continue within the Football Academy set-up as you progress through the courses here at DCG. There are opportunities to engage with U.S football scholarship agents.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
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Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
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Course Information Last Updated On: October 5, 2026 2:47 pm