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.
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 course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.
There are practical sessions in which you will be expected to take part and others that you are expected to lead.
We encourage learners to bring their own laptop to aid their studies.
Academy training sessions may take place in the mornings, with fixtures on a Wednesday afternoon.
You will be expected to maintain an attendance of over 95% throughout the year or your place in the Academy will be in jeopardy.
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 the sports department 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.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
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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
If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us
Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*
If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.
Haven’t applied yet?
Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026
Course Information Last Updated On: October 17, 2025 10:50 am
