Football Academy Programme

This programme is designed for students who are passionate about football and want to develop their performance, fitness and understanding of the game, while continuing their studies.

In Partnership with Banbury United Football Club

Train like a player. Study like a professional. Perform at your best.

The Football Academy Programme at Banbury and Bicester College, delivered in collaboration with Banbury United Football Club (BUFC), offers students the opportunity to combine their education with a high-quality football development environment.

This programme is designed for students who are passionate about football and want to develop their performance, fitness and understanding of the game, while continuing their studies.

Why Choose the Football Academy?

This programme provides a unique opportunity to balance academic study with structured football development.

You will:

  • Train regularly in a professional, structured environment
  • Develop your technical, tactical and physical performance
  • Represent the college in competitive fixtures
  • Build discipline, resilience and professionalism
  • Be part of a team-focused environment that reflects real football pathways

The Academy supports students studying Level 2 or Level 3 sport courses, helping you apply your learning in a practical setting.

Education and Football Combined

The Football Academy is fully integrated with your college course, ensuring you can succeed both academically and in sport.

You will:

  • Study a Level 2 or Level 3 Sport qualification alongside training
  • Apply coaching and performance knowledge directly to football
  • Develop time management and personal responsibility
  • Receive support from both lecturers and coaching staff

This approach helps you become a well-rounded student-athlete.

Football Development

The programme focuses on improving all aspects of your game through structured training and competition.

You will develop:

  • Technical ability and game understanding
  • Tactical awareness and decision-making
  • Physical fitness, strength and conditioning
  • Position-specific skills and match performance
  • Communication and teamwork on and off the pitch

Training sessions are designed to support players at all levels and help you progress throughout the season.

 

  • Compete in regular college and academy fixtures
  • Represent BUFC in organised leagues
  • Experience competitive match environments
  • Develop confidence performing under pressure

Fixtures allow you to transfer your training into real match performance.

Player Expectations

To be part of the Football Academy, students are expected to:

  • Show commitment to both training and academic study
  • Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality
  • Demonstrate professionalism, respect and teamwork
  • Always represent the college positively

Kit and Programme Costs

Students enrolled on the Football Academy are required to purchase official kit, which is compulsory for participation in training and fixtures.

This includes:

  • Training kit
  • Match kit
  • Match day travel kit

These items ensure all players present themselves professionally and consistently as part of the Academy.

Further details on costs and ordering will be provided during enrolment.

Your Future Pathway

The Football Academy programme supports progression into:

  • Higher-level sport courses (Level 3 and beyond)
  • University study in sport or coaching
  • Semi-professional or grassroots football pathways
  • Careers in coaching, fitness or sport-related industries

Be Part of the Academy

If you are passionate about football and want to combine your education with regular training and competitive opportunities, the Football Academy Programme is the perfect choice.

 

Train. Compete. Develop. Progress.

Take your football and your future to the next level with Banbury and Bicester College.