THE NPLFA TO OFFER DEGREE COURSE

Full time degree courses are to be available to its students through a new higher education partnership with Loughborough College.

This will mean that students on the NPLFA’s BTEC course can now remain in education whilst developing their football careers with Northern Premier League (NPL) member clubs.

Darren Royle – NPLFA Vice Chairman noted “This is a major development around the creation of our U17, U19 and U23 league program that is facilitated through our first class education partners. Players can now join their NPL Football Academy at participating clubs at 16 and have a realistic prospect of both studying and playing full time up to the age of 21. We are excited and look forward to developing the football pathway and degree programme with Loughborough College”.

Chris Cockerton, Head of Higher Education at Loughborough College, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with NPLFA. Loughborough College’s full or part time Blended Learning Degree programmes are the perfect fit for the academy players wanting to continue their education whilst remaining committed to their sport and their clubs. This five year pathway allows players to complete a BTEC and a full BSc or BA Honours degree without having to leave their club or the intensity of training to be the best they can be in their sport. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with NPLFA and to creating fantastic opportunities for their players.”