A new football and education partnership offers aspiring young players professional-level coaching alongside academic qualifications, with a Girls’ Academy set to launch in 2027.
Farnham College has joined forces with Aldershot Town Football Club to launch an exciting new football and education partnership, giving aspiring young players the opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions while gaining valuable qualifications and preparing for their future careers.
The partnership combines Farnham College’s expertise in education with Aldershot Town FC’s established football academy and player development experience, creating a pathway for young people to develop their potential both on and off the pitch.
The Boys’ Football Academy officially launched in September 2026. Building on this initial success, plans are already underway to launch a Girls’ Football Academy in September 2027, opening up further opportunities for aspiring female footballers across Surrey and Hampshire.
The full-time programme offers students a combination of specialist football coaching, structured training and competitive matches alongside a choice of academic and vocational qualifications at Farnham College.
Delivered by Aldershot Town FC, football training focuses on technical development, tactical awareness, physical conditioning and individual performance, providing students with an experience that mirrors the demands of a professional football environment.
Importantly, education remains at the heart of the programme. Students can pursue A Levels or vocational sport qualifications, including the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and NCFE Sport Coaching Level 2 Diploma.
These courses provide opportunities to explore areas such as sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, coaching, nutrition and performance analysis, supporting progression into higher education and careers in coaching, sports science, performance analysis and the wider sports industry.
Alongside their studies and football training, students benefit from Farnham College’s experienced teaching staff, dedicated pastoral support and careers guidance. Academy players also have access to their own dedicated hub, providing space for team meetings, performance analysis and activities between lessons and training.
The partnership is already creating valuable opportunities for students to learn from experienced professionals at the highest level of football.
Recently, former Premier League goalkeeper and Bosnia and Herzegovina international Asmir Begović visited Farnham College through the Aldershot Town FC academy, delivering a coaching session for first-year Level 3 Sport students.
As part of his preparations for his UEFA A Licence coaching qualification, Asmir put students through their paces and worked with them on sports analysis, giving them a valuable insight into professional football and the opportunity to learn directly from someone with extensive experience at the top of the game.
Scott Reilly, Group Director at Farnham College, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Aldershot Town Football Club and to welcome our first cohort of academy learners to Farnham College.
“Partnerships like this are incredibly important because they allow us to offer something beyond traditional classroom learning, connecting education with young people’s interests, talents and ambitions and forging strong working relationships within the community.
“Football is a fantastic way to develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and a whole range of transferable skills that will benefit young people throughout their lives and careers.
“With the Boys’ Academy now underway and plans to launch the Girls’ Academy next September, we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create and look forward to seeing our students develop both academically and on the pitch.”
Richard Anderson, Academy Manager at Aldershot Town Football Club, said:
“We’re really excited about this new partnership with Farnham College and the opportunities it will create for young people who are passionate about football.
“At Aldershot Town, we recognise that developing young players is about much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about building confidence, discipline, resilience and the skills that will help them succeed in whatever path they choose.
“Working with Farnham College means we can combine our footballing experience with high-quality education, giving students the chance to develop as players while working towards qualifications that will open doors for their future.
“We’re looking forward to building a successful partnership that supports young footballers in reaching their potential, both on and off the pitch.”
The launch of the Girls’ Football Academy in September 2027 will mark an important next step in the partnership, providing aspiring female players with access to high-level coaching alongside their education.
The new academy will offer weekday training delivered by Aldershot Town FC, with opportunities for players to progress towards the club’s women’s development and senior teams.
Emma Gregory-Barns, Girls’ Academy Lead at Aldershot Town Football Club, said:
“We’re really excited to be launching the Girls’ Football Academy at Farnham College in September 2027.
“With women’s football continuing to grow, it’s a fantastic opportunity to give aspiring young female players access to high-quality coaching while continuing their education.
“Our aim is to create a supportive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence and work towards their ambitions, whether that’s progressing into senior football or pursuing opportunities beyond the game.”
Both academies place a strong emphasis on personal development, helping students build communication, leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience, while ensuring they have the qualifications and support to pursue opportunities beyond football.
The collaboration also reflects Farnham College’s wider commitment to working with employers, professional organisations and community partners to provide meaningful, career-focused learning experiences that equip young people with the skills, confidence and connections they need for their futures.
Find out more about the Aldershot Town FC football academies at Farnham College:
Boys’ Football Academy:
Girls’ Football Academy: