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Football Education
Your time to shine on our Scholarship.
The Leon Barnett Academy provides a 2 or 3 year, full-time football education course for players between 16-19 years of age with significant football talent. The course is open to boys too late to have been picked up by academies from professional clubs and for players who have been released by professional academies at 15 or 16.
The scholarship is for Year 11 school leavers will enjoy pro level fitness and recovery programmes and structured timetables. LBFA provides the right environment, coaching, education and life skills to give the Scholars the best opportunity to forge a career in sport and succeed once they leave us.
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The Football
The course is structured in 6-8 practical football sessions per week, with the emphasis of these sessions on technical, tactical, physical ability and conditioning, as well as educating the scholars in psychological elements of the game.
Strength & Conditioning
Our coaches ensure that players enjoy Strength & Conditioning programmes based on Leon's personal experience at clubs in the Premier League and Football league. Recovery and injury rehab are included in our care of LBFA players.
Match Days
The LBFA squad will play in the AOC College League . Enjoy Nike kit, regular fixtures against teams from Academies & Trials with the very latest football products for example Playerdata tech vest performance analysis.
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The Education
This element of our scholarship program ensures that the players do not miss out on their further education studies. The students spend a minimum of four days per week in the classroom in order to fulfill their educational requirements. Our educational providers are VLUK.
The 1 or 2 year full-time Football Education Programmes deliver a sports coaching pathway in:
BTEC Extended Level 3 in Sport
(2 year course), entry Requirements 4 GCSE A - C’s
NCFE Level 2 in Sport
(1 year course with a view to progress to level 3), entry Requirements 1-2 GCSE A-C’s
Fitness Instructor Level 2 & 3
(1 year course), entry Requirements completion of level 2 or 3
Sport Management or Sports Coaching Degree
(3 year course), entry Requirements – Level 3 Completion
Coach Education
During the 3 year course the players will develop their core knowledge and understanding of the game whilst also improving their tactical awareness. All scholars participate in the FA Level 1 and then are selected to participate in their FA Level 2 coaching awards based feedback from the FA Coach tutor and LBFA Staff from their performance on the Level 1 course. These awards are recognised internationally by UEFA & FIFA. The qualifications will improve the individual’s game knowledge and coaching experience, and add significant weight to their CV. In year 3, the Scholars also take courses in strength and conditional and multi sports courses. Our goal is to ensure that when they graduate, each of our scholars will be able to immediately enter the workplace as a coach, should they choose to pursue this career option.
Exit Routes (UK)
- University of Bedfordshire or elsewhere
- Professional or semi-professional football clubs
- LBFA has a partnership with Cranfield Untied
-Selected LBFA players are invited to train with the club.
- Apprenticeships or higher level courses
-Opportunities to work with LBFA in various coaching roles.
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Raise Your Game. Raise Your Prospects.
The Leon Barnett Academy Football Education Programme gives players
an insight in to how a professional footballer focuses on development on and off the pitch. High standards are asked of LBFA players while they enjoy a friendly, positive, supportive atmosphere - making new friends along the way.
