Academic Studies With Football Training

Students will be able to choose from the following educational pathways depending on prior attainment and level of English if not from the UK.  Also the courses are more limited if taking the Elite Football Stream.  We will discuss course options with you at interview.

A-Levels (2 or 2.5 Years)

• Biology, Chemistry Mathematics and Physics (three can be chosen from these four)
• Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics

Dependent on subjects we may accept students onto the second year of A Level if they have already completed their first year elsewhere.

International Foundation Programme (1 or 2 Years or 18 Months)

• Business Pathway
• Science Pathway
• Engineering Pathway
• Sport Pathway

Students wishing to access the One Year International Foundation Programme must already have the equivalent of the first year of Level 3 study in their home country and an overall IELTS for UKVI score of at least 6.0.

GCSEs (1 or 2 Years or 18 Months)

Most subjects can be taken with this option.

These pathways will equip students to apply to a wide range of universities to pursue Science or Business related courses which could link to their sporting aspirations or they could apply for courses unrelated to sport. The subject combinations and qualifications offered allow students great flexibility as they move forward. Students will be taught in small classes (a maximum of 12 in each) and follow the routine and rigour of all Abbey College Manchester programmes.

One or Two term Programmes

Students who wish to only access a course for a shorter period of time should contact the college to find out the subjects that are available.

• Students will have academic classes each weekday from 9.00am until 13.05pm at the Abbey College Manchester campus on their chosen academic programme.
• Two hour football training sessions will be delivered each afternoon by professional and experienced coaches.
• Students will have the option to undertake fitness programmes during the late afternoon or alternatively will be able to attend study/booster classes in the college.

A standard day for an Elite footballer would be:

7.30 – 8.00    Breakfast
9.00 – 13.05    Lessons
13.05 – 13.30  Lunch and Depart for training
14.00 – 16.00 Football Training session
16.30               Back to Boarding House / Host Family
18.00               Evening Meal

Training Topics

The following topics will be covered in team training sessions:

• Basic techniques – dribbling, running with the ball, passing and receiving, decision making, finding space, developing possession, individual work and combination play, support play and turning
• Defending – with appropriate numbers and recovery
• Attacking – transition counter attack and attacking when outnumbered
• Finishing – shooting repetition, crossing & finishing, individual and combined finishing, 1v1 finishing
• Team Shape & formation

The following topics will be covered in personal training sessions:

• Strength, Speed and flexibility
• Aerobic endurance – Continuous & Interval
• Muscular endurance

Video Analysis
We record each competitive match via remote controlled multi-view video. This enables the Head Coach to conduct post-match video analysis with the squad. Also, online links to all match footage / highlights and individual player edits are available for each player.

Diet & Nutrition
Diet & nutrition advice is woven into daily life. The importance of a good diet and how to manage nutrition is stressed at all times and integrated into general routine.

David Raven – Football Academy Head Coach
David Raven has enjoyed a 14-year career as a professional footballer representing clubs in England and Scotland. As well as playing in the English Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, League 1 and League 2, David has competed in Europe and in cup finals, winning the Scottish Cup final in 2015 with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He started out as a centre back playing youth football for Tranmere Rovers, before moving to Liverpool in 2004, where on the advice of first team coaches, he first started playing full-back, a position he made his own when he moved to Carlisle in League One in 2006. Following stints at Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere he was signed by Terry Butcher at Inverness. At “Caley” David finished runner up in the Scottish League Cup in 2014 before winning silverware 2015, a year in which they also came 3rd in the Scottish Premiership. In his time with the club he also started his coaching journey, gaining his UEFA B in 2015 and his A licence in 2017 and training the clubs under-age teams. Moving south in 2017, David played at Wrexham, Warrington Town and Marine. David has now returned to Warrington Town as assistant manage as well as coaching with IHM. He has coached at Wrexham and Everton. As a coach, David works to ensure players have the belief, desire to win and self-discipline needed to represent themselves and their team with distinction on the pitch.

Sam Launey – Lead Coach and IFP Tutor

Sam started his football journey in Portugal, learning his trade as a goalkeeper which resulted in being scouted for Brentford FC on his arrival to the UK. Sam played at the academy for 5 years. He then went onto play for Aldershot Town before going to University to study Sports Coaching. Sam then started playing semi-professional football having multiple stints at clubs around the Midlands and London such as Camberley Town, Littleton, Cheshunt and most recently London Colney.

In addition to his playing career, Sam started coaching football at the young age of 14 at a company called Little Kickers, teaching kids aged 2-5, which kick-started his love of coaching. Sam then went onto get his Level 2 FA badges in Goalkeeping and Outfield. While studying at University, he started working at West Bromwich Albion where he coached for a further 3 years.

Sam has a strong passion for development, aiding players/students to not just become better players, but better people off the pitch. He enjoys coaching the technical and tactical elements of football and teaching players how to better understand the game and get the upper hand in their team and individual performances. Sam is also avid about having fun and making sure players enjoy their football and have the freedom to express their creativity and abilities.

Football training takes place at our modern, state of the art training facilities located a short drive from the college.

Transport to and from the venue is provided at no extra cost. Facilities include:

Modern 3G football pitch accommodating 5, 7, 9 and 11-a-side games
Multi sports hall
Changing rooms
Strength and Conditioning Gym

VEO
Video analysis Remote controlled multi-view video recording of each competitive match. This enables the Head Coach to conduct post-match video analysis with the squad. Also, online links to all match footage / highlights and individual player edits are available for each player.

Gym facilities:
Elite programme footballers receive membership to The Gym in Manchester City Centre, a short walk from the Boarding House.
Facilities include: Large Free Weights Area, Cardio & Resistance Equipment, Functional Training, Group Exercise Studio & Spin Studio.

Elite Package students use The Gym as part of their sports programme, but can also use it in their free time.

The Development Programme does not include Gym Membership, however it would be recommended the students on the Development Programme join The Gym to work on their strength and fitness outside of training. We have discounted rates for all Abbey College Students to join this gym.

Gold Football Programme

To be considered for the Gold Football programme we need to see evidence that you have been playing football and have a commitment to the sport.

With your application can you please submit:

• A reference from your current coach – from your club or school
• Any other evidence you have to show your football experience

Your suitability for the course will be discussed at interview.

A-Levels

This is traditionally a Two Year Programme although in certain circumstances it might be possible for a Three Year option to be undertaken.

To be considered for A-Levels students must:

• Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country if not from the UK, and have gained good pass grades in at least five subjects, including those to be studied at A-Level
• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
• Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 5.5 if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
• Successfully pass the college interview process

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

This is only available to students who do not have a British passport. The Programme can be undertaken over One or Two Years:

One Year IFP students must:

• Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country, and have gained good pass grades in at least five subjects
• Have also completed one year of A-Level study or equivalent from their home country
• Be at least 17 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
• Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 6.0 for the Business or Science Pathways if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
• Successfully pass the college interview process

Two Year IFP students must:

• Have successfully completed GCSEs or IGCSEs, or the equivalent qualification in their home country, and have gained good pass grades
• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
• Have achieved an IELTS for UKVI band score of at least 4.5 for the Business or Science Pathways if a GCSE or IGCSE in English Language has not been gained
• Successfully pass the college interview process

GCSEs

These can be taken over 1 or 2 years depending on a student’s age and level of English.

To be considered students must:

• Be at least 14 years of age by the start of the academic year, i.e. 1st September
• Have a level of English that is above beginners, which will be assessed through an online test
• Successfully pass the college interview process

One or Two Term Programmes

Students who wish to only access a course for a shorter period of time should contact the college to find out what the entry requirements are.

Please contact Admissions at Abbey College Manchester with the completed application form together with a copy of your passport and school reports. They will arrange an interview and all the necessary support with the application onto the programme and with the subsequent visa application if applicable.

Please click here to apply online for the programme.

Notes:

* The cost for EU students who require accommodation is available from the college on request

** Accommodation for students aged 16 years and over is at Clydesdale House.  Students under the age of 16 years will live with a host family.

Summer 2020 was the first year that we had graduating students from the Academic Studies with Football.  Over the last three years our footballers have progressed to:

University of Manchester – Chemical Engineering

University of Nottingham – Civil Engineering

University of Nottingham – Politics and International Relations

Sheffield Hallam University – Accounting and Finance

Loughborough University – Economics

Manchester Metropolitan University – International Business Management

UCLan – Sports Business Management

Manchester Metropolitan University – Applied Computing

University of Sheffield – Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Queen Mary University of London – Business Management

University of Essex – Sports Therapy

University of Leeds – International Business

Manchester Metropolitan University – Law

Leeds Beckett University – Sports Journalism

Hartpury University – Sports and Exercise Science

In addition the academy has had student success with professional football clubs:

Andrew Kenya Training with Marine FC
Aykhan Azerbaijan Trials with Blackburn Rovers FC
Kieran UK Trials with St Helens
Julian Netherlands Signed for Italian Serie D club Sancataldese Calcio
Said Uzbekistan Trials with Oldham Athletic FC
Saidkhon Uzbekistan Trials with Oldham Athletic FC