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Loughborough College and Northern Premier League Football announce new partnership

Posted: 20th April 2017 - 12:00pm

A new Higher Education partnership has been announced between Loughborough College and The Northern Premier League Football Academy.

From September 2017 full time degree courses will be available through the College to students on the NPLFA’s BTEC course, enabling them to remain in education whilst developing their football careers with Northern Premier League (NPL) member clubs.

The NPL comprised 68 semi-professional clubs and operates at Steps three and four of the non-league pyramid.

Chris Cockerton, Head of Higher Education at Loughborough College, said: “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.”

Darren Royle - NPLFA Vice Chairman added: "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 Academies 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".