Kirklees College offers an elite performance Sports Academy that gives students the chance to study at college whilst training in a chosen sport.
The football team is in the top AoC college league in the region. The academy runs a programme at the 3G training centre that includes strength and conditioning, video analysis and physio support. The team benefits from an expert UEFA licensed A and B coaching team who provide players with valuable knowledge and skills they have acquired by playing at professional level for over 10 years. Students will also have the opportunity to bolster their sporting knowledge by completing a level 1 football coaching award which can be used to further their career options.
The Football Academy has provided a fantastic grounding for our students to become successful players at regional level. Elliot Harrison, a former player in the academy, currently plays for Ossett United and has previously played for the Halifax Town FC first team and Mossley AFC, where he scored the equalising goal in an FA cup game. He has also achieved success at a national level when he trained for England.
Thomas Haigh is another former academy player who is now a midfielder for Brighouse Town AFC. Speaking about how his experience at the Football Academy has helped his career, he said:
“The time I spent at Kirklees College Football Academy provided me with a fantastic platform to continue my football career. The academy enabled me to form friendships whilst being coached by Kevin Donovan at a high standard every day.
The trips and away matches prepared me for the commitment needed to perform at a higher level. I currently play for Brighouse Town FC with over 200 appearances after progressing in their academy. Without the experiences I gained during my time at Kirklees College, I may not be in the position I am today.”
Students who have enrolled on a full-time course in any subject can apply to be part of the Football Academy alongside their study programme.
For more information about the Kirklees College Sports Academy, visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/sports-academy.
