Academic Studies with Sports
Available at Abbey College Manchester, these exciting courses are aimed at students who have a passion for playing football or basketball, and who want to continue training whilst they study.
Why study Academic Studies with Football or Basketball Training?
This is a unique opportunity for students to gain qualifications for entry to university alongside intensive football or basketball training, which could lead to playing professionally or semi-professionally in the future. Football or Basketball training sessions are added to students’ timetables without impacting on the core study requirements whilst still allowing them to gain a strong academic qualification.
How is Academic Studies with Football or Basketball Training taught?
Students will study on our GCSE, A Level or International Foundation Programme at Abbey College Manchester in the mornings and have football or basketball training sessions led by professional coaches in the afternoon. For football students there is a choice between two pathways, ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ programmes, with the elite programme offering a more intensive training and playing schedule aimed at students who want to go on to play at professional or semi-professional level.
Football Training programmes and features.
| Gold Programme | Silver Programme |
| • 5 Afternoon training sessions per week. • Player progression assistance, support and advice. • Regular one-on-one development sessions. • Represent the college in league matches. • Analysis sessions via veo. • Gym membership. |
• Up to 3 afternoon training sessions per week. • Termly reports and regular feedback from coaches. • Represent the college in some friendly and league matches. • Gym membership is available at additional cost. |
Basketball Training Programme
Basketball training takes place at the British National Basketball Centre and is led by former Great Britain basketball international Jamie Edwards. Training sessions are delivered each afternoon by professional and experienced coaches at the Manchester Giants professional basketball team practice facilities. Students are taught to integrate ‘on court’ basketball skills together with ‘off-court’ life skills to secure academic and sporting success.
Assessment
Assessment will follow the specifications of the academic course students choose to pursue, these are GCSE, A Level, and International Foundation Programme.
Facilities
Our student athletes train at purpose-built professional standard training facilities. Training sessions are run by professional coaches. Basketball students train at the English National Basketball Centre alongside the Manchester Giants professional basketball team. For our students who want to take the next step, we organise regular trials with professional teams.
