Winchester City have entered into a new collaboration with the University of Winchester, which aims to bridge the gap between sport and higher education.
The University is endorsing Winchester City FC’s new Football & Education Academy which will provide high-quality further education opportunities for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Talented young players will have the opportunity to pursue both their footballing ambitions and academic development via a pathway into university study.
Academy students will have access to University of Winchester staff, facilities, and academic sessions, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to progress into higher education programmes, particularly in areas such as sport coaching, performance analysis, sport science, sport psychology and sport therapy.
The academy education will be delivered by Juniper Training, who deliver post-16 education within other football academies around the UK, but Winchester’s will be the first in partnership with a university. It is due to start in September 2026 with around 20 students.
Students will study for an NCFE level 3 extended diploma in Sport and Physical activity, equivalent to 3 A-levels, therefore allowing them to pursue options in higher education and employment.
The education element comprises of coursework specifically focused on areas within the sport and football industry such as sports nutrition, sports coaching and sports development to name a few. There will also be an element of work experience, employability guidance, GCSE English and Maths resits (should they be needed) and this will all link towards the football side of the academy.
Winchester City FC director, Stuart Munro, said: “While many academies focus simply on footballing development and revenue generation, our goal is to encourage academic achievement and opportunity alongside footballing talent - all underpinned by the link to the University’s outstanding sports programme.”
Elizabeth Davies-Ward, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University, said that the collaboration with the club aligned perfectly with the University’s core values - the love of learning, individual and shared endeavour and making a difference.
“We are delighted to be working with Winchester City FC to support the development of the next generation of learners,” she added. “This partnership offers young people in our region a clear, credible route into higher education, one that values both sporting excellence and academic growth.”
Ken Raisbeck, Chairman of Winchester City FC, said: “Our Football and Education Academy is designed to give local young people the chance to combine elite football training with meaningful academic progression. With the backing of the University of Winchester, our students don’t just focus on football, they gain the support to continue into higher education.”
Dr Steve Smith, Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching and Physical Education and lead academic for the partnership, added: “It’s fantastic to see young players given the chance to focus on their football development while also gaining a strong educational foundation.
“By linking Winchester City FC’s academy with the University, we’re helping students see that academic success and sporting ambition can go hand-in-hand, developing confident, adaptable individuals who are ready to take the next step in both football and higher education.”
The club is hosting an open day for anyone who wants to find out more about the new academy on Thursday 4 December from 5-7pm in the Winchester City FC clubhouse. Anyone interested in attending can email secretary.wcfc@outlook.com. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
The project builds upon a partnership signed between the University and the Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit last year. Under that agreement the University has provided shirt sponsorship and in return the undergraduates have gained real world experience with the club as physios and performance analysts.
Graduate Elouise Lawrence turned her placement with the club into a job, becoming the first team’s physio.
The partnership forms part of the University’s wider commitment to expanding access to higher education through collaboration with local schools, colleges, and sports organisations. Through academic sessions, professional development opportunities, and a recognised progression route, the initiative aims to strengthen participation and aspiration among young people across Hampshire.
Pictured top (from left) Mark Gamble of Juniper Training, Winchester City FC directors Rhod Gibson and Stuart Munro, Elizabeth Davies-Ward, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Winchester, Dr Steve Smith, the University’s Programme Leader for Sport Coaching and Physical Education and Winchester City FC Club secretary John McLaren.
IMAGE: Dominic Parkes Photography
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