Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s two-year Foundation Degree programme is a course designed for individuals wanting to attain a university qualification and are passionate about pursuing a career in the Sport, Leisure, Teaching and football industry. Students develop the necessary skills, qualities and characteristics that are required to work within professional football club community departments, national governing bodies and other sectors of sport and leisure.

How is the Foundation Degree taught?

The course is largely based at the Stanley Sports Hub and taught via face to face and online lectures and practical sessions and tutorials. There is also support from USW Academic Teaching staff, as well as 1:1 mentoring and support available from the Accrington Stanley club mentor and English Football League Trust staff.

The degree is classified as full time and the requirement is to attend 1 and a half days a week, between September to Easter, as well as participating in a 3 day residential, twice a year at the University of South Wales. Accommodation and food are provided during these residential blocks, along with transport to your first induction residential, accompanied by the club mentor.

Career Development

Alongside the academic element of the course, students will complete up to 200 hours of coaching alongside the Community Trust and academy staff, allowing the students to embed and develop the coaching techniques learnt within lectures. In return, students will receive free access to the FA Level 1 and Level 2 in Football Coaching, or similar industry recognised qualifications, worth over £500. Blending the academic and sporting qualifications, along with industry based work experience will enhance a students employment prospects.

Additional Benefits

Through the Trust’s partnership with the University of South Wales, all students will be enrolled as a full time student at the university. Students will be able to access the university’s online library, blackboard and learning materials, providing them with the best possible learning platform to excel within.