Richard Luscombe Argyle Community Trust’s exciting Post 16 Football and Education programmes in Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Cornwall and Duchy College are delighted to be holding open sessions ahead of recruitment for next September.
The Post 16 programme is aimed at young people aged 16-18 and provides talented and enthusiastic youngsters with the opportunity to train and play as a football scholar in unison with their academic studies.
Students work towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels) alongside a comprehensive football scholarship, all entirely staffed by Argyle Community Trust.
The programme is designed to give young people ownership over their personal development both on and off of the pitch to support their future goals whether that be progressing on to UK based universities, overseas education scholarships, employment, sports industry apprenticeships and internships or by progressing into the professional game as a player.
Players will receive coaching from UEFA qualified coaches with experience in the professional game as well as guidance and support from ex-professional players including Gary Sawyer, Jamie Day, and Marcus Martin.
Plymouth Post 16 lead Daniel Yeoman said: “The Post 16 programme here at Plymouth Argyle gives school leavers the opportunity to represent Plymouth Argyle at a high standard of football, as well as gaining a qualification as a BTEC Level 3 in sport which will see students move onto universities across England, apprenticeships abroad and fulltime employment.
“The course gives a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the students, so they get to see sport as a whole, meaning when they move on to different career pathways they’ll have a broad knowledge of the sporting sector.
“In our Plymouth branch we currently have five teams, four male and one female team and we, alongside Newton Abbot, Cornwall and Duchy College, are looking to recruit for September.”
Education Manager for Devon and Cornwall, Mike Foley, said: “Our Post-16 Football Education Programme is second to none in Cornwall, offering young, elite and developing male and female footballers the perfect platform to excel.
“For those passionate about the game and eager to progress into the sports industry through employment opportunities, this programme offers unique opportunities with links to the professional football club.
“With ex-professional players as lead coaches, our students benefit from a wealth of experience and expertise that truly sets us apart. Beyond the football development and EFL games programme, we provide unparalleled opportunities for employment, higher education through partnerships with local universities, as well as life-changing US scholarships and annual tours to New York, Philadelphia, and Florida.
“Our focus for 2025/26 is firmly on developing the female football pathway, ensuring young women in Cornwall have the opportunity to thrive in the sport they love.
“With our recent move to the state-of-the-art facilities at Cornwall College, Camborne, we are perfectly positioned to expand and offer even more opportunities to aspiring footballers.
“Coupled with real-life industry experiences, including exposure to the operations of a professional football club, our programme ensures every student leaves us with the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed on and off the pitch.”
The Post 16 programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop as a player or learn about the industry.
Our programme reaps rewards for those who apply themselves. Students have gone on to top universities in the UK and abroad on scholarships and there is a great track record of players progressing to clubs – even Plymouth Argyle.
For details on our upcoming open sessions, to ask any questions or to register your interest, please see the relevant dates and contact points for each venue below.
Plymouth – Daniel.yeoman@pafc.co.uk
Open Evening: Monday, 10 February (Boys & Girls) from 6pm-8pm at The Far Post Club, PL2 3DQ.
Open Session: Thursday, 20 February (Boys & Girls) from 10am-2pm at Central Park Hub.
Trials: Thursday, 20 February (Boys & Girls) from 3pm-5pm at Manadon Sports Hub.
Newton Abbot – Matt.scholes@pafc.co.uk
Open Session: Wednesday, 19 February (Boys) from 9am-11am at Devon FA Coach Rd, Newton Abbot TQ12 1EJ.
Open Trial: Friday, 11 April (Boys) 9:30am-12:30am at Devon FA Coach Rd, Newton Abbot TQ12 1EJ.
Trial Game: Monday, 14 April (Boys) 9:30am-12:30am at Devon FA Coach Rd, Newton Abbot TQ12 1EJ.
Cornwall – Jamie.day@pafc.co.uk
Open Session: Monday, 17 February (Boys) from 10am-12pm at Cornwall College.
Open Session: Tuesday, 18 February (Girls) from 10am-12pm at Cornwall College.
Duchy College – Stewart.may@cornwall.ac.uk
Taster days: Tuesday, 18 February 1pm-3pm & Thursday, 27 May 2025 1pm-3pm at Stoke Climsland, Callington, PL17 8PB.
Open events: Wednesday, 23 April 5pm-7pm at Stoke Climsland, Callington, PL17 8PB.
