Football College Programme
Combine education with the life of a professional footballer
Young people aged between 16 and 18 can apply to study on our Football Education Programmes based at Home Park in Plymouth, Cornwall College in West Cornwall and Devon FA HQ in Newton Abbot. The programmes provide talented and enthusiastic youngsters with the opportunity to train and play as a football scholar in tandem with their academic studies. The programme sees the students work towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels) vocational academic qualification alongside a comprehensive football scholarship, all entirely staffed by Plymouth Argyle Football Club. 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/internships or by progressing into the professional game as a player.
The programmes benefit from UEFA qualified coaches across all teams and guidance and support from ex-professionals, including Gary Sawyer, Jamie Day, and Marcus Martin.
The academic aspect of the programme is delivered by qualified teachers (PGCE, QTLS) all who also have UEFA coaching licences to blend the on pitch and classroom learning together to bring the learning to life and provide industry relevant experiences to help the learners understand the opportunities available to them in the future.
A two-year, full-time education and football development programme delivered in partnership with professional and non-league football clubs.
Players typically receive up to ten hours of training each week, including technical, tactical and strength and conditioning specific training, as well as futsal sessions and planned recovery sessions to maximise development.
All players represent Plymouth Argyle FC in competitive leagues, the Plymouth based programme compete in the National Youth Football League (NYFL) and the Cornwall based programme compete in the EFL Community & Football Alliance League (CEFA), this includes playing against clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Watford, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Swindon & Exeter and many more across the Country.
To express your interest in any of our programmes and/or to gain further information please complete an application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pHcq9GvBY7AHnTgP491G608jbOZO5TFNONPhfW_1org/edit.
To express an interest in the Girls’ Post 16 Programme: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFE6NQmPd3gozVP_hJpT54tELl_1pVdJ6nGIhMQHbympV2ow/viewform.
Duchy College Education Programme
Our programme delivered in partnership with Duchy College Stoke Climsland offers the opportunity to complete an NCFE Diploma in Sports Coaching at both Level 2 and Level 3 (equivalent of 3 A-levels) dependent on your entry grades. The course is entirely coursework based, removing the pressure of end of year and end of unit exams. You will engage in training delivered by Argyle Community Trust staff on each of your timetabled days and have the opportunity to compete in the EFL Community and Education Alliance league alongside your studies. Additional to your own football development, you will have the opportunity to develop coaching by working closely with current Trust employees, and have opportunities to undertake work experience placements within the Trust’s East Cornwall and North Devon area.
For more information or to express an interest in the Duchy College programme, please contact Stewart.May@cornwall.ac.uk.
For more information on the Plymouth programme, please contact daniel.yeoman@pafc.co.uk.
For more information on the Cornwall College programme, please contact jamie.day@pafc.co.uk.
For more information on the Devon FA HQ programme, please contact matt.scholes@pafc.co.uk.
Post 16 Education Open Evenings and Open Training Sessions 2025
Open to all year 11/12 male & female footballers who are interested in the programme for September 2025.
Plymouth
TBC
If you are interested in attending any of our open events or want more information, please email daniel.yeoman@pafc.co.uk or fill out the expression of interest form above.
Cornwall
TBC
If you are interested in attending any of our open events or want more information, please email Jamie.day@pafc.co.uk or fill out the expression of interest form above.
Newton Abbot
If you are interested in attending any of our open events or want more information, please email matt.scholes@pafc.co.uk or fill out the expression of interest form above.
Duchy College
TBC
In order to enquire or book on to one of these activities please email Stewart.may@cornwall.ac.uk.