Nelson and Colne College is teaming up with Burnley FC in the Community and UCFB to provide an exciting new education offer for students.

From this month, Burnley FC’s official charity will be offering further education provision, including NCC’s Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team, at the existing UCFB Burnley facility, at Turf Moor.

The Shadow Youth Team programme combines academic studies with practical footballing experience, and gives aspiring footballers the chance to gain professional coaching, support from a premier league club, the chance to compete in games, as well as the opportunity to be scouted by a professional club!

NCC’s Head of Sport Charlie Moss said: “We are extremely excited to be working closely with Burnley FC in the Community and UCFB, and for our students to benefit from this amazing opportunity by being part-based at the facility.

“The UCFB Burnley site has six 30-seater classrooms overlooking the Turf, a 150—seater auditorium, library, study zone and will certainly be a motivational learning environment for our students.

“The Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team programme launched in the last academic year – this is a great development for the programme, which this year saw great success stories, including student Joseph Kouadio gaining a place on the prestigious International Nike Academy and securing pre-season training with Huddersfield Town FC.”

Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community said: “We are absolutely delighted to be taking a leading role in delivering a brand new, wide range of education opportunities to the people of our region. I’d like to extend my thanks to both UCFB Burnley and Nelson and Colne College for the great progress we have made to date in establishing this partnership and I look forward to continuing to work with both organisations on this exciting venture. The learning environment within the UCFB Burnley facilities is truly inspirational, with pitch side views and high quality delivery we are committed to raising aspirations and delivering change.”

 And Professor Philip Wilson, Provost and Chief Executive of UCFB added: “The opportunity to be in partnership with a leading football club community organisation at Burnley Football Club and Nelson and Colne College with their outstanding educational standards, will empower the young people of Burnley; and enable them to make their own life decisions and provide them with an unlimited lifetime opportunity. The delivery of the qualifications for 16-19 year olds provides the opportunity for local young people to learn within the inspirational UCFB Burnley teaching facilities, and potentially to progress to a UCFB degree programme at UCFB Etihad Campus.”

We still have limited places available for the Burnley FC Shadow Squad for this academic year. Transport funding may be available for out of area students, subject to eligibility.  For more information about the Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team visit www.nelson.ac.uk/16-18/vocational/level-3-burnley-fc-shadow-squad-coaching-academy or contact Nelson and Colne College on 01282 440272.