Stratford School prides itself on always looking to the future and improving the experience for their students in every way possible. This year that ethos has seen the school partner with Stratford Town Football Club to launch a Football Academy level 2 qualification. Stratford Town have developed the course after their highly successful level 3 qualification was launched in 2018. The qualification forms part of the year 9 options for students and will give them the equivalent of one GCSE. The academy is open to skilled footballers of any gender and builds on their existing abilities and helps them prepare for careers in the football industry.

The course itself, though highly practical in nature, will see the students partake in rigorous training and competitions but also learn the theory that links their on-pitch skills to the many aspects of football, playing, coaching and management.

The school has 28 students who chose the football academy this year and they are hoping this number will build over the coming years.

The course is overseen by Mr Turrell and Mr Campion form Stratford school and they will be supporting the lessons that are held both at the school and at Stratford Town’s grounds. Mr Turrell explained “This partnership is a great opportunity for students wanting a football curriculum experience at Key Stage 4. We still have some places available for students interested who are currently studying in year 9. We are also now taking expressions of interest from students in year 8 for season 23/24”.