Sports Academies

Students who are at the top of their game in football, netball, cricket or basketball may opt to trial to join our:

  • Cricket Academy
  • Men’s Football Academy
  • Women’s Football Academy
  • Netball Academy
  • *NEW FOR 2024 ENTRY* Basketball Academy

Our Sports Academies are in their 22nd year and have supported hundreds of players to experience loving both their learning and their sport during their time at HNC.

Image of men's football academy students
Image of Women's Football Academy
Image of Netball Academy
Image of academy student playing cricket in the Sports Barn.
How does the Academies programme work?

Players on the programme train four times a week and compete in a variety of National league and cup structures. Professional level coaching is included within the student timetable. All students must apply to study a full time study programme at HNC in order to be invited to a trial. Please note, it is not necessary for students to be studying a Sport based subject.

What level of skill is required?

All applicants to HNC are invited to indicate that they are interested in trialling for a place in an Academy at interview. Invitation to a trial is not an indication of acceptance into an Academy, and places are awarded post trial. It is important to note that students who are successful will have a high level of skill in their chosen sport, and are likely to be participating in this sport extensively outside of College already. Students who play these sports as a casual hobby are encouraged to take a look our enrichment programme which provides ample opportunity to enjoy these sports on a more casual level.

What are the expectations of Academy students

All students are expected to commit fully to their academic studies. Therefore performance and academic progress are reviewed three times a year, which reminds players how closely they are linked. Players receive three one-to-one reviews with their coaching staff and targets are set accordingly. In addition, players have the opportunity to gain coaching qualifications, a level 1 badge in their sport in their first year and in their second year, a level 2 generic coaching award.

It is important to recognise that being part of an Academy is a significant time commitment. Students will attend timetabled training sessions, and compete in a range of fixtures which take place at a variety of locations. A proportion of these will run outside of the standard College day.

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