A SIXTH-FORM college in Tameside has kicked off a partnership with a Premier League football club, thought to be the first of its kind in state education.
Laurus Ryecroft in Droylsden has teamed up with Manchester City FC to launch a new Academic Football Pathway.
The football school will see students at the sixth form – which first opened in September 2023 as part of the Laurus Trust – receive high-quality coaching as it integrates professional-level sports training with academic learning.
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Manchester City and Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form launch new programme
It’s being supported by Andrew Law, a sponsor of the Laurus Trust, who is a passionate and lifelong Manchester City supporter.
“Such a programme is unprecedented in the realm of state education,” he said. “I personally believe that students can excel both in the classroom and on the sports pitch.
“The Academic Football Pathway is the perfect programme to support this vision. We want to collectively show what is possible.”
When the programme launches in September 2025, Laurus Ryecroft students will take part in two weekly training sessions led by Manchester City coaches – along with game analysis classes and regular fixture support during the football season.
The programme will also provide students with the opportunity to train at the City Football Academy and allow a select number of students the option to enrol on City Football Leadership Institute courses.
“We are delighted to partner with Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form to bring our leading football programme to their students,” said Jorgina Busquets from City Football Group.
“Laurus Ryecroft shares our commitment to education and the role sport plays in holistic development and we look forward to supporting their students in both academic and athletic growth.
“This collaboration highlights the power of sport in education and preparing students for a successful future both on and off the field.”
More information about the programme can be found on Laurus Ryecroft’s website at www.laurusryecroft.org.uk/academic-football-pathway