New partnership launches girls education programme
Sheffield United Community Foundation is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Sheffield United Women, strengthening the relationship between the Club and Community Foundation and creating new opportunities for young female footballers across Sheffield.
As part of the partnership, Sheffield United Women’s academy players will now undertake their education through Sheffield United Community College (SUCC), studying a Sport BTEC programme delivered in partnership with Sheffield College.
The new pathway provides academy players with the opportunity to undertake their education within an environment closely aligned to their football programme.
By delivering education internally through SUCC, academy players can benefit from a high-quality education programme that is designed to complement their football commitments, allowing them to balance their academic development alongside their ambitions within the game.
For Sheffield United Community College, the partnership represents an important step forward in its commitment to supporting and growing the women’s game. It creates a genuine pathway between the Club and Community Foundation, providing College students with opportunities to train and play within an elite football environment alongside their studies.
The partnership will also increase exposure to opportunities within the professional game, with pathways in place to support students who aspire to progress their football careers while continuing their education.
Head of Education at Sheffield United Community Foundation, Ryan Collins, said: “We’re delighted to launch this new partnership with Sheffield United Women. It really strengthens our position in delivering a high-quality women’s football programme that combines excellent education with a genuine football pathway for our students.
“The opportunity to bring the academy players into Sheffield United Community College and provide their education through SUCC and Sheffield College creates a really exciting model, where football and education can work closely together around the needs of the player.
“We’re looking forward to seeing this partnership develop over the coming years and sharing expertise from both a football and education perspective to enhance both programmes and create even more opportunities for young female players in Sheffield.”
Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football at Sheffield United, Aaron Little, said: “We’re delighted to continue developing a close relationship with Sheffield United Community Foundation and their assistance in getting this valuable programme off the ground.
“This is another big step forward in our plans to continue developing a genuine academy programme which benefits our young players both on and off the pitch.
“While it has been brilliant for everyone at the club to see our Cat 1 Professional Game Academy thrive since its inception in 2023, we understand the importance of education for our players, and this will now allow us to provide players with what they need while in a football environment, and strengthen the programme moving forwards.”