Open to students from the age of 16, the pioneering programme will offer them the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised vocational qualification. It will combine high quality practical training with academic teaching and will be offered at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
The partnership was marked last week at Crystal Palace’s FA Cup Replay match against Bolton. London South East Colleges’ sport students, Kainan Hector and Connor Miles, joined members of the CPFC Foundation (the charitable arm of the club) to watch players secure a 2-1 victory.
Mike Summers, CEO of the CPFC Foundation says:
“Our partnership with London South East Colleges will enable us to work with upcoming talent and help train the coaches, instructors, physios and players of the future.
“There are a whole host of exciting career pathways in the world of sport. Together with the college we’re keen to make young people aware of these opportunities and to provide them with the training they need to pursue successful careers in the industry.
“The Foundation has a number of community initiatives to encourage and inspire positive action through sport – and this collaboration with London South East Colleges will allow us to extend this reach.
“We are in a great position to deliver the football provision of this new programme and are confident that it will offer fantastic opportunities to develop new skills and a route into employment.”
The sports element of the programme will be delivered by CPFC Foundation coaches based at Bromley campus alongside the college delivering the academic provision.
Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Sam Parrett, says:
“This is an extremely exciting partnership, which will offer young people the chance to gain the academic and vocational skills they need to pursue a career in sport.
“Being able to develop football skills, alongside gaining a well-recognised vocational qualification is a unique opportunity. This programme will strengthen the College’s current sports provision and appeal to many young people in the region.
“We are delighted to be working with Crystal Palace– a leading employer – to deliver our curriculum. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of recruits in September 2017.”
Applications from prospective students are being accepted NOW and trials will be held to assess their football skills. An elite squad and a development squad will be set up, with places on offer to 40 talented recruits.
For more information about the work of Crystal Palace Football Club Foundation, please visit: http://cpfcfoundation.org
For more information and images please contact Sarah Newman at London South East Colleges on 020 8295 7007 or email: