Are you a passionate 16-18-year-old footballer looking to take your game to the next level while continuing your education? The Millwall Community Trust (MCT) and Bacon’s College offer a unique 2-year Football & Education Scholarship, designed for both male and female students. Not only will you get the chance to train like a pro, but you'll also work towards achieving A Levels or other qualifications, setting you up for success both on and off the pitch.
Why Choose the Post-16 Academy?
Former student Ed Hutchings completed the full two-year programme and describes his experience as “really positive.” He would recommend the programme to anyone considering it, praising both the football and education aspects as essential to his development.
Ed’s Journey: A Perfect Balance of Football and Academics
“I had a really positive experience from start to finish,” Ed shares. "Playing football four times a week allowed me to develop my technical skills while still focusing on my studies. I was able to play alongside some fantastic players, many of whom I knew from previous Sunday league teams, which made fitting in really easy."
Ed highlights how the programme seamlessly combines education and football. "The partnership between Bacon’s College and the Post-16 Academy was just starting when I joined, but with support from my teachers and coaches, I balanced training, matches, and schoolwork without missing a beat."
The Best Part of the Programme? The Football!
According to Ed, the football training was second to none. "You can’t beat going straight from school to train for a couple of hours, especially on sunny days! My favorite part was definitely the away matches – even though the minivan rides could be long, they were always a laugh, especially when we won."
Ed also talks about the camaraderie within the team. "There’s healthy competition for spots in the first team, but everyone was supportive, and the training sessions were always fun and engaging."
Why You Should Join the Programme
Ed encourages anyone with a love for football to take advantage of this opportunity. "If you have the chance to play a sport you love four times a week while getting a solid education, you should absolutely jump at it. The facilities are great, and the coaches know what they’re talking about. They push you to be the best version of yourself."
Even if you're unsure about studying A Levels, Ed says the football alone is worth it. "Who wouldn’t want to play competitive football for two years?"
Where Is Ed Now?
After completing the Post-16 Academy and earning his A Levels, Ed is now studying Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University, with a potential pathway into Formula 1. He credits the Academy for helping him explore his options. "Thanks to my coaches, I also considered sport management at Loughborough, but I ultimately chose engineering for the challenge."
Ed appreciates the support he received during his time in the programme. "The coaches were always understanding when I needed time to study for exams, and that balance helped me achieve the grades I needed to get into university."
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you're passionate about football and looking for an educational programme that supports your athletic goals, the Millwall Community Trust & Bacon’s College Post-16 Academy could be your next big step. Like Ed, you’ll gain valuable skills on the pitch while setting yourself up for future success.
Take the leap, and join a programme that lets you pursue your passion for football and education – all in one place!
Find out more here: https://www.millwallcommunity.org.uk/mct-post-16-football-academy
