This is an exciting opportunity for talented young male and female footballers (aged 16-18) to play for the Brentford FC U18 Academy Development Squad and gain a BTEC Sports qualification at West Thames College.
If selected, you'll study at West Thames College for a recognised BTEC qualification, whilst gaining elite footballing skills from Brentford FC's professional coaching staff. Study units will include body systems, practical sport, fitness testing and training, tactical awareness and psychology. You'll play competitive matches against other Academy teams in a league.
The course could help you sign for a professional football team or progress to university.
Trials: Trials are held during the school holidays on a half termly basis. Please note you need to be invited to a trial to attend. To begin the process, please complete the form below. If you are an overseas applicant and invited to a trial, you will be expected to fund and arrange your own travel, accommodation and visa.
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About the Course
You will spend time with Brentford Football Club developing your footballing skills undergoing a full-time training programme which will include additional strength and conditioning sessions. You will be coached by Brentford FC's Academy coaches including Dan Senda who has played over 400 professional games for clubs such as Wycombe Wanderers, Millwall and Bristol Rovers.
You will play mid-week fixtures in one of the Programme's teams. All participate in competitive competitions like the Football Conference Youth Alliance, a national competition recognised as the best for mid week U19 football. Our Brentford Griffins finished both the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons as league champions. Your performance will be monitored by Brentford's U18 and U21 managers, and if you impress, you will have the chance to progress into these sides.
You will study at West Thames College where you will gain your qualification, the BTEC Level 3 90 Credit Diploma in Sport.
You will study:
- Exercise Planning
- Promotion and Sponsorship
- Lifestyle
- Analysis of Performance
- Fitness Training and Testing for Sport
- Practical Sports Performance
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport
- Sports Nutrition
- Talent Identification
- Sports Business
- Psychology and Injury in Sport.
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Additional Costs
Additional Fees
£150 sports kit, materials and visits.
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Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and/or Maths or a merit/distinction in a relevant Level 2 qualification. You will be invited for a trial by Brentford FC who will assess your football skills. If you are successful, you will attend an interview at West Thames College. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Progression
- Sign a professional contract with Brentford Academy
- Sign a professional contract with another club (anyone not taken on by Brentford will be offered exit trials that will be attended by other professional clubs).
- Further study at West Thames College or a university
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Assessment Method
For the BTEC qualification, each unit will be assessed by a series of assignments, with both practical and theory elements. Each assignment is graded pass, merit or distinction and the grades will contribute towards your overall result. Functional skills will be assessed via an external exam.
