Access Sport | Pro:Direct Academy Sheffield

With fantastic education facilities onsite at Leisure United Graves, students study towards a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Development , while focusing on a career pathway in coaching & teaching  or sports science. The highly practical qualification (no exams) and course pathways focus on developing the skills, knowledge and industry relevant experiences to prepare students for their chosen progression route and future career aspirations.

With established relationships with Leisure United and grass root clubs such as the Junior Blades, students can also gain valuable work experience opportunities across a range of coaching, officiating and sports science roles that will enrichen their CV’s developing confidence and invaluable communication, leadership a team skills.

Students also have weekly professional development hours built into their timetable (Go Live) enabling them to develop employability and important skills, contacts and experiences that can be transferable to any future career.

For those who may not achieve their grade 4 in Maths and English GCSE the first time around, weekly sessions are timetabled to support development and preparation towards resitting their exams alongside their further education course.

Training and playing on the fantastic 3G facility at Leisure United Graves with highly qualified UEFA coaches and FA educators, gives students a great platform to develop as players to their highest ability. 

Students train everyday alongside their education developing physically and technically, utilising the latest in performance analysis technology including VEO Cameras, Playertek GPS Vests and Sports Coaching Session Planner. This provides students with an elite academy experience along with the opportunity for those seeking a career in coaching, sports science and analysis to get hands on with technology used in the professional game and deliver sessions to their peers.

All in preparation for competing in highly competitive college and FA league and cup competitions every Wednesday.

Partnering with Pro:Direct Academy provides elite football students with opportunities to trial for regional and national select squads that compete against professional academies throughout the year, which can open the door to scouts and club trials. Students who perform on and off the pitch academically are also rewarded with the opportunities to win tickets for selected Premier League fixtures throughout the season.