University Football performance programme /

Wealdstone FC u23s Academy

Over 18s apply to study a Degree course with Wealdstone F.C.

Location: Brunel University, Kingston Lane UB8 3PW #london

Based close to London (Nearest station is Uxbridge station on the Metropolitan Line)

Start date: September / Enrolment every year

APPLY NOW to attend upcoming TRIALS

Football:

- Training at Brunel University Sports Park 3 X per week

- Games / U23s squad for Wealdstone F.C.

- Games at weekends with partner / loan semi pro clubs

- Game analysis 

- Gym sessions 

- Kit 

Education:

- Apply for a Degree at Brunel University + Football

- BSC Sports Coaching + Football

* Accommodation available OR travel from home to our base at Brunel University, London 

* Apply with Student Finance England

FUNDING

Most UK students are eligible to apply to Student Finance England for a loan to cover the cost of tuition.

STANDARD ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A typical offer would be CCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. 

In addition, you will need to have studied physical education, sports science or science related subject at A Level, BTEC level 3 diploma or equivalent qualification.

PATHWAYS

The UCS programme is built as a 3 year pathway.

Year 1 – Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Sports & Exercise Science (Coaching Science)

Year 2 – Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sports & Exercise Science

Year 3 – Higher Education - BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching

It is designed to be flexible and allow you to leave at the end of any year with the qualifications

you have achieved. You can also take a break in learning and return at a later date.

Read more: https://www.ucsport.org/syllabus

FEES AND FUNDING COSTS For Academic Year 23-24, the following fees apply for UK and EU students: - BSc Sports Coaching £8250 Undergraduate students generally have two types of expenses - tuition fees, and living costs.

Our established programme delivers a full-time professional football development experience for ambitious student athletes seeking excellence on and off the pitch.

You can combine an elite football experience with academic achievement. We have a proven track record of producing professional players, providing training with Wealdstone FC (National League) and world-class higher education. Courses options are available for UK and International students and include face to face teaching and online / blended learning delivery.

Proven results from our elite coaching team.

  • A number of players signed by professional clubs.

  • Over 150 years of combined coaching experience in professional football in the UK and overseas.

This unique opportunity combines a professional football environment with outstanding academic study to unlock every student athlete’s potential, with a clear focus on individual development, elite training, career pathways and academic success.

Our campuses provide the perfect foundation for aspiring footballers seeking to progress academically and athletically within a modern high-performance university environment.

  • Close distance by train to Central London.
  • Close distance to Heathrow Airport (15 mins away) , Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports.

Programme benefits

The programme offers exceptional exposure to the elite sport and the wider football network.

Benefits of the programme include:

  • Proven pathways with Wealdstone FC (National League Premier) and access to other professional clubs in the UK pyramid from the Premier League and down

  • UEFA A licensed coaches and mentorship from current and former professional players

  • Regular matches vs pro, semi-pro, and academy teams with strong scouting exposure

  • Personalised development plans, match analysis, and performance tracking;

  • Individualised strength & conditioning, nutrition, and rehabilitation programmes, supported by evidence-based injury prevention strategies.

  • Games in national competitions including the National League Premier u19s and u23s and FA Youth Cup.

Career-focused education

Student athletes can choose from a wide range of degrees designed to complement their football development and career ambitions.
  • Undergraduate Courses
  • Postgraduate Courses

World class facilities and accommodation*

Student athletes train and study in a professional standard performance environment that supports both academic and athletic success, including:

  • 2 x high-performance 3G pitches and grass pitches;

  • On-site strength and conditioning gyms and recovery facilities;

  • On-campus and off campus accommodation options including home stay options for the full duration of study;

  • All delivered within a supportive and performance driven university setting.

*Subject to meeting application deadlines and personal needs.

Elite coaching team

Our coaching and performance staff bring extensive expertise and experience from playing and coaching within professional football, elite academies.

Dale Welch
Director / Head of Academy
UEFA B Licence Outfield | Former coach at Tottenham Hotspurs, Watford FC, Barnet FC and current Head of Academy at Wealdstone FC

Simon O’Neill
UEFA A Licence / Former Liverpool FC Womens Academy Manager, Train Effective

Andy Driscoll

UEFA A Licence / Former Brentford Fc professional player

Colin Barnes
Head of Goalkeeping
UEFA A Licence Goalkeeping | Former Crystal Palace FC Head of Recruitment

Coaching

The programme includes the FA Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, enabling players to develop a deeper understanding of the game while building confidence, communication skills and their CV.

Programme fees 2027/28 academic year

Performance Football Programme: £12,000 per year*

To be accepted onto the Football Performance Programme, student athletes must also enrol on a full-time University degree. with our partner University tuition fees, which exclude accommodation costs, are separate from the Performance Football Programme fee.

The University will discuss finance and funding options / grants with you at application stage.

*All programme and tuition fees are paid directly to the University.

How to apply

Players, parents, coaches and advisors can find out more and apply to join the University Performance Football Programme by contacting londonfootballacademyinfo@gmail.com

Applicants must meet the University academic course entry requirements as detailed on individual course pages. We do provide Diplomas and foundation level courses for students aged 16+ who may need additional qualifications to meet the University requirements.