LICHFIELD CITY ACADEMY

SEASON 2023/24

PROFESSIONAL. EDUCATIONAL. OUTSTANDING.

PROFESSIONAL. EDUCATIONAL. OUTSTANDING.

PROFESSIONAL. EDUCATIONAL. OUTSTANDING.

Lichfield City Football Education Academy

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2019 & 2020

Full time education & football academy for 16-21 years of age.
Supporting talented football players with professional guidance & expertise.

PAST YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS

EDUCATION

98% learner retention

100% of university applications accepted

100% learner pass success

Our graduate successes:

  • Completed registration to University (70%)
  • Employment (20%)
  • USA Scholarship (10%)

Sport degree program launched

FOOTBALL

League floodlit champions U18

Staffs county cup finalists U18 & U21

Showcase games agains professional football clubs

National county champions U18

THE FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE AT LICHFIELD FC FOOTBALL ACADEMY

Study

  • An alternative to college/sixth form.
  • 2 – 5 year sport scholarship program.
  • FdA Athlete Professional Development
  • BTEC Sport Extended Diploma ( 3 A Levels).
  • BTEC Diploma (2 A Levels).
  • One year Foundation Sport Course to H.E.
  • Maths & English re-sit.
  • Study in the classroom with your team mates.
  • Opportunity to progress to study, play and coach in the USA with our pathway partners.
  • Gain work experience knowledge.
  • The majority of our graduates go on to universiity.
  • Bespoke teacher support for UCAS applications.

Train

  • UEFA A. Football Coaches.
  • Specialist Goalkeeper Coach.
  • Sports Science, Nutrition, Diet & Sports Therapist Coaches.
  • Train 4 times each week.
  • Improve technical, tactical ability and fitness standards.
  • Opportunity to train at First Team Level & County U18 Level.
  • Train regularly at St. George’s Park.

Play

  • Competitive weekly matches.
  • Midland Floodlit U18 League.
  • FA Youth Cup.
  • National Alliance U19 League.
  • County Cup Competition.
  • National College League.
  • Links to semi-professional clubs.
  • Play against professional clubs.
  • Play international teams.
  • Play in front of professional football club scouts.
  • Progress to a first team.

Features of the Course

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2 YEAR COURSE

The academy provides a two year full time course for school leavers 16-18 years of age, who can prove they have football talent or skills to potentially progress to a career in sport.

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8 SESSIONS A WEEK

The football is structured around eight practical football sessions per week. The focus of these sessions is on tactical, technical and physical ability and conditioning, as well the importance of psychological elements of the game.

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BTEC LEVEL 3

The education element of this academy ensures that the players do not miss out on further educational studies. The course is a BTEC level 3 national extended diploma in sport (equivalent to 3 A Levels)

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INTERACTIVE

The whole course is interactive and effective in order that learning is enjoyable and encouraged that students strive to attain a distinction grade or A level high standards.

John Eustus 20 year playing career, 400 professional appearances

John Eustace

“I believe in providing youth with an opportunity to develop as Darren and I progressed as young professionals together at the same time and we understand the demands and challenging environment that is needed to develop young players. Darren and I completed  our UEFA B licence together and I have always lived in the local community so believe Darren will offer the right encouragement, guidance and advice to the students to develop key skills for their future career. I look-forward to supporting the academy.”

Darius Vassell ex England, Villa, Man City & Leicester Striker

Darius Vassel

“Darren Middleton’s football/education academy is a wonderful programme to encourage young talented students to improve their football skills to potentially achieve a career in football . However, Darren also recognises the importance of education and securing suitable qualifications for the students long term security, if they are lucky enough to have a football career. I have known Darren from the age of nine when we progressed our career at Aston Villa and I believe he is suitably qualified to offer commitment and professionalism to ensure each student has the opportunity to progress their goals in life”

Dennis Mortimor European Cup winner with Aston Villa

Dennis Mortimer

“This new initiative at Lichfield City F.C. Is another opportunity for local players to continue playing a good level of football against like minded Academies to develop their footballing skills, alongside their educational needs.

I have been impressed by the Academies that offer a similar package being offered by Lichfield City Football Academy, who will offer a comprehensive package of football and education, with qualified coaches and Tutors.

I wish Lichfield City football academy all the success in this new venture and I am sure the young people joining the scheme will benefit greatly in developing their footballing knowledge and understanding of the game.”

About Us

The creation of this independent international academy is a proud achievement as we understand how young players learn, develop and improve.

Our goal is to allow talented players the opportunity to grow in a challenging environment with the combination of our excellent educational qualifications, our unique football programme and the support to gain the FA coaching awards.

About Us

Student Feedback

Student Feedback 2023

“Really good facilities, friendly staff. Good bunch of people to learn with, work was well organised and set well. Loads of leagues and games to play over the season….”

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Student Feedback 2023

“Over the last 2 years, the staff at Lichfield City Academy have improved me both in the classroom and out on the football pitch. They have provided me with the foundation to continue my football career and also move onto university….”

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Student Feedback

“The last two years at Lichfield City Academy have been the two most important years of my life. The improvements made by myself in the classroom thanks to the teachers and on the football pitch thanks to the coaches were exceptional…. “

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Student Feedback

“These guys are fantastic! My son was not doing very well in his education and became very resistant…until he joined these guys and I’ve seen a different lad! Developing into a young adult with positive values and a new found motivation for learning!”

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Student Feedback

“The facilities, teaching, coaching and opportunities provided were unrivalled by any other local club – Darren strives to be the best, which definitely helps to rub off on you in both football and academic studies”

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Student Feedback

“I found friends for life, success both on and off the pitch and have great memories that I will look back on fondly for years to come (especially the Madrid tour!)”

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Student Feedback

“I was one of the very first to get on board with the academy project Darren created over at Lichfield City FC. In my 2 years under Darren, he not only helped improve me as a player, both technically and tactically – but also helped me grow and progress on a personal level too. “

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Student Feedback

“Academy life for me was life changing, I met some friends for life and was able to improve my ability as a footballer by training daily and receiving top quality coaching. From the first moment I stepped foot into the academy, I felt welcomed and felt as if I was part of a team.”

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Student Feedback

“My time at Lichfield academy looking back was the greatest years of my life. Being part of the academy was like having 30 plus brothers I never had. The academy provided me with opportunities of a lifetime on and off the football pitch. “

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Facebook

Facebook Posts

As we complete another term we offer happy Easter wishes to all the staff, learners ‘ their families.Each year gets more challenging at the academy as we strive to be the best support for our learners & after 8 years helping in the community of Lichfield I know experience & maintaining the correct culture is vital to ongoing development in the classroom & on the pitch. Every year we will produce players good enough for first team level, graduate to USA, university, or employment. However, the aims for each learner take much more attention than the many exit pathways we have established. Reminding yourself that all you can do is your best - and being at peace with that - is the most effective strategy I’ve encountered for avoiding unnecessary fear, worry and overthinking.We never stop trying to be better at the academy, the flashes of joy we appreciate but the commitment to our own identity instead of the win against the opposition is our academy strength.There is no finish line but let’s reflect & enjoy how proud we are this Easter the outstanding contribution everyone has achieved..TOP U18 floodlit league finishTop u19 two midweek leagues Well done.. ... See MoreSee Less
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Latest News:

Lichfield City Football Academy ‘Outstanding’

  Very proud of the Academy achievements this season staff & learners are attempting their best work. Growth & progress is outstanding Top in 3 leagues. Discipline, Development, learning & Winning is important on & off the pitch to help shape our...

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Contact

We are recruiting now!

Phone

Darren: 07815 428301

GET IN TOUCH

Contact us today to get in touch

Contact

We are recruiting now!

T: Darren: 07815 428301

E: info@lichfieldcityfcacademy.com