Lichfield City Football Academy

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2025

Lichfield City Football Education Academy

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2019, 2020 & 2025

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

GOOD Ofsted graded academy

FOOTBALL

League Champions 2019, 2020 & 2025

League floodlit champions U18

Staffs county cup finalists U18 & U21

Showcase games agains professional football clubs

National county champions U18

Exclusive football events with the premier league at St George’s park

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

Coffee Bean

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.

Coffee Bean

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.

Coffee Bean

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)

Coffee Bean

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 Eustace 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 Mortimer 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

“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. “

read more

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.”

read more

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. “

read more

Facebook

Facebook Posts

Wishing a Happy Christmas & New year to all involved with the academy. 🎄For me it’s a service to support the career of others. It takes consistent passion, empathy & leadership. I would like to pay particular tribute to Steve & Josh for their exceptional service in 2025. To the coaches Josh, Kier,Dan & Jude for their incredible development. It’s about creating meaningful interactions that last & opportunity for people to develop , only through consistent discipline with the time we have do we see the positive outcomes. I wish all our brilliant staff, business partners, parents, learners & friends a wonderful Christmas with those they love & a peaceful new year. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

Latest News:

Lichfield City Football Academy 10 Years Strong

Celebrating 10 Years of Football Excellence! Lichfield City Football Academy– A Decade of Developing Champions This season, we are proudly celebrating 10 years of dedication, development, and dreams achieved. Since opening our doors we’ve helped shape the future of...

Our Partners

Hoar Cross Hall
pizza by goli
pizza by goli
pizza by goli
GB Kits

TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU NEED TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. LET US BE YOUR DIFFERENCE.

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