Pictured left to right – Alfie Wilkes, Jaykan Harnupdali, Mike Fowler and Fin Byng
Register for the College or University-level Football & Education courses here.
Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) and Redditch United Football Club (RUFC) are excited to announce their partnership, with HoW College taking the lead in delivering the club’s full-time education and football development programme from September 2026. This builds on the existing partnership for higher education provision.
The exciting collaboration offers young footballers aged 16-19 the opportunity to pursue college qualifications in sport whilst training and competing at a high level within a professional football environment. The programme is now recruiting for the 2026 intake and will run from RUFC’s state-of-the-art 3G facilities.
In addition to full-time football and academic study, which will take place at the HoW College Redditch campus, students will benefit from:
● Fixtures against professional opposition
● Opportunities for involvement in RUFC’s first teams – both men’s and women’s
● US scholarship opportunities
● Loan opportunities to semi-professional clubs
● Paid and voluntary work opportunities within RUFC
● Access to FA coaching and referee qualifications
As part of the HoW student community, academy players will also gain access to the Learning Resource Centres, mental health and wellbeing services, and a full student enrichment programme.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment to support young people in reaching their educational and athletic goals, whilst preparing them for careers in sport.
Michelle Dowse, Principal and CEO of HoW College, said: “Working with Redditch United Football Club to deliver this programme is a really fantastic way to showcase how education and sport can be blended together. We want to offer students access to first class learning and tutoring whilst in a professional football setting. It’s a great opportunity for young people to develop their skills, gain qualifications, and take the next steps towards their dream career.”
David Faulkner, Chairman at Redditch United Football Club, added: “Partnering with HoW College is such an exciting step towards young people receiving a quality education alongside their football development. Together, we’re offering a solid pathway towards a career in football as well as ensuring students are prepared for lifelong success, whatever direction they choose to take.”
To register interest click here to fill in the interest form, and to find out more, come along to HoW College’s open event tonight at the Redditch Campus from 5pm – 8pm. We’ll be there!
