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If you’re a young footballer with dreams of playing professionally, you may have heard of the term “football scholar”.

But who is a football scholar and how can you become one?

A football scholar is a young footballer who has achieved the first milestone on their quest to become a professional footballer.

It is an endorsement by a FA-recognized academy to enrol a player at the age of 16 on a 2-year apprenticeship program.

Hard work pays off. You work hard you arrive – Zlatan Ibrahimović

But why would a club offer a scholarship to a player, and what does it entail?

Young football players in professional English clubs are called “scholars” because they focus on both playing football and studying.

They used to be called “apprentices” when they trained like learning a job.

Now, under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), clubs offer both top football training and school support, treating them as student-athletes. 

The term “scholar” also shows that clubs give them scholarships to help with their education.

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of who is a football scholar. This will include the benefits, the selection process, and what’s involved in the apprenticeship program.

Why do clubs offer scholarships?

There are many reasons why a club may offer a scholarship to a young player.

Scholarships help clubs find and train young players from an early age.

With structured training, education, and support, these players can become skilled and might join the club’s main team.

Alongside their regular course requirements, scholars can gain valuable work and volunteer experience, engage in equality, diversity and inclusion sessions, and take part in a wide range of purposeful, enjoyable and enriching workshops.

Developing homegrown players is cheaper than buying star players. Successful academy players can save clubs money on transfer fees and can be sold for a good profit if they do well.

UK football organizations like the Premier League and the Football Association have rules and rewards for clubs that develop homegrown talent.

Scholarships help clubs follow these rules through the EPPP programme.

Scholarships often include education, making sure young players get an education (A – Level standard) along with football coaching.

This prepares them for life beyond football, whether they go pro or not.

Here is Bristol City FC approach to the scholar programme.

The English football scene is very competitive so offering scholarships helps clubs attract the best young talent and build a strong team for the future.

What’s involved in the selection process?

Academy scholarship offers can be given to a player anytime on or after 1st January in the year they reach the age of 14.

For players in the Under 16 age group, it shall be offered on or before the 31st December in their Under 16 season.

If a player is successful in receiving a scholarship offer, they have 28 days to respond. If they don’t respond within that time frame, it’s considered that they have not accepted the offer.

The process of becoming a scholar can be very stressful, as with everything else to do with selection in football. Players may have to deal with rumours and innuendos throughout the season.

Number of Scholars offered by Academy Clubs

The number of scholars signed do change throughout the season as players move between clubs.

Category 1 Clubs

Category 2 Clubs

Category 3 and 4 Clubs (North)

Category 3 and 4 Clubs (South)

What’s involved in the apprenticeship program?

In the first two years of the apprenticeship program, academy players must take an education component as part of their scholarship.

Many academy players take the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, but other education opportunities may be available after the age of 18.

More information is available on the League Football Education (LFE) website.

Although not compulsory, academy players are expected to complete their education program even if they sign a professional contract before the apprenticeship has run its course.

From 2020, the FA has introduced an option to combine A-Levels with BTEC programs, and in some cases, the A-Level can be paid for by the LFE if a scholar meets the requirement.

The educational programme consists of the following elements:

Sporting Excellence Professional (Level 3)

BTEC Sporting Excellence and Performance (Level 3)

Functional Skills (Level 2)

Certificate in Coaching (UEFA C)

On the 19th of August 2024 the LFE marked its 20th anniversary of nurturing the next generation of football talent and fostering educational excellence.

The latest edition of the academy scholars magazine, Touchline, was released by the LFE in August 2024. Click here to view it.

Player Care

In the last few years, football clubs have been paying more attention to Player Care.

They realize that taking care of players’ well-being is just as important as their physical health for playing well on the field.

Many kids who start in academy football won’t become professional footballers.

It’s important to help manage their expectations, support their overall development, and prepare them for potential release or moving on to something else.

For academy players, the player care programme equips them with life skills to deal with the challenges of aiming to become professional footballers.

Different speakers are invited to address the players on their own footballing journey.

Topics may include gambling, injuries, life outside football, staying safe online and mental health.

While on a preseason tour in Bratislava, Rhondell Stabana, the Player Care Officer at Wolves, shares insights about his role.

He explains what a typical day looks like, the main priorities of the player care team, and how they help young players transition into their first job.

He also discusses how trips like these offer valuable new experiences to the players.

Innovative schemes beyond developing football talent.

Some clubs go beyond developing footballing talent. They empower young footballers to become well-rounded individuals with transferable skills and qualifications that can prepare them for success, whether on or off the pitch.

A good example is an educational workshop arranged by Burnley Academy in partnership with Burnley College to get grips with the world of engineering and construction.

Also, five Portsmouth academy players completed their UEFA B qualifications with the PFA at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Do football academy scholars get paid?

Yes, football scholars do get paid! This is an apprenticeship program over two years, but the amount paid varies based on the category of the academy and their budget.

Where do football academy scholars live?

Two primary accommodation options are available for football academy scholars

Academy accommodation: Some academies, particularly those in category 1 clubs, have residential facilities where scholars live.

These are often like dormitories, with communal living areas and meals provided. This is a good option for scholars who live far away from the academy and require supervision.

Host families: Commonly referred to as “digs” is when a club arrange for scholars to live with local host families. This enables young players to experience a more normal life and get settled into the area.

The families are typically vetted by the academy and given some kind of allowance to help cover the costs of looking after the scholar.

Scholars who live nearby the club  have the option to stay at home with their families.

This is an example of how clubs advertise for host families

Football Tournament Opportunities

Academy football scholars get the opportunity to represent their country in both national and international tournaments.

A new development from FIFA means that from 2025 the U17 world cup will no longer be held biennially but annually.

This could provide more opportunities for academy players to compete at the international level and gain valuable experience.

Some of the more popular tournaments academy teams attend can be found here.

Youth Footballer Pathways to the Premier League

Because of injuries in the Manchester United first team, these academy players were picked in the squad for the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.

1. Elyh Harrison – 18 years old
2. Ayden Heaven – 18 year old
3. Harry Amass – 17 years old
4. Sekou Kone – 19 years old
5. Tyler Fredricson – 19 years old
6. Chido Obi – 17 years old
7. Jack Fletcher – 17 years old
8. Jack Moorhouse – 19 years old

There are few ways that young players end up playing in the Premier League

A young player may be fast tracked through the ranks of the club’s academy allowing them to quickly transition to the first team.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are examples from Manchester United.

Rico Lewis has already attained 30 appearances in the Manchester City first team at the age of 19.

To gain valuable experience, they may be sent on loan to lower league clubs, to gain first team experience before returning to their parent club to play.

Standout players in a lower league may impress catching the eye of scouts from Premier League clubs.

Some players go to play in foreign leagues to further develop their abilities and return following interest from top-tier Premier League teams.

An example is Samuel Lling- Junior who left Chelsea at the age of 17 to go and play in Italy, with Juventus.

Sam made 24 appearances in the 2023/24 season at Juventus and has been recently been linked to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

In conclusion

Becoming a football academy scholar is a significant milestone on the path to becoming a professional footballer.

It’s an opportunity to receive specialized training, access education programs, and get paid to play the sport you love.

While the selection process can be stressful, those who succeed in becoming scholars will have taken a crucial step towards achieving their dreams.