The programme at Exmouth Community College has expanded to girls this season following strong demand for its boys’ programme, which is now full.

Run in partnership with Exeter Regional Talent Centre (ERTC), the academy combines sixth form study with specialist football coaching and competition. ERTC has links with Exeter City FC and has supported players who have progressed into the club’s academy system.

Students also take part in sessions on cooking, nutrition on a budget, interview skills and mortgage planning, alongside strength and conditioning, sports psychology and sports therapy.

The boys’ programme competes in the AoC Tier three league. Students also have opportunities to gain coaching experience, and all are encouraged to complete the FA’s free entry-level EE Playmaker by England Football course.

Former Year 13 student Rory Macdonald, who captained the academy last season, has completed his UEFA C Diploma coaching qualification and is developing his coaching skills with ERTC.

Rory said: “The Academy has been a brilliant experience for me and has given me opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’ve obviously really enjoyed the football side, but some of the things that surprised me most were the parts away from the pitch. I particularly enjoyed the health and nutrition sessions and the cook-offs, as well as learning about sports psychology. A lot of what we covered is useful not just in football but in everyday life as well.

“The coaching opportunities have also been a massive part of it for me. I’ve been able to complete my UEFA C qualification and I’m now working with ERTC, coaching at the Girls’ Centre on Thursday evenings. I’ve also gained really valuable experience supporting the U12s on the Netherlands tour, which gave me the chance to put what I’d learnt into practice in a completely different environment.

“The Academy has helped me see that there are lots of different pathways within football and has given me the confidence and experience to start taking my next steps in coaching. I’ve really enjoyed being part of it and I’m excited to keep developing with ERTC.”

Matt Hesford, football development officer at Exeter Regional Talent Centre, said: “We’ve been really pleased with how the students have embraced the academy and the opportunities that come with it. We want to develop good footballers, but just as importantly, we want to help develop confident, capable young people who are better prepared for whatever they choose to do next.

“Seeing students like Rory progress into coaching, and others gaining experience with us on tour, shows what the programme can offer beyond simply playing matches. The students have really bought into what we are trying to achieve, and the fact that the boys’ programme is now full is a fantastic reflection of that.

“Expanding the academy to girls is an exciting next step. We want to create the same opportunities for female players to develop their football in a high-quality environment while continuing their education, and hopefully we’ll see them achieve the same sort of successes we’re already seeing from the boys’ programme.”

Tom Inman, headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: “We’re really pleased to see the Football Academy go from strength to strength and to be able to open the programme up to girls for the first time. The fact that the boys’ programme is now full is a great reflection of what it offers our students.

“Football is the vehicle, but the Academy is about much more than what happens on the pitch. Students are developing skills and experiences that will serve them well beyond Sixth Form, from coaching and teamwork to nutrition, interviews and planning for life after school. We’re very grateful to ERTC for their expertise and commitment, and for the opportunities they are creating for our students.”

The academy is planning a future tour to Madrid.

An open evening will take place at the college on Friday, November 27, from 6pm to 7.30pm. For more information or to register an interest, email Matt Hesford.