UCFB is excited to announce the launch of a new Certificate of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Football Association.
The new certificate course in ‘Football Development’ has been specifically developed to support career opportunities for those looking to enter the football industry.
This is in collaboration with the FA, the governing body of association football in England.
The FA facilitates all competitive football matches within its remit at national level, and indirectly at local level through the county football associations.
It runs numerous competitions, and is also responsible for appointing the management of the men’s, women’s and youth national football teams.
The Certificate in Higher Education on Football Development offers specialised education for aspiring and existing football industry professionals.
The course provides a unique opportunity to develop a critical understanding and application of the various constituent components of football development at both grassroots and elite levels, catering to a variety of industry contexts.
This course, which has been developed by experienced academic staff, specialists and experts within the FA’s Grassroots Division, covers:
- Principles of football development
- Strategic football development
- Understanding the business of football development
- Equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in football
- Professional practice via a work placement
- Monitoring, evaluation, and research in industry
Students enrolled on the course will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through a curriculum and assessment strategy grounded in real-world scenarios, case studies, and a work placement.
Brendan Flood, chairman of UCFB and GIS, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Certificate in Higher Education in Football Development, a collaborative endeavour between UCFB and The Football Association.
"This innovative course represents a significant milestone in addressing the identified gap in education provision within football development.
"As chairman of UCFB, I am proud of our commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for individuals to gain a critical understanding of the diverse facets of football development.
"This unique course, developed in collaboration with the FA, will not only bridge knowledge gaps but also contribute to the growth and success of the football industry.
"We are excited about the positive impact this course will have on aspiring football professionals and look forward to shaping the future of football development together with the FA.”
James Kendall, FA director of football development, said: “The FA and the County FAs work as one team to strategically lead and serve grassroots football across England. Our purpose is to inspire positive change through football by uniting communities, tackling inequalities and improving the health of the nation.
"We are therefore excited to support the next generation of future football leaders progressing from this pioneering course into roles that ensure our great game can continue to thrive and be a force for good in society in the years ahead.”
UCFB and the FA are confident that this collaborative effort will significantly contribute to the education and professional development of individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the football industry.
In addition to the course, UCFB and the FA are excited to announce that professional education courses will soon be added to our collaborative portfolio, further expanding the range of specialised courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of the sports industry.
This builds upon the relationship between UCFB and the FA which commenced in 2014 with the opening of the UCFB Wembley Campus.
For more information and to apply to the Certificate in Higher Education in Football Development, please visit the UCFB Cert HE in Football Development webpage.
