Swindon College and Blue Square Premier Club, Forest Green Rovers are now into the 5th year of a successful partnership which offers successful applicants the opportunity to play for the club while completing their full time education at Swindon College. This means that players can continue their education and fulfil their football ambitions at the same time. Each student has 6 hours professional coaching per week from UEFA qualified coaches around their academic studies and college commitments. It is also hoped in the near future that gaining a football coaching qualification will be part of the scheme, meaning students will be able to take their first steps into football coaching.

On Saturday mornings the players represent Forest Green Rovers F.C. in the South West Counties Youth League, competing at a high level against such clubs as Aldershot Town, Bath City and Newport County. Players also represent Swindon College on a Wednesday against other local colleges in the 3 Counties Youth League.

For those fortunate to make it into the FA Youth Cup squad, home games are played at the New Lawn, Forest Green Rovers’ main stadium. League and College matches are played on the excellent playing surfaces at Ballards Ash, near Wootton Bassett which is also currently where the team train. If players show the right attitude and right ability level they are given the opportunity to play and train alongside the first team professionals. With a newly formed Reserve team competing in the Football Combination League; never has there been a better pathway to First Team level. Players also have access to use the services of the club’s physiotherapist and are allowed free entry to all home Nationwide Conference League matches. Uses of the gym facilities at Centre Fitness in Swindon are also free of charge to students on the scheme.

For those players who are not fortunate enough to be offered full time professional contracts at the end of the partnership, coaches will work hard to place the players at a suitable club where their talent and skills can continue to develop. With contacts at Southern League, Hellenic League and Toolstation League level there will be plenty of options available to players at the end of the course.

For details of how to apply for a place at the Partnership, please click here.