The programme has been developed in collaboration between the University of Derby and ProChance Football Club, this programme is aimed at aspiring athletes who have a background of high level football, a positive attitude, a desire to develop and the commitment to improve themselves on and off the pitch. As a promising sportsperson, you are focused on your performance on the pitch and pursuing your dreams to compete professionally and at an elite level. Your life off the pitch is crucial too, and it’s important to plan your life after sport, future proofing your career.
Full time training surrounded by a highly talented support team enables our athletes to become the best version of themselves on and off the pitch.
The course studied by players is very flexible and is a unique foundation degree allows you to be able to train and compete full-time, while studying and working towards your degree.
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The block study which is delivered on-campus combining remote study methods have been designed to support elite/professional athletes to to embrace the culture of full time training alongside your studies.
Both male and female players enjoy training and playing on a full time basis onsite at the University of Derby with a full support structure similar to that at first team level at a Premier League club or WSL club.
Add this to our games programme balancing showcase matches versus professional clubs at first team/U23/U21 and high level university football and you have a 360 degree, holistic approach to create opportunity.
RETHINK WHAT COULD BE POSSIBLE?
Our
Model
Mens & Womens
In November 2024 we were selected by Sky Sports to take part in a documentary called “Chasing the Dream”. This programme highlighted all the challenges faced by young, talented footballers upon their release. The same challenges often faced by players trying to force their way in to senior football but without much success.
Our ethos of supporting young footballers, our model, programme and how we do things were visible for all to see as we make strides to be the very best football and academic programme in the world for players aged 18 and over.
The Course: Fda Athlete Professional
Development Course
The two year course places you at the core of the programme, focusing on your personal and professional development; you’ll explore: Your life so far and your future plans Your values, beliefs and motivations What you want from your life in and after sport How to be successful during your competitive/officiating career and afterwards How self-reflection can help shape your future life and career choices You will: Learn from our expert teaching team who are actively involved in research, high-performance sport and applied sport science consultancy. They are also members of leading professional bodies. We regularly give our student athletes the chance to meet and learn from leading professionals. Put theory into practice through work-based learning in both years of your studies. You'll have the opportunity to apply the skills you learn within the modules to roles within the host organisation such as coaching, teaching, sports administration, sports management, business, entrepreneurship and event support and mentoring Once you finish the course, you’ll not only have formal recognition of a foundation degree on your CV, but you’ll also be in a position where your next career step will be an extension of your current sporting life. It can also be a stepping stone to further development as you are able to top up your foundation degree in a range of subjects. We want you to be with us as you start your journey to lifelong learning.
It's important you understand all elements of the programme and our football club.
ProChance and staff at the University of Derby will take you through the process of application and your application is direct through the University.
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To explore the course, learn more, understand our entry requirements click below.
Our Ambitions
Educate in our own Innovative way, the next generation of highly employable, skilled individuals.
We have created a balance between academics and football enabling our student athletes to be truly full time.
We wish for each of our student athletes to have every chance to be successful on and off the pitch.
Within mens football, create opportunities, provide outstanding coaching and support so that players reignite their love for the game, learn and develop beyond their current ambitions while cultivating a culture and environment of excellence culminating in a squad year on year challenging the status quo within professional football. Ultimately, creating a synergy between elite level university sport and the professional game.
Within women's football, create opportunities, provide outstanding coaching and support so that players reignite their love for the game, learn and develop beyond their current ambitions while cultivating a culture and environment of excellence culminating in a squad year on year challenging the status quo within professional football creating a squad capable of working through the leagues within women's football and challenging for more opportunities for talented young female footabllers.
Our Senior Leadership Team
Enthusiasm | Passion | Knowledge
Liam Sutcliffe
Head Coach for
University of Derby
&
Head of Football for
ProChance Football Club
Dr Andy Hooten
Head of School of Sport and Exercise Science at University of Derby
Ellie Glover
Consultant on Player Care, Psychology & Wellbeing for
ProChance Football Club
Jo Keegan
Head Physiotherapist for
Team Derby
&
ProChance Football Club
Harvey Kennedy
Head of PR & Media for
ProChance Football Club
Abbie Smith
Player Care, Psychology [SEPIT] & Wellbeing Lead for
ProChance Football Club
Will Chadwick
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Performance Analysis Lead for
ProChance Football Club
Mia Lockwood
Head of Commercial for
ProChance Football Club
Support Structure
Both male and female players enjoy a full support structure akin to what you would find at a high level professional football club: Full time coaching team Psychology team Performance Analysis team Physiotherapy team Media & PR team Player care & Welfare team Performance team taking care of strength, conditioning, workload, nutrition and hydration All our staff and players are supported by the University of Derby.
RETHINK WHAT COULD BE POSSIBLE?
Who are we looking for?
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Players who have recently been released from a professional football club
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Players who have been involved in non league football but for whatever reason it hasn’t provided the opportunities you would like
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Committed, dedicated and hardworking individuals who are open to learning and improving
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Ambition to become the best version of yourself and to achieve sporting excellence on and off the pitch
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Aged 18 to 24 Male and Female
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Individuals who can add to our already impressive culture and environment for enjoyment, development and winning
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Players willing to combine study and football with a view to becoming a success on and off the pitch