Rugby Borough Football Education

At Rugby Borough Football Club, we give young people the chance to turn their passion for football into a recognised qualification and future career.

Our Post-16 Education Programme combines full-time football development with a Level 3 BTEC in Sport Coaching and Development, delivered in partnership with Brighter Futures, an experienced education provider in the sector. It’s the perfect next step for boys and girls progressing from our youth academy — or for any player who wants to keep learning while training in a professional football environment.

Students benefit from top-class facilities, including three full-size 3G pitches, modern classrooms, and daily access to qualified coaching staff. The programme is led by Chris Knott, an UEFA A-Licence football coach with extensive experience developing players and young coaches.

This two-year full-time course offers both Extended Diploma and Diploma pathways, providing flexibility based on academic goals. Assessment is entirely coursework-based — no final exams — with practical, hands-on lessons linked directly to coaching units and real-world football experience. GCSE Maths and English lesson and exam resist are on offer for learners below a grade 4.

Graduates have clear progression routes into first-team football, higher education, or careers in coaching and sport development.

Join Rugby Borough FC Post-16 and combine your education with the game you love — learn, train, and succeed both on and off the pitch.

Academic Support

• Tailored help for coursework, assignments, and time management.

• Small class sizes so tutors can give one-to-one feedback.

• Progress tracking and regular tutorials to help students stay on target.

• Access to online learning resources (Microsoft Teams) provided by Brighter Futures.

Pastoral and Wellbeing Support

• Dedicated pastoral lead or tutor available for personal guidance.

• Mental-health awareness and wellbeing support available.

• Encouragement to balance football, studies, and personal goals.

Financial Support

• Bursary funding available through Brighter Futures for students aged 16–19.

• Vulnerable Bursary: up to £1,200 per year for eligible learners (e.g., in care, care leavers, or those on specific benefits).

• Discretionary Bursary: financial help based on household income to assist with travel, meals, equipment, and other learning costs.

• Free Meals support available for qualifying students, provided via weekly food vouchers.

• All bursary funds are managed by Brighter Futures under the ESFA 16–19 Bursary Fund Guidelines, ensuring fairness and confidentiality.

Career and Progression Guidance

• 1:1 and group sessions to discuss future plans (university, coaching, employment).

• Help with UCAS applications, CV writing, and interview preparation.

• Visits from universities, employers, and guest speakers in the sports industry.

• Work experience or coaching placements through the club’s network.

Fitness, Health, and Lifestyle Support

• Strength & conditioning sessions and injury-prevention education.

• Access to club physio and fitness staff (if available).

• Guidance on nutrition, recovery, and athlete lifestyle.

Safeguarding and Equality

• Clear safeguarding policy and designated safeguarding lead.

• Equal opportunities for boys and girls in all elements of the programme.

• Inclusive, respectful environment built around teamwork and development.

Professional Football Environment

• Real club setting, not just a classroom.

• Daily training in a semi-professional environment with access to the first-team pathway. (This makes you different from schools/colleges that only offer classroom study.)

Expert Coaching Staff

• Led by UEFA A-licence coach Chris Knott.

• Mentored by staff with both academic and professional football backgrounds.

• Students benefit from practical sessions mirroring academy and senior football training.

Outstanding Facilities

• Three full-size 3G pitches.

• Access to gym and performance analysis equipment.

• Modern classrooms and learning spaces at Rugby Borough FC’s home ground.

Education that Fits Football

• Full-time Level 3 BTEC in Sport Coaching & Development (no exams — coursework and practical assessment).

• Delivered with Brighter Futures, an experienced education partner.

• Lessons link directly to coaching and real-world football scenarios.

Clear Progression Pathways

• Opportunities to progress into the Rugby Borough FC First Team.

• Routes into university sports degrees, apprenticeships, coaching roles and potential American Scholarships.

• Proven track record of helping young players and aspiring coaches find their next step.

Supportive, Close-Knit Environment

• Small group sizes = personal attention.

• Academic, physical, and personal development support throughout.

The D1 bus runs past Kilsby Lane from Rugby to Daventry

X84 from Lutterworth, then D1

Trains run from Birmingham, Coventry, Daventry to Rugby