Foundation Day 2023 is almost upon us with ‘Football for All’ this year’s focus, as we recognise the many different footballing pathways regardless of ability at The Albion Foundation.
We’re encouraging all fans to ‘Bring a Pound to the Ground’ for Albion’s clash with Huddersfield as we look to raise important funds to allow football to be accessible for all.
We’ve been showcasing the positive impact The Albion Foundation has on its local community in the lead up to Foundation Day, highlighting a different stage of the pathway each day.
Following on from Premier League Kicks, let’s move on to our Post-16 programme - a full time football and education programme run in conjunction with several education providers.
The focus of the programme is for students to gain an education by studying a Sports BTEC or A-Level in college or school four times a week, alongside training and matches, with Wednesday gameday in the EFL.
All players involved are aged 16-19 years old at Sandwell or Stone College, George Salter Academy or The Streetly Academy, with teams competing in either the EFL or AOC college leagues.
The programme allows players to represent West Bromwich Albion while studying for a sports-related qualification, transferring skills and tactical knowledge developed in training sessions into match performances.
Our Sandwell College Post-16 group has access to the West Bromwich Albion Academy facilities, training and playing inside the Academy Dome and on the 4G playing surfaces, playing against other local clubs such as Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Wolves, with past players often being selected to take part in training sessions with the club’s U18’s and U23’s.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in work experience with The Albion Foundation, through community coaching to help them gain their qualifications and an exit route after the programme, whether that be through university, paid work or an apprenticeship.
For any enquiries regarding our Post-16 programme, please contact:
Liam Wall (Post 16 Football Co-Ordinator) - liam.wall@albionfoundation.co.uk
Remember to ‘Bring your Pound to the Ground’ for Foundation Day 2023 at the Huddersfield clash and don’t forget signed match-worn shirts from Saturday’s game against Hull City are available at auction and you can get your hands on these by clicking here to place your bid.
Alongside the match-worn shirt auctions, you can also donate to The Albion Foundation via text message. All you need to do is text TAF and the amount you want to donate to 70470, for example TAF10 to donate £10. Donations can also be made via our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/albionfoundation