Future football stars to get university education

A new university programme to give students the opportunity to study for a degree while training to become professional footballers is set to launch in the autumn.

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) has launched a partnership with the Inspire Development Academy (IDA), a Sheffield-based company focused on merging education and elite-level sport.

IDA will offer places for 60 students for 2027 and 2028 to study at the University of Sheffield and SHU.

"It's exciting, it's career focused, and it's designed to give students a clear progression into employment," David Binney, the Associate Head of School for Sport and Physical Activity at SHU, said.

According to IDA, students will be able to access professional-style training led by UEFA-licensed coaches.

Binney said with the university landscape facing cuts it was important to "evolve to stay relevant and sustainable".

He said the scheme was geared towards "ambitious student athletes who really want to develop in football, while also gaining a degree which supports their career aspirations".

It is open to both UK and international students across a wide range of academic disciplines, but has a bias in favour of international students.

Spencer Taylor, Managing Director of IDA said their vision focused on "developing well-rounded young people who can thrive on the pitch and in the classroom".

According to the IDA website, graduates of the programme have gone to play for Haverfordwest County, in the Welsh Premier League, Ytterhogdals IK, in Sweden, and Sheffield FC, in the United Counties League Premier Division North.

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