Glenavon FC have partnered with The Football Management Company to offer a new and exciting opportunity for talented 16-18 year old players from the Banbridge, ArmaghCraigavon and the surrounding area. Starting in September 2024, players will have the opportunity to train and study in a Full Time environment similar to their professional counterparts in England or Scotland. This will see the most talented players combine full time studies enrolled on a Btec Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport qualification (equivalent to 3 A- Levels) while training on a full-time basis to develop their football careers.
Lee Carroll, Director of the Football Management Company said “It’s with great pleasure that a Football Club of the stature and rich history of Glenavon FC have chosen the Football Management Company (FMC) to partner in the development of its Full Time Football & Education Academy. FMC are also very excited to announce that New-BridgeIntegrated College, have agreed to be the school support link in this project. This is an extremely exciting opportunity for talented young players from the Lurgan, Craigavon and surrounding area and it is hoped that this Full Time Academy can go on to be one of the best options in the country for any talented young players (16-18 years old) looking to develop not only their playing career but gain the qualifications necessary to go on to Higher Education or gain employment in the Sports Industry”.
Jason King, Glenavon Academy Chairman states
“We are delighted to partner with Football Management Company and New-Bridge Integrated College to bring a full-time football education programme to the local area. Young people, in post 16 education, and aspiring to be part of a programme such as this have, until now, had to travel further afield and we are very proud to be able to bring the programme closer to home. Building on our successful relationship with Lurgan Town Football Club we thank them for their support and positive contribution to making this happen. We now look forward to working hard with Lee and his team at Football Management Company in the coming period”.
Principal of New-Bridge Integrated College, Anne Anderson comments that “We are delighted to provide such a wonderful experience to our Post 16 students in this innovative and dynamic course. It will afford our students the opportunity to develop their talent as well as achieving a 3-A-Level equivalent in BTEC Level 3 Sports Studies at the same time as pursuing their career aspirations in football and the sports industry. We look forward to building strong partnerships with The Football Management Company as well as Glenavon FC, where many of our current students play. A wonderful opportunity for New-Bridge students and Year 12 pupils in our local area who may also wish to apply –Exciting times ahead!”
To inform players and parents of this exciting new initiative – an information evening has been arranged for interested parties at Lurgan Town Arena on Thursday 25th April @ 7pm. For those interested in this course application forms can be found at –