Answers before you join.
These FAQs bring together the questions families ask most often, alongside information from the academy’s current programme guidance. Site-specific arrangements are confirmed during application and enrolment.
Joining Steven Gerrard Academy.
The essentials about who the programme is for, where students can study, qualifications, entry requirements and funding.
What is Steven Gerrard Academy?
Steven Gerrard Academy is a full-time football and education programme. School leavers study towards a recognised sports qualification while training and playing several times each week in a structured academy environment.
Who is the programme for?
The school-leaver route is designed for students aged 16 and over who want to continue their education while developing as footballers. Other routes, including the HNC and Football Industry Degree, have separate age and entry requirements.
Where are the academy locations?
Domestic school-leaver programmes operate at sites including Liverpool South, Kirkby, Chester, Lancashire and Nottingham. Course availability varies by site, so the admissions team will confirm the closest suitable option.
What can students study?
The main school-leaver route is a two-year Level 3 BTEC in Sports, Coaching and Development, worth up to 168 UCAS points. A Level 2 route may be available where appropriate. Selected sites also offer Football Media, with progression into the Level 4 HNC or Football Industry Degree.
What are the entry requirements?
For Level 3, the usual target is five GCSEs at grades 4–9. Students who do not meet that threshold may be considered for a Level 2 route. Higher-level courses have their own UCAS and GCSE requirements, which the team will confirm during the guidance interview.
Is the 16–18 programme free?
For eligible school leavers, the two-year 16–18 study programme is fully funded, so there are no tuition fees. Eligibility depends on age, residency and funding rules; admissions will confirm this before enrolment.
Football programme.
Students train, compete and develop in a structured academy environment, combining coaching, fixtures, analysis, gym work and education.
What does a typical week look like?
An indicative week combines classroom lessons, training, recovery and matchday. The usual pattern is lessons and training on Monday and Tuesday, a Wednesday fixture, lessons and recovery on Thursday, then lessons and training on Friday. Timetables vary by site, squad and time of year.
How often do students train?
Students normally train two or three times each week, supported by gym, analysis, technical and tactical work. Pre-season places extra emphasis on fitness and preparation for the competitive calendar.
Does a student need to be an elite footballer to join?
No. SGA has squads for different levels, from players targeting the football league system to students who want regular football alongside their studies. Suitability is assessed through commitment, attitude and willingness to develop, not football ability alone.
Which squad will a student join?
Coaches assess every player and place them in the squad best suited to their current ability and development needs. Players may move squads as coaches review their progress.
Which leagues and cups do SGA teams enter?
Squads compete across programmes including the National Football Youth League, North West college leagues, the FA Youth Cup, national cups and local college competitions. The exact schedule depends on site, age, squad and competition eligibility.
Education and progression.
Qualifications, English and Maths, individual learning support and progression planning run alongside football development.
Can students resit Maths and English?
Yes. Students aged 16–19 who have not achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and/or English will continue studying the relevant subject as part of their programme. The exact qualification and timetable are agreed at enrolment with the education provider.
What SEND and learning support is offered?
Support is planned around individual need. Families should share any SEND, disability, EHCP or access needs during application so the education team can review evidence, discuss reasonable adjustments and confirm the support available before enrolment. This may include adapted teaching, additional tutor or learning-assistant support and agreed access arrangements, where appropriate.