Football Player Development Pathway

School of Health, Social Work and Sport

Our partners Macclesfield Football Club deliver the Macclesfield FC Football Player Development Programme (FPDP) which provides you with the opportunity to train and play whilst completing your degree studies with us.

The FPDP has a structured weekly programme so that you can keep developing as a player, including coaching, scouting, performance analysis and physical therapy. Our degree curriculum has been organised so blocks of time are available each day to support training, conditioning, fixtures, and recovery.

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Hear from our students01 / 01

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It’s been a really fun experience, I’ve made a lot of really good friends here. The coaching has been really great we have Jade, who is our coach for the UCLan team, she’s a very good coach.
Headshot of sports student Mallory
Mallory
Sports Business Management, BSc (Hons) - Football Player Development Pathway

Courses

This programme is available to students studying one of the following UCLan courses
  • Football Studies, BSc (Hons)

    It isn’t just the beautiful game – it’s a global business, a sociological phenomenon and a powerful public health tool. Take the chance to explore every aspect of football at the University of Central Lancashire's Football Studies BSc.

  • Sports Therapy, BSc (Hons)

    For any athlete, injuries happen. Be the one they turn to, with the specialist knowledge and skills to manage their rehabilitation and drive their recovery to peak performance.

  • Nutrition & Exercise Sciences, BSc (Hons)

    Discover a combination of subjects that puts the health of the nation in your hands, with an evidenced-based approach to nutrition and exercise science to help combat poor food choices and sedentary lifestyles.

  • Sport Business Management, BSc (Hons)

    From voluntary organisations to elite global brands and mega events, the business of sport is both unique and dynamic. This course is your way into the industry – offering management expertise shaped for sport.

How to apply

To apply for this programme, you will need to have received an offer to study at UCLan on one of the four courses above. You will then be able to apply to the football player development programme directly via Macclesfield FC.

To do this please visit Macclesfield FC's football player development pathway web page.

Visit Macclesfield's FPDP page
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Our students in action01 / 03

Students develop their player skills during a game of football.
Students develop their player skills during a game of football.
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Academics

abibbetson
Dr Adrian Ibbetson
Director of Sport

Adrian works to develop the University's reputation and prowess in sports performance, to develop sporting opportunity at the University and to enhance opportunities for staff and students to be physically active.

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Jade Richards
Women's Football Coach

Jade is responsible for the Women's Football first team at the University of Central Lancashire. With experience of playing in the FA Women’s Championship, currently with Blackburn Rovers Ladies. In terms of coaching, she has eight years’ experience coaching within the FA Girls R…