The Club has launched its Football Academy, which will see players aged 16-19 trained to semi-professional level by UEFA and FA-qualified coaches.
And while the players train to the highest level on the pitch, they will be offered a choice of first class, sport-related programmes at Lincoln College.
Stuart Reddington, Head of Sport and Service Sector at Lincoln College, said the partnership provided a fantastic opportunity for students.
“Developing a partnership with Lincoln Utd FC for their new 16-19 Football Academy is a fantastic opportunity for our students to continue their high-quality education and training on a variety of vocational and technical qualifications, whilst developing their football experience with clear playing pathways at Lincoln's premier semi-professional club, currently playing at Step 4 of the Non-League football pyramid.”
Stuart, a former professional footballer, who is also the assistant first team manager at Lincoln United, said Lincoln College had a long tradition of combining football and study programmes.
“We have a strong and long-standing tradition of running football programmes alongside full-time Study Programmes at Lincoln College and indeed had the very first football academy in Lincolnshire outside of professional football, going back to 2002-2003 season.
“We have successfully supported many students over those 19 years into careers in football and the wider sports industry, whether that be directly through to professional football or by a dual-career approach balancing paid employment with semi-professional football opportunities.
“We are lucky enough to have the best grass playing facilities in Lincolnshire, again outside of professional football, and have exciting plans for development of our Ravendale Sports Ground complex over the next season. Couple this with the first-class coaching that Lincoln Utd FC are able to provide as part of the 16-19 Football Academy, our students of the future really do have a fantastic opportunity ahead of them.”
Chris Funnell, Director of Football at Lincoln United, said the new Football Academy was the start of offering even more opportunities for up and coming players.
“The new Academy is an extension of our football provision here at the club. We deliver Saturday and Sunday football for grass-roots football and non-league football, and the Academy effectively replicates that at a really high standard.”
Players will be coached throughout the academic year during the week allowing players to experience high-quality coaching on a regular basis, with the emphasis on developing the players to go on and ultimately play for Lincoln United.
Chris, who studied Further and Higher Education at Lincoln College, said he knew linking up with the College was the best way to combine quality provision both on and off the pitch.
“We believe we can deliver first-class football coaching and the partnership with Lincoln College allows students not only to receive first class football provision, but to also receive a first-class education as well, which they will through the college.”
For more details on our range of sport programmes click here
To find out more about how you can get involved, contact Chris Funnell at Lincoln Utd FC - chris.funnell@lincolnunitedfc.com
For more on Lincoln United Football Academy visit their website here