Shadow Scholarship
Our Post-16 Shadow Scholarship aims to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football, offering local players a structured pathway to higher levels.
Players will represent Sheffield Wednesday in the National Football Youth League, Community and Education Football Alliance, and Sheffield & Hallamshire Flexi League while receiving at least three hours of weekly training from industry professionals, including current and former academy coaches.
Additional benefits include:
Strength & Conditioning / Gym Sessions in our state-of-the-art fitness suite.
Match & Training Analysis using VEO cameras and STAT vests.
Official Sheffield Wednesday kits are provided, with Macron SWFCCP training kits available for purchase upon enrolment.
We offer teams for all abilities, maintaining high training standards alongside education.
Progression
Students have a clear and proven support pathway for progression, both locally and abroad. Many have already advanced into semi-professional football, attended trials at professional clubs, or secured scholarships in the USA.
Throughout the year, we invite guest speakers from academies, scholarship programmes, and semi-professional clubs to engage with students pursuing this pathway.
Several of our students have progressed to semi-professional teams such as Hallam F.C., Swallownest, and Stocksbridge Park Steels. We also offer opportunities in the women’s game through our links with Sheffield Wednesday Ladies.
Our programme bridges the gap between college football and non-league pathways by leveraging local connections. Recently, seven players made their Step 6 debuts, and we remain committed to providing a strong development route for aspiring footballers.