Outline
Train. Play. Learn. With Manchester United Foundation choose from a range of qualifications, including:
Sport and Public Services (Level 1)
NCFE Sport (Levels 2 and 3)
BTEC Sport (Levels 2 and 3)
BTEC Uniformed Public Services (Levels 2 and 3)
(Please note: If you need to resit Maths or English, this may affect your availability for training and fixtures.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which course do I need to study to join the Manchester United Foundation or Salford Red Devils programme?
You can access these enrichment opportunities while studying any Sport or Uniformed Public Services course at Eccles Sixth Form College. Think of this as an amazing College Team experience—similar to school enrichment, but now you’ll represent two of the biggest and best clubs in our local area and beyond!
(Please note: If you need to resit Maths and/or English, training and game time may be impacted. Education always comes first.)
2. Will I become a professional athlete?
Not necessarily. Our priority is to provide an outstanding education that kick-starts your career in your chosen sector. The football and rugby enrichment programmes are an addition—a privilege that sits alongside your study programme. While some learners have progressed to elite pathways and even Super League debuts, this is not guaranteed.
3. Where can this take my son/daughter?
These programmes open doors to:
University degrees in topics related to Sport, Coaching, or Public Services
Careers in coaching, fitness, sports development, event management, or uniformed services
Opportunities to work with organisations like Salford Community Leisure, Manchester United Foundation or Salford Red Devils Foundation
For exceptional players, pathways into semi-professional football or elite rugby squads
4. Do I need to be an elite player to join?
No! Both programmes welcome players of all abilities. Whether you’re experienced or just passionate about football or rugby, there’s a place for you.
5. How often will training and matches take place?
Training sessions are scheduled weekly, and fixtures are played in the AoC Sport League (football) or structured Rugby League competitions.
(Availability may be affected if you need to resit Maths or English.)
6. What facilities will my child have access to?
Students train and learn in state-of-the-art sports environments, including:
FA-approved 5G pitch
Modern fitness suite with strength & conditioning zones
Lecture Theatre for performance analysis
Sports Hall for multi-sport activities
7. Are there any costs involved?
Most students study for free, and if funding isn’t available, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Our team will guide you through the process.
8. How do I apply?
Click Apply on the course page, add your chosen courses, then click My Applications (top right) to complete your application.
Progression
This depends on the level of qualification you are completing, but our learners have been successful at Eccles Sixth Form College and have been able to secure;
University degrees in Sport, Coaching, or Public Services
Careers in coaching, fitness, sports development, or uniformed services
Scholarships to study and play football abroad
Employment opportunities with Manchester United Foundation for top performers
Your time at Eccles Sixth Form College isn’t just about gaining a qualification—it’s about preparing for your next step. You’ll grow academically, socially, and personally, developing the skills employers and universities value most.
Possible progression routes include:
University degrees in Sport, Coaching, Public Services, or related fields
Careers in coaching, personal training, sports development, event management, or the armed forces
Opportunities to work with organisations like the Manchester United Foundation for exceptional learners
For talented players, pathways into semi-professional football with local clubs
This programme is designed to give you options—whether that’s higher education, employment, or further training.
Entry Requirements
We welcome learners at different starting points. Here’s what you need:
Level 3 Courses: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English
Level 2 Courses: Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above
Level 1 Courses: Five GCSEs at grade 1 or above
Important: If you haven’t achieved a grade 4 in Maths or English, you’ll need to resit these alongside your main course. This may affect your availability for training and fixtures—academic success comes first.
*Fees
Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.
Apply
To add a course to your application, click 'Apply', once you have selected all your courses, click 'My Applications' top right, to continue the application process.
Select your choice below:
Name
Available At
Start Date
Fee
Apply
Academic Yr
26/27
Name
Public Services and Sport Diploma Level 1 with Manchester United Foundation Football
Available At
Eccles Sixth Form College
Start Date
01/09/2026
Fee
Free *
Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.
Academic Yr
26/27
Name
Sport Extended Certificate Level 2 with Manchester United Foundation Football
Available At
Eccles Sixth Form College
Start Date
01/09/2026
Fee
Free *
Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.
Academic Yr
26/27
Name
Sport Extended Diploma Level 3 with Manchester United Foundation Football
Available At
Eccles Sixth Form College
Start Date
01/09/2026
Fee
Free *
Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.
Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.
* Subject to Eligibility
Please confirm you are applying to start in the
Academic Year