Bath College has launched the Bath College Sport Academy, a major new partnership with Bath City FC and Bath Rugby, that will begin in the 2025/26 academic year.
The academy will offer students aged 16-18 a clear pathway into professional and semi-professional sport while gaining a recognised qualification. It is designed to ensure that young athletes never have to choose between education and their sporting ambitions.
Students will train in elite facilities, access professional coaching and strength and conditioning, and receive dedicated academic support. Each programme will follow a structured timetable, helping students develop as athletes and as confident, resilient young adults.
James Moon, Football Lead Academy Coach at Bath College, said, “We are excited about the dramatic increase in sports academy activity at the college next year. The college’s investment in these academies will expand opportunities for our students and positively impact their academic performance and overall experience.
“By strengthening the role of sport within further education, we create an environment where students can thrive on and off the field, develop skills, confidence and build resilience for the future.”
Jane Jones, Director of Women’s Football for Bath City FC, said, “We’re thrilled Bath College will host a Women’s Academy, giving girls access to elite coaching, education, and a clear pathway into Bath City Women’s football. Since launching our women’s team four seasons ago, our goal has been to grow the game locally, and this academy builds that vision by connecting youth development to senior opportunities.”
Craig Lilley, Head of Academy at Bath Rugby, added, “We are proud to launch this new partnership with Bath College, which strengthens our commitment to inclusive, accessible opportunities for young players across the region. It is vital that talented athletes, whether inside or outside our formal academy, have access to high-quality environments to continue their development, and this programme delivers exactly that.”
Bath College plans to expand the Sport Academy further with future strands in women’s rugby, netball and golf.
