Hartpury University has become an education provider to the Premier League.

The university has created a Student-Athlete Scholarship Programme, which allows Premier League Academy graduates to progress their education and explore career paths within the sports industry.

Alongside their studies, they'll be able to continue playing the sport within Hartpury's Football Academy.

The aim of the partnership is to ensure academy graduates are equipped with the skills and education necessary for their chosen career, whether they become professional footballers or pursue an alternative career path in areas such as coaching, nutrition or business management.

The initiative is part of the Premier League's wider commitment to providing life-enriching experiences for young people within academies and ensuring that, whatever their futures hold, they're better off for having been an academy player.

Participants in the programme will benefit from a comprehensive football development curriculum, including playing for the Hartpury University FC team in the Hellenic Premier Division, FA Cup and FA Vase, fixtures with Cat 1-4 Academies, university fixtures, athletic performance training, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services and insightful guest lectures from industry experts.

Premier League Academy graduates successfully securing a scholarship will benefit from Hartpury University's top-level coaches, medical practitioners, sport and exercise scientists, nutritionists, psychologists, strength and conditioning experts and lifestyle support.

The Hartpury Football Academy has seen numerous students secure professional contracts, as well as taking up roles within football clubs and other related fields. In 2020, Hartpury University launched its first-ever non-league football club side, Hartpury University FC, aimed at providing students with further opportunities to become professional footballers.

In 2022, the team were crowned champions of the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division, winning promotion to Hellenic League One. Earlier this year, they won the Hellenic League Division One title, beating Moreton Rangers FC and gaining promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division (Step 5). The football programme currently holds university and college national championship titles, having secured their 6th BUCS National Football title and 6th ECFA National Football title respectively earlier this year.

Leon Machisa is an academy graduate from West Bromwich Albion FC. He said: "I enrolled at Hartpury University back in September 2023 and I must admit, I didn't quite know what to expect. However, from the moment I stepped onto campus, I've loved every single minute of it. The independence I've gained, coupled with the opportunity to play week in and week out while pursuing my degree, has been nothing short of amazing. It's hard to believe that I've already completed my first year.

"The quality of football at Hartpury University and Hartpury College is truly exceptional, and the level of support and rehabilitation available is second to none. For any academy graduates out there, who are considering combining full-time football with studies, I can't recommend it enough. Just take the leap and do it - you won't regret it."

Marc Richards, assistant director of elite sport at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, said: "Hartpury University and Hartpury College have a fantastic reputation of producing elite performers and supporting dual career student athletes combining their sport and education. We've produced over 250 international athletes across our wider sports academies, and the partnership with the Premier League reinforces this. We're very proud that we've been chosen by the Premier League to support these individuals with their footballing and educational pathway."

Image credit: Severn Photography