Prime Highlights :
- Northumbria University partnered with England Football Learning to launch a football coaching degree with UEFA qualifications.
- Students will be able to complete UEFA coaching certifications within the degree programme at no additional cost.
Key Facts :
- The Football Coaching and Performance programme is scheduled to begin in September 2026.
- England Football Learning is the education and development arm of the Football Association.
Background :
Northumbria University has partnered with England Football Learning to launch a new undergraduate programme in Football Coaching and Performance focused on professional football coaching careers.
The programme will launch in September 2026 and will combine academic study with fully funded Union of European Football Associations coaching qualifications. The initiative makes Northumbria one of the few universities in England to include UEFA coaching certifications directly within a degree programme.
The partnership is designed to improve access to industry-recognised coaching qualifications and support workforce development in football. Students enrolled in the programme will receive football-specific training focused on coaching methods, performance strategies and practical learning in real-world football environments.
The university said students will gain experience needed for academy-level coaching and roles within professional football clubs. UEFA coaching qualifications will also be available during the course at no extra cost, helping students develop professional credentials alongside academic learning.
England Football Learning said embedding the qualifications within the degree creates a clearer and more accessible route for aspiring football coaches. The organisation added that the partnership supports efforts to improve coaching standards across different levels of the game.
Northumbria University said the programme strengthens its position in football education and builds on previous sports partnerships and coaching initiatives. The university launched the i2i International Soccer Academy in 2019 to combine higher education with professional football training led by UEFA-licensed coaches.
The institution also offers broader sports coaching programmes for students interested in coaching, teaching and sports education across different disciplines.
