Sixth form with elite football and real education

We are introducing our post-16 offer with Elite Coaching Academy (ECA): full-time football and education at Leisure United, Parsloes Park in Barking and Dagenham. Recognised NCFE sport qualifications, UEFA-qualified coaching and personalised support, built for young people ready for the next pitch.

Visit Elite Coaching Academy Destination success KS4 pathways

Purpose

Why this partnership matters

Elite Coaching Academy is a full-time post-16 football and education provider based at Leisure United, Parsloes Park in Barking and Dagenham. ECA combines industry-recognised NCFE sport qualifications with an elite football programme delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches.

It is an exciting development for Evolution Education students, parents and partner schools: a clear sixth form route that takes seriously both the ball and the classroom, especially for learners who need high-quality teaching, pastoral care and a place where they can succeed.

ECA is committed to an inclusive environment. Personalised support, strong teaching and outstanding pastoral care help every learner develop on and off the pitch.

At Evolution

How the post-16 route works with Evolution Education

This partnership sits inside our destination planning. From Key Stage 4 we help young people who shine through sport and want a full-time post-16 football pathway see ECA as a strong next step alongside college, apprenticeships and other routes.

Learners study NCFE sport qualifications while training and matching in a serious academy programme. Regular fixtures against professional clubs across the UK and Europe give intensity and opportunity that young people feel proud to aim for.

Since launching in 2020, ECA reports that more than 40 players have signed for professional football clubs, while many others have progressed into university, apprenticeships, employment and other positive destinations. That dual ambition, within the game and beyond it, matches how Evolution Education prepares young people for life.

Benefits for students

What young people gain

For students

Train hard, study hard and compete with purpose. Leave with sport qualifications, match experience and a clearer sense of who you are off the pitch as well as on it.

For parents and carers

A full-time post-16 setting that balances elite coaching with recognised qualifications, pastoral care and adults who back your child to succeed.

For schools and local authorities

A credible sixth form partner for learners who need a sport-led path into education, football progression and wider positive destinations.

Programmes

What the ECA offer includes

Academy Manager Alex Akrofi leads day-to-day operations, delivers NCFE Sport qualifications and oversees the development of every player. Drawing on a successful non-league playing career and his current role as First Team Coach at Brentwood Town FC, he brings live insight and openings that help many players progress into non-league football.

NCFE sport qualifications
Industry-recognised study that sits alongside the football programme so education stays ambitious and valued.
Elite football programme
UEFA-qualified coaching, regular fixtures against professional clubs and a performance culture that stretches every player.
Pathways beyond the pitch
Support towards professional and non-league football, university, apprenticeships, employment and other strong next steps.

Qualifications and achievements

Student achievements will appear here as they are awarded

This space is for recognised qualifications and awards earned through our work with Elite Coaching Academy. We will feature real student achievements here once they are confirmed.

Official partner website