The Alan Ball Football Academy

Inspired by the legendary work ethic, passion and character of Alan Ball, the Football Academy at The Harbour School, aims to provide a safe, structured and stimulating environment, enabling us to use the power of football, fitness and education, to inspire and motivate groups of young people across the city who have found traditional schooling a challenge.

The Alan Ball Football Academy uses football coaching as innovative full time Alternative Education Provision. Offering a unique and effective way to support students who face barriers in mainstream education. By harnessing their love for football and combining it with tailored academic and personal development support, the program provides a pathway to re-engage, inspire, and empower students to achieve their potential.

Engagement Through Football

Using football as a vehicle to re-engage students with their learning and to build confidence and self-discipline. Helping us to teach students to trust again, maintain lasting relationships and enhance their self-esteem.

Career Pathways and Work Experience

Introduce pathways in sports-related careers, such as coaching, fitness training, or sports management, alongside other vocational opportunities.
Work with students to ensure that they all have realistic Post 16 offers and are capable of moving on to their next steps successfully.
Provide work experience opportunities for students to develop their confidence and new skills in the workplace.

Academic Development

We offer tailored academic support to ensure all students achieve qualifications in core subjects (Math, English). We provide a comprehensive PHSE and IT program and help students to gain their NCFE Sports leaders award.

Emotional Development

Work with students to help them understand their barriers to learning and support them to work through these by focussing on the 5 pillars of emotional intelligence: positivity, self-motivation, resilience, empathy and independence.