Our Sports Academies are home to our competitive sport offer, as well as our Leadership and Officiating Academy. These all offer high quality training, coaching, and playing opportunities in competitive sport. Through the Leadership and Officiating Academy, there will be opportunities to develop your employability skills, and gain sport specific qualifications, for example refereeing or coaching.
Whether you're passionate about football or basketball, you’ll be part of a growing and supportive sporting community. You’ll train with others from different courses and backgrounds, helping you build new friendships and transferable skills that will benefit you no matter where your future takes you.
You don’t need to be studying a sport course to join one of our sport academies, you can study any full-time course with us and get involved. Participating in the Academies is free of charge but this does not include any kit costs but we encourage students to speak to staff for support.
We pride ourselves on our partnerships with local community organisations and sports clubs to offer the following Sports Academies:
Men’s Leicester College Riders Basketball
Women’s Football supported by Leicester City in the Community
Cricket supported by CEL Sports
Men’s Football
How to get involved
Learners should register for a trial or coach meeting when they enrol at the College, or during the first week of term. Coaches will review all trialists to select training squads ahead of fixtures commencing in mid-September.
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Men's Football Academy
Our Men’s Football Academy programme provides talented players with the opportunity to develop both on and off the pitch through high-quality coaching, competitive fixtures, and personalised support. Learners can access up to five hours of weekly training led by experienced coaches, alongside strength and conditioning programmes where appropriate. Students will also represent the academy in regional league competitions, national cup fixtures, and showcase tournaments, creating an environment that supports progression in football while balancing academic studies.
Dave Williams, a UEFA B Licensed Football Coach and Qualified Personal Trainer with over 15 years of coaching experience across youth, academy, and senior football.
Dave studied Sport Coaching, Fitness and Development at Pembrokeshire College and hold a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching. During this time, he served as Vice-Captain of the Football Academy, winning the Under-19 Minute Maid League Cup.
Dave’s playing background includes senior football in the Welsh League with Newcastle Emlyn, and a Player/Coach role in the Ceredigion League, where he won the league undefeated.
Dave’s coaching experience includes working with boys’ junior teams (U14–U17), academy programmes, girls’ performance centres, and senior women’s football, including leading a Welsh Premier League ladies team to a local league treble.
Since moving to Leicester, Dave has:
Led Barwell FC U17s to a league title (2024/25)
Coached and mentored Leicester College Men’s Football Academy to league champions in only their second season.
Continued playing competitively, helping St Patrick’s FC gain promotion as league champions
Dave is passionate about player development, performance coaching, and creating environments where athletes can thrive.
Women's Football Academy
Our Women’s Football Academy offers players the opportunity to develop their skills through weekly coaching sessions delivered by Leicester City in the Community coaches, alongside competitive fixtures and additional development opportunities throughout the year. Learners will compete in regional league competitions, national cup fixtures, and showcase tournaments, providing a supportive environment for players to progress both on the pitch and alongside their studies.
James leads on coaching the women’s academy through our partnership with Leicester City in the Community. An award winning chairman of a grassroots football club, influential in contributing to improvements in sports engagement and with over 20 years of coaching experience, it will be the 3rd year that James has coached and mentored our women’s academy.
Men's Basketball Academy
Leicester College College Riders and Leicester Riders Under 18s
The Men’s Basketball Academy, Leicester College Riders, provides talented players with the opportunity to develop through high-level coaching, competitive fixtures, and individual skill sessions. Learners can access up to 4.5 hours of weekly court training, alongside additional strength and conditioning support where appropriate. The academy competes in the AoC Regional League, National Cup, and regional tournaments, with opportunities for selected players to trial for the Leicester Riders U18s programme. Open to full-time Leicester College students, the academy offers a professional environment for players to progress both academically and athletically.
Pak is a passionate basketball coach dedicated to helping players develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game.
2026-2027 will be the third season of Pak coaching the Leicester College Basketball Academy – Leicester College Riders.
With over 15 years of playing experience for multiple teams and 7 years of coaching with the Leicester Riders Foundation, he focusses on building strong fundamentals, basketball IQ and a positive mindset both on and off the court. Known for his energetic and supportive coaching style, coach Pak works with players of all levels to help them grow, compete and reach their full potential.
Cricket Academy
The Cricket Academy offers learners the opportunity to develop their skills through seasonal training and competitive fixtures throughout the academic year. Weekly training sessions take place during the autumn and spring/summer blocks, including an indoor season leading into the AoC regional tournament and an outdoor summer league campaign after Easter. Learners will compete in regional competitions and showcase tournaments, providing valuable experience in a supportive and high-performance environment alongside their studies.
Pan Ability Football Academy
Our Pan Ability Football Academy provides a safe, inclusive and competitive environment for learners with additional needs or disabilities to participate in football.
Primarily, our Pan Ability Football Academy is filled with learners from our SAIL curriculum area, however we will be opening a limited number of spaces to learners from other curriculum areas.
NEW for 2026
Fitness Academy
New in 2026, our Fitness Academy will train in gym and fitness studio settings in preparation to compete in the AoC College Fitness Games.
Training will be led by qualified instructors throughout the year, with further details to be shared from September.
Leadership and Officiating Academy
This opportunity is open to any student at Leicester College.
Working with organisations such as the County FA, our community sport partners, local schools and the Association of Colleges, learners will have opportunities to build their employability skills, through trips, events and forums.
Spaces on officiating courses, such as for football, basketball or cricket will be made available at discounted rates, where learners commit to using their qualification to support Academy fixtures.
The AoC Sports Leadership Programme is a year long programme that will allow learners to support growth in sports participation, across the college community and beyond.