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Tresham College Football Academy

The Bedford College Group Sport & Fitness pic 2

Our footballers compete at the highest level of college football.

  Tresham Football Academy, established in 2007, was one of the country’s first football and education programs. Since then, it has achieved significant success, including being named the 2018-2019 AoC Sport National Football Champions and four-time ECFA East Midlands Champions. The academy has also seen three players return to professional football with clubs such as Colchester United F.C. and Dagenham and Redbridge.

In 2013, the academy expanded to include a ladies’ football program for girls aged 16-21. This program has been equally successful, with the team finishing as ECFA East Midlands League Runners-up three times and player Alex O’Neill signing with Leicester City F.C.

Players at Tresham Football Academy can study a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (A-Level) BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development while training three times a week. They compete in the ECFA Premier League or ECFA East Midlands leagues, with opportunities to trial for the England Colleges National Team. Notably, Dominik Wysocki was selected in 2022/23 and Niall Shackleton in 2023/24.

Upon completing their courses, students have various exit routes, including university studies, soccer scholarships through partnered companies, or continuing at Tresham College to pursue an FDsC in Sports Coaching and progress into the under-23s program.

We don’t just compete – we win!

Recent victories include the College National Championship 2018/19.

Find out more

Our coaches have UEFA A and B coaching licences and have played for and against some of the most famous teams in football.  Just try our quick quiz to learn more.

Which of the following teams have our coaches played for or against?

Arsenal, Leicester, Tottenham, Celtic, West Ham, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Fulham, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Wolves

Answer

All of them!… and the coaches look forward to sharing all their experiences and stories with you.

Meet the Experts:

Richard Scott Tresham Academy of Sport
Coach

Richard Scott

Richard Scott is a former professional footballer with over 250 Football League appearances under his belt, representing Birmingham City, Shrewsbury Town, and Peterborough United. A versatile player, Richard excelled as both a defender and midfielder, providing him with a deep understanding of the game that he now brings to his coaching.

After retiring from professional football, Richard pursued his passion for developing young talent by earning his UEFA B Licence. In 2008, he joined our Tresham Football Academy as one of our Elite Football Coaches.

A key figure in our program, Richard now co-leads the Football Academy alongside Stephen Walker. Over the past decade, his expertise and dedication have been pivotal in the Academy’s success. Under his guidance, we’ve celebrated four ECFA East Midlands titles, a National Championship, two players earning spots on the ECFA National Team, and three players returning to professional football.

Richard’s wealth of experience and commitment to nurturing talent make him an invaluable member of our coaching staff and a vital part of our Academy’s ongoing success.

Headshot of male sport coach
Coach

Steve Walker

Steve has been a cornerstone of our Academy since joining in 2009, bringing over a decade of invaluable experience and expertise to our coaching team. A UEFA B licensed coach, Steve’s career is rooted in success, having worked across multiple levels of the non-league football pyramid. Most notably, he was a key part of the Spalding United setup that secured a league title and promotion from Step 4 to Step 3—a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership.

In addition to his achievements, Steve has managed and assisted a range of non-league teams, offering our Academy a unique perspective honed by years of first-hand experience. His strong connections within the local football scene have proven instrumental in helping young players transition into first-team opportunities at various clubs, bridging the gap between youth and senior football.

Known for his engaging coaching style and approachable demeanour, Steve is a firm favourite among players. His dedication to developing talent and fostering a positive environment makes him an invaluable member of our team and a driving force behind our Academy’s continued success.

John Dobson Tresham Academy of Sport
Coach

John Dobson

John has been a valued member of the College since 2016, combining his expertise as a football coach with his role as a lecturer. His passion for football began as a player, representing renowned clubs such as Leicester City and Notts County F.C during his youth, and he proudly played for England Schools Under-16s.

John’s dedication to football extends beyond the pitch. He holds an MSc in Sports Coaching from the University of Birmingham, further solidifying his knowledge and commitment to developing athletes. Transitioning from player to coach, he has built an impressive career, including working as an academy coach for Leicester City F.C and contributing to UK Coaching.

As a UEFA B Licensed Coach, John brings a wealth of experience, complemented by his innovative use of technology to enhance coaching techniques and player development. His dynamic leadership style and engaging approach make him a favourite among players, who thrive under his guidance. John’s dedication and forward-thinking mindset continue to shape the next generation of football talent.

Headshot of female sport coach
Coach

Hannah Northall

Hannah Northall has been a driving force behind the growth and success of our Women’s Football Academy since joining the program in 2021. Currently working towards her UEFA Coaching Badges, Hannah brings a wealth of experience to the role, both as a coach and a former player.

As a former Coventry City Ladies player, Hannah competed at the highest levels, facing renowned teams such as Liverpool and Arsenal. Her firsthand knowledge of the game has been instrumental in elevating our Academy program, which has gone from strength to strength under her leadership.

Hannah’s passion, expertise, and commitment continue to inspire and shape the next generation of talented female footballers.

Something for everyone

We have a course for everyone.  Our staff will make sure you slot in at the right level so you can get the most out of your studies too.

Level 2 Diploma in Sport.  You will study topics including fitness, anatomy, lifestyle and wellbeing – and lots of football of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.

Level 3 Diploma in Sport.  You will study topics including coaching, health, fitness, nutrition and sport psychology – and lots of football of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.

Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching.  You will study topics including fitness, sport psychology, coaching, anatomy and sport performance – and lots of football of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.  You will study at the College and your degree will be awarded by our academic partner, the University of Bedfordshire.

Macey York Tresham Sport

Macey York

Hi, I’m Macey and I captain the women’s football team.  I’ve been at the College for three years and I want to do two more on the Foundation Degree in Coaching. 

Once I graduate, I want to be a PE teacher in a secondary school.  With the support of my Tutors, I am sure I’ll reach my goals.  Thanks, Tresham!

The Bedford College Group Sport & Fitness pic 1

If you would like to chat with our Head coach or book a place on a football trial event, please email us on sportsacademy@bedford.ac.uk with your name and phone number and we will call you back.

If you would like to reserve your place on this fantastic course, please click here and complete a few details.  We’ll do the rest.  We look forward to helping you achieve your ambitions.

SPORT & FITNESS COURSES

If you are highly motivated, energetic and dynamic, our Sport & Fitness courses will enable you to study and specialise in areas such as outdoor leisure, development and fitness, and personal training.

Find out more