Derby County Community Trust College is delighted to announce plans to expand its post-16 provision with the launch of a new Football and Education programme in Heanor, in partnership with Heanor Town Football Club, from September 2027.

The programme will offer 16–19-year-olds from Heanor and the surrounding areas the opportunity to combine full-time education with a high-quality football programme. Students will work towards a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in sport while developing on the pitch through regular training sessions and competitive fixtures representing Derby County.

Learners will train a minimum of three times each week and will have the opportunity to compete in Wednesday fixtures in the EFL Community Education Football Alliance League, facing teams connected to other EFL clubs. The programme will bring together education and football in an environment designed to help young people develop academically, athletically and personally.

The launch marks an exciting expansion of Derby County Community Trust College’s post-16 provision across Derbyshire and will bring a new option directly to young people in Heanor and surrounding areas. The programme is intended to broaden the range of local opportunities available to learners who want to pursue sport and football alongside their studies.

The partnership also builds on the Trust’s growing presence in Heanor, with football activity already taking place at Heanor Town and strong links across local schools and grassroots clubs. Together, DCCT College and Heanor Town Football Club aim to create a pathway for the next generation of learners and players, opening up opportunities in education, football and future progression.

Speaking about the announcement, Heanor Town Chairman Glen Clarence said: “I’m really pleased to be working with DCCT on this new venture. We’ve worked extremely hard to develop the ground into a place for the community, and to be able to offer an education pathway for the young people of Heanor is something I’m extremely proud to be part of.”

For more information on the programme and to register your interest, click here.