Askham Bryan College launches exciting new partnership with Harrogate Town AFC

Askham Bryan College is pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with Harrogate Town AFC, aimed at enhancing opportunities for talented young footballers who want to combine education with professional football development.

The launch of the partnership marks an exciting expansion of the College’s Sport and Football department, supporting a more blended approach to academic study.

This collaboration will see the launch of a new Under 18s Football Academy for students.

From the 2026/27 season, the collaboration with Harrogate Town AFC will see aspiring players have the opportunity to:

• Combine their study of either Sport, Uniformed Public Services or Motorsport qualifications with professional level football coaching and development.
• Compete in competitive leagues
• Train with professional league coaches

Ben Atkinson, Head of Sport, Uniformed Public Services and Motorsport expressed the impact of what the partnership means: “Our partnership with Harrogate Town AFC enhances the educational experience at Askham Bryan College by bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.

Students gain access to professional environments, expert coaching, and industry insights that complement their academic studies.”

Evan Woodworth, Academy Business Development Manager, added: “This collaboration not only strengthens our sport curriculum but also offers learners the chance to play football at a high level within a professional club structure.

While sport is a key focus, students can also choose to study other programmes alongside their training, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse career pathways in the sports industry and beyond.”

Dave Riley, Operations Director at Harrogate Town AFC: “We’re thrilled to get this exciting partnership over the line, having been incredibly impressed with Askham Bryan College’s aspirations and outstanding educational offering. The state-of-the-art facilities and deeply embedded organisational values make this a perfect fit to expand our youth development pathway and continue providing talented young footballers with opportunities to forge a career in the game.”

Josh Falkingham, Director of Youth Football: “For players aged 16–19 who are serious about their development and ambitions, this programme offers a clear pathway, expert coaching, and the support needed to progress. Whether into the professional game, higher education, or careers within sport. We’re excited to work closely with Askham Bryan to create an environment where young people can maximise their potential on and off the pitch.”

For further information about Askham Bryan College’s courses and the newly launched football academy with Harrogate Town FC, join us at our tailored Open Evening on Monday 2^nd February 2026 or at our Trial and Open Day on Thursday 19^th February 2026