Football and Education Post-16 Academies
The Post-16 Academy is aimed at boys and girls aged 16-19 who are interested in combining school work with the life of a professional footballer.
The Football Academy is a two-year, full-time education and football development programme, delivered in partnership with Professional and Non-League Football Clubs.
Open to keen footballers, the Academy programme is a must for any football enthusiast.
A playing assessment is held to determine the football level for prospective students. Both the football and educational element of the academy are fully funded, with a subsidised cost for purchasing training kit.
The programme offers those with aspirations of playing at higher levels, links to clubs at all levels of the football pyramid and provides Post-16 education in a range of subject areas, making the Post-16 Academy a truly educational football package.
Our locations:
CAFC Training Ground (New Eltham):
The NCFE-based education programme is delivered by specialist SCL tutors with Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) UEFA qualified coaches, delivering all aspects of the football training and match day programme.
All training and matches will take place at CACT, with education taking place in one of two CACT classrooms onsite. All CACT coaches are UEFA qualified and have up-to-date First Aid training, safeguarding, and DBS. Players involved in the CACT F&E Academy will play in the National Youth Football League.
The Football and Education academy is delivered on the CACT site next to the CAFC Training Ground. With first class football facilities available and two fully equipped classrooms, all players enjoy the elite environment provided.
Kent (Folkestone):
The NCFE Level 2 & Level 3 in Sports is an Education and Football programme delivered by specialist SCL tutors with CACT UEFA qualified coaches, providing all aspects of the football training and matchday programme. The programme will be based in Folkestone from September 2025, offering players from all over Kent the opportunity to train and develop with CACT coaches.
The programme will be based at The Alcaline Stadium, the home of Folkestone Invicta Football Club. A step three non-league football club with an elite football environment, a newly installed 3G facility for September 2025 and newly renovated education spaces will provide the perfect environment for learners both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The Folkestone Post-16 Academy will play in the National League Conference Youth Alliance League.
The NCFE Level 2 & Level 3 in Sport is for students who are looking to gain the introductory skills required to start a career in sport. Students are able to re-engage in education and, where applicable, retake GCSE Maths and English whilst expanding their knowledge and experience on and off the pitch, giving them a range of different options for opportunities to further their career development.
Cleeve Park School (Sidcup):
The Cleeve Park School & Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) Post 16 Football and Education Academy is aimed at all students aged 16-19 years who are interested in combining their education with the life of a professional footballer. CACT and Cleeve Park School offer the option of studying a T Level in Sport or 3 A Levels while playing in an academy environment after school in a competitive league.
Students have the choice of picking a pathway that suits their future aims and aspirations, be that an academic pathway with A Levels or a Level 3 qualification in Sport & Physical Activity (equivalent to 3 A Levels) both of which can provide routes into professional and semi-professional football, as well as educational opportunities such as university, American sports scholarships, employment or apprenticeships.
For more information about our programmes, please email:
South East London Programme:
Michael Lawrence, Academy Manager on: Post16academy@cact.org.uk
Kent Programme:
Richard Styles, Kent Academy Manager on: richard.styles@cact.org.uk
Our Post 16 Academy open events for the 2025/2026 programme are:
27/03/25 (Open Evening) – The Valley – Boys: 17:00-18:00 & 18:00-19:00 Girls: 19:00-20:00
02/04/25 (Open Day) – Footscray Rugby Club – Boys: 9:00-15:00
11/04/25 (Talent ID) – Footscray Rugby Club – Boys: 15:00-17:00 & Girls: 16:00-18:00
30/05/25 (Talent ID) – Footscray Rugby Club – Boys: 15:00-17:00 & Girls: 16:00-18:00