The creation of this independent international academy is a proud achievement as we understand how young players learn, develop and improve. Our goal is to allow talented players the opportunity to grow in a challenging environment with the combination of our excellent... Read More
STUDY
- An alternative to college/sixth form, 2 year programme
- BTEC in Sport Level 2/3 or A-levels
- After A Levels study a Sports Science Coaching & Business Manager Foundation Degree
- Study in the classroom with your team mates
- Opportunities to study, play and coach in the USA with our pathway partners
- Gain work experience knowledge
- NVQ Level 2 Leadership Activity
TRAIN
- Experienced & UEFA qualified coaches
- Train three/four times a week
- Improve technical ability and fitness on a daily basis
- Opportunities to train with a first team
- Trips to St George's Park
PLAY
- In a competitive league each week.
- Games played at variety of clubs.
- Opportunities to progress to a first team
- Links to semi-pro & league clubs
FEATURES OF THE COURSE
2 YEAR COURSE
The academy provides a two year full time course for school leavers 16-18 years of age, who can prove they have football talent or skills to potentially progress to a career in football.
8 SESSIONS A WEEK
The football is structured around eight practical football sessions per week. The focus of these sessions is on tactical, technical and physical ability and conditioning, as well the importance of psychological elements of the game.
BTEC LEVEL 3
The education element of this academy ensures that the players do not miss out on further educational studies.The course is a BTEC level 3 national extended diploma in sport (equivalent to 3 A Levels)
A LEVELS
Alternatively, talented football students can choose suitable A Level qualifications through our education provider Birmingham Metropol & Sutton College tutors who have provided nineteen years experience of a similar programme and currently support Aston Villa academy youngsters each week. The course will also offer english and maths resits for year 11 school leavers.
FA LEVEL 1/2 COACHING AWARDS
Students will develop their core knowledge of understanding the game through participating FA LEVEL 1 and FA level 2 coaching awards. These awards are recognised by UEFA and FIFA worldwide. The qualifications will greatly improve the individuals game, knowledge and coaching experience. This also creates an attractive curriculum vitae if students opt for further education with scholarships in America or Australia at the end of our programme to develop a career in industry.
INTERACTIVE
The whole course is interactive and effective in order that learning is enjoyable and encouraged that students strive to attain a distinction grade or A level high standards.

I believe in providing youth with an opportunity to develop as Darren and I progressed as young professionals together at the same time and we understand the demands and challenging environment that is needed to develop young players. Darren and I completed our UEFA B licence together and I have always lived in the local community so believe Darren will offer the right encouragement, guidance and advice to the students to develop key skills for their future career. I look-forward to supporting the academy.
John Eustus 20 year playing career, 400 professional appearances

Darren Middleton's football/education academy is a wonderful programme to encourage young talented students to improve their football skills to potentially achieve a career in football . However, Darren also recognises the importance of education and securing suitable qualifications for the students long term security, if they are lucky enough to have a football career. I have known Darren from the age of nine when we progressed our career at Aston Villa and I believe he is suitably qualified to offer commitment and professionalism to ensure each student has the opportunity to progress their goals in life.
Darius Vassell ex England, Villa, Man City & Leicester Striker ,

This new initiative at Lichfield City F.C. Is another opportunity for local players to continue playing a good level of football against like minded Academies to develop their footballing skills, alongside their educational needs. I have been impressed by the Academies that offer a similar package being offered by Lichfield City Football Academy, who will offer a comprehensive package of football and education, with qualified coaches and Tutors. I wish Lichfield City football academy all the success in this new venture and I am sure the young people joining the scheme will benefit greatly in developing their footballing knowledge and understanding of the game.
Dennis Mortimor European Cup winner , with Aston Villa
About Us

Why Us
- BTEC in Sport Level 2/3 or A-levels
- Study in the classroom with your team mates
- Opportunities to study, play and coach in the USA with our pathway partners in Orlando & Boston
- Gain work experience knowledge for future careers
- An alternative to college/sixth form
- NVQ Level 2 Leadership Activity
- Experienced & UEFA qualified coaches
- Train three/four times a week
- Improve technical ability and fitness on a daily basis
- Foreign tours to Play professional academy teams
- Trips to St George's Park
- In a competitive league each week.
- Games played at variety of clubs.
- Opportunities to progress to a first team
- Links to semi-pro & league clubs
News Feed
- Lichfield City Academy -NEW PLAYERS OPEN DAY January 11th 2021
- Lichfield City Academy -NEW PLAYERS OPEN DAY 0CT HALF TERM 2020
- Lichfield City Academy -RECRUITMENT 2020
- Lichfield City Academy -NEW PLAYERS SEPT 2020
- Lichfield City Academy -Congratulations County 2020 CHAMPIONS
- Lichfield City Academy -NEW PLAYERS OPEN DAY APRIL 6TH
- Lichfield Academy -NEW PLAYERS OPEN DAY FEB HALF TERM
- Lichfield City Academy -Year 11 SCHOOL LEAVERS
- Lichfield City Academy -NEW PLAYERS OPEN DAY 0CT 30th
- Lichfield City Academy -FA YOUTH CUP WINNERS