Wimborne Town Academy
Begin a focused two-year programme that combines your passion for football with academic achievement.
The Wimborne Town academy offers a two-year scholarship programme, designed to give students aged 16-18-year-olds the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level of non-league football. Students selected onto the course will play and train daily with UEFA Licensed coaches, while completing a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development — a qualification equivalent to three A-levels. By integrating education with sport, our academy helps students explore their interests with more clarity and confidence, whilst keeping their potential career prospects extensive.
Our mission:
- To support our students in their academic growth, providing pathways into higher education or careers within the sports industry and beyond.
- To prepare young players for careers in semi-professional and professional football. The academy offers regular opportunities to compete in men’s football, alongside daily access to high-level coaching to support their individual development.

Academy Leagues:
Opportunities to represent Wimborne Town Football Club in several youth and men’s football leagues
- FA Youth Cup: Mirroring the senior competition in its format, the FA Youth cup provides the opportunity to play against top Football League academies in their home stadium.
- Dorset Premier League (Reserves): An opportunity for academy players to consistently experience men’s football and adapt to a new set of technical and tactical demands
- Southwest Counties U18s: Designed for players under 18, this competitive league offers vital match experience and serves as a key stepping stone toward reserves football.
- National Youth Alliance U19s: Played on Wednesdays, this prestigious competition features some of the best non-league youth teams in the country.
- Tactic League U19s: Also played midweek, this league offers further opportunities for players to test their skills against high-level opposition and ensures all players get regular playing time.
Career Pathways:
After completing the two-year BTEC course, you will have multiple career paths to explore;
- Higher Education: Use your UCAS points to study subjects like sports science, coaching, management, or teaching at university.
- Semi-Professional/Professional Football: Progress into Wimborne Town FC’s first team, reserve team, or other clubs within the football pyramid.
- Careers in Sport: Explore opportunities as a coach, personal trainer, sports analyst, teacher, sports therapist, events manager and more.
- Business Owner: Use experience gained on the course to build and manage your own business alongside your footballing pursuits.

How to apply
The application process involves the following steps:
1- Submit Application:
Application forms for the 2026/27 season are available at request. See contact information at the bottom of the page.
2- Attend a Trial :
Showcase your footballing ability during our trial sessions.
(Dates for the 2026/27 season trials TBC).
3- Interview:
Discuss your aspirations and suitability for the programme with our staff.
Entry Requirements :
To join Wimborne Town Football Academy, students must meet the following requirements :
- Academic Requirements:
Desired- Achieve grade 4 or above in English language and maths.
Online tutoring for GCSE resits is provided by the club where required.
- Football Trial: All applicants will need to attend a football trial, where their technical and tactical abilities will be assessed.
Contact details –
Ryan Meaney – Academy Manager.
Email: ryan.meaney@wimbornetownfc.co.uk
Contact Number: 07795525739