Sport ACademy
Sport is for all at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College as we launch our brand new Sport Academy, providing students with opportunities to take their performance to the next level with expert coaching and first-class facilities.
Aim
Our Sport Academy aims to provide more students with sporting opportunities, offering competitive sports and coaching opportunities across various disciplines and delivering sporting excellence for interested students.
The Sport Academy comprises two key elements: Performance Academies and an Elite Scholarship Programme.
Meet our Coaches
Our expert coaches who will provide guidance on how to take your skills to the next level.
Ian Cranson
Following on from his career in football at Stoke City FC, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town Ian has now started his new career as a UEFA A qualified football coach and has coached at College for over 10 years.
Carsten Dieterich
With over 30 years experience in 4 different countries, Carsten is our Level 3 Qualified Basketball Coach. He has coached at College for 8 years.
Brogan Griffiths
Brogan is our Netball Coach, who has had incredible experience with the England Netball Team. She is Level 2 Qualified with 9 years experience in coaching at the College.
Performance Academies
Are you a keen footballer, basketball or netball player? We have the perfect training programme for you at our new Sport Academy!
Our Performance Academies combines academics and sports to achieve excellence. Join us for a holistic educational experience that supports both athletic and academic growth. Students in our Performance Academies enjoy a free gym membership at Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre on campus.
The performance academy is available for all students regardless of their programme of study. It’s also available for students who compete at a high level but also for students wanting to improve their game and participate.
Unlock your full potential on the court with our elite Basketball Performance Academy – where skills meet greatness. Our Basketball teams previous successes include AOC sport 2023 League champions, 2024 and 2025 Female AOC Sport regional champions and 2024 Female AOC Sport national champions. Can you help our team to achieve this again this year?
Training takes place at Fenton Manor Sports Complex every Monday 2:30-4pm and Friday 10:30-12pm. Official matches take place on Wednesday afternoons.
Experience the thrill of victory by supporting our college football team – where champions are made! Our Male Football team finished 2nd in the AoC West Midlands Regional League and reached the semi-final of the Staffordshire Cup. Could you help us to take it to the next level?
Training takes place at Staffordshire University on Monday 2.30-4pm and Friday 10.30-12pm. Official home matches take place on Wednesday afternoons at Fenton Manor’s 3G pitch.
In the 2025–26 season, we ran four teams across the Education and Football Alliance and AoC Sport leagues, ensuring there was a pathway for players of all abilities.
This unique partnership with Stoke City Football Club will provide aspiring young women, aged 16-19, studying any course at the Sixth Form College with the opportunity to participate in high-quality football training and competitive matches, regardless of their chosen field of study.
Traditionally, opportunities for young women to engage in competitive football have often been limited, especially if they pursued academic or vocational courses not directly related to sports. Recognising the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all, City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College and Stoke City Football Club have joined forces to bridge this gap and offer aspiring female footballers the chance to pursue their passion while excelling in their chosen academic disciplines. Stoke City Football Club’s experienced coaches will provide expert guidance and support, helping the young athletes develop both individually and as part of a team.
Training takes place at Staffordshire University on Monday 2.30-4pm and Friday 10.30-12pm. Official home matches take place on Wednesday afternoons at Fenton Manor’s 3G pitch.
Get ready to score goals, make lifelong friendships, and embrace the spirit of teamwork – join our college netball team for an unforgettable experience on the court!
Training takes place at Fenton Manor on Monday at 2.30-4pm, and games on a Wednesday afternoon also at Fenton Manor.
Students in our Performance Academies will benefit from a wide range of support whilst studying with us, such as:
- Weekly Coaching Sessions with experienced, highly qualified coaches.
- Participation in weekly fixtures in the AoC Sport National and Regional Competitions.
- Subsidised training and match day kit.
- Free gym membership at the University of Staffordshire
- State-of-the-Art Playing and Training Facilities.
- Opportunities to complete coaching qualifications.
- Footballers have the opportunity to play in Stoke City football kit on matchdays, a free SCFC training kit, free tickets to selected male and female Stoke City games, the opportunity to play on professional pitches and volunteering opportunities available at the club.
Elite Scholarship Programme
Our Elite Scholarship Programme is specifically designed as a transition pathway for college students who aspire to excel in their sporting field while pursuing their studies. This is in partnership with the University of Staffordshire.
This programme offers support and resources for elite-level athletes to continue their training and athletic development while achieving academic excellence at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. The programme is open to all students at the college, regardless of the subjects they study. However, students must be participating at a minimum of a county standard or equivalent in any sport.
What benefits are included?
The aim of the programme is to help students continue to excel in their sport and education and manage the commitments of them both effectively. To assist students to achieve this; the following programme benefits are available:
COLLEGE SUPPORT
Support from the college to catch up with any lessons missed due to competition
GYM ACCESS
Free of charge access to Staffordshire Universities state-of-the-art gym – Stanley Matthews Sports Centre located next to the college. Can use before college, after college or in free periods.
SPORTS KIT
Students will be able to have a branded Elite Scholarship Programme sports kit.
SPORTS THERAPY SESSIONS
Access to 8 sports therapy sessions throughout the year at Staffordshire University rehabilitation clinic to aid with any injuries.
PERFORMANCE SCREENING
Access to lab and fieldbased testing and screening at specific stages during the year to measure students’ performance levels and help motivate them to reach their potential.
SPORTS WORKSHOPS
Regular workshops on topics such as nutrition, performance profiling, handling pressure and injury prevention delivered by high level academics in that area.
MENTOR PROGRAMME
College students benefit from mentors based at the university.
Testimonials
Being involved in the Basketball Performance Academy has been a game-changer for me, providing the perfect escape and outlet after a busy day or week!
Alexia Nwankwo
Previously: International School
Studying: T Level Transition Programme
Whilst being part of the elite scholarship programme, Meg achieved gold and silver at the World u/19s Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships in February 2021 and won the 2022 Junior Single Scull Event with a course-record time at the 2022 Henley Women’s Regatta.
Meg Knight
Previously: Trentham Academy
Studied: A Level Biology, A Level Further Mathematics, A Level Mathematics, A Level Physical Education
Next Steps: Sports Scholarship at Stanford University, California
Contact us
If you are unsure what course you think you should choose or what career you would like to aspire towards then contact Admissions: