In a first of its kind, Sky Sports aired a seven-episode documentary series on the UK academy system last week. It covered a range of topics including a manager’s perspective, pathway, academy categorisation, parent support, player care, education and transition.
As part of this, the documentary fronted by Sky Sports Senior Reporter Rob Dorsett featured the education and player care provision existing within academies. LFE’s role within the academy landscape is explained, alongside high-level strategy and representation through activities taking place during club visits. LFE’s tracking and monitoring programme, life skills programme, personal development mentoring programme and educational reviews showcase the support being accessed by clubs and academy players.
Interviews with LFE staff, partners and alumni also highlight the importance of holistic development whilst in the academy, as well as depicting examples of the positive destinations that former academy players successfully move into beyond football.
You can watch the full series by clicking here.