The UK's leading Football Scholarship Programme
Based in Tunbridge Wells, the EMC Scholarship Programme is the pinnacle of our Academy model.
‘The EMC Scholars we have given opportunities to, have always been professional, hard-working and committed young lads that I have enjoyed giving their first taste of senior football.’ Steve Ives- Tunbridge Wells FC Assistant Manager.
Our Football Scholarship Programme is ideal for anyone looking to make the step from the grassroots to the semi-professional or professional game, giving players the opportunity to train with Uefa A standard coaches and former professional players on a daily basis, as well as completing a 2-year, B-tec Sports qualification.
Now running in Rusthall (with a direct bus route into Tunbridge Wells), our decorated Scholarship Programme is the perfect place for any 16-19 year olds looking to take their game to the next level.
‘We’ve had 3 different EMC Scholars come with the first team on two separate occasions during the 19/20 season, both times against National League South opposition. We’ve been impressed not just by their ability, but mainly by their professionalism and attitude.’ Jude Macdonald- Eastbourne Town FC Manager.
Post 16 Football Scholarship: Daily Training
- UEFA A standard coaching
- First-class facilities
- Technical and tactical training
- Position-specific sessions
- 121 sessions
- Goalkeeper coaching included
Matchdays
- Compete in a National League
- Compete in a National Cup
- Play fixtures against Premier League Academies
- Matchday nutrition and drinks provided
- All fixtures videoed
Additional benefits from your football scholarship
- International Summer tour
- Nutritional programme for all players
- Weights programme for all players
- Physio sessions
Footballing Progression Pathways
We have various pathways that range from football League Clubs to County League. We help our players find a level suitable for weekend football where possible.
In 2022/23 we have seen 5 of our current Scholars make their 1st team debut in the SCEFL and a further 3 in the Isthmian League.
Football Scholarship Programme Weekly timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 9-12 Lessons | 9am-11.30am Training | Morning Preparation-Team meeting/Breakfast/Travel | 9am-11am Recovery session | DAY OFF |
| 12pm-1pm Lunch | 11.30am-1pm Lunch | PM Fixture | 11am-12.45pm Lunch | DAY OFF |
| 1.30pm-3pm Training | 12.45pm-3.30pm Lessons | 12.45pm-3.30pm Lessons | DAY OFF |
A winning environment
As we enter our 5th Season, our current role of honour is as follows:
- Kent League x3
- Kent Cup x3
We demand high standards from all players and try to get as much as we can from every player in every game/session to help them reach their full potential.
Player Pathways
- Professional Footballer
- Semi-Professional Footballer
- University UK
- University USA
- Physiotherapist
- Refereeing
- Football coach- Professional club
- Football coach- EMC Academy
- Paid work- Comtecs UK
GPS PLAYR TEK
All players will be given a GPS PLAYR TEK to use in every game and session. This will track their:
- Speed
- Distance Covered
- Power
- Sprint Distance
This allows us to keep an eye on each players work rate and physical development throughout their time on the programme. It also allows the player to monitor their matchday contributions and set short and long term goals with the use of the latest technology.
Scholarship Education
Each player will study a BTEC Level 3 subsidiary diploma.
This extended course is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and provides direct access to university. Players do not have to continue to study sport after this course, they are open to choose different university pathways.
Topics of education include: Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise & Physiology, Sports Coaching, Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise, Sports Nutrition, Psychology for Sports Performance and Sociology of Sport...all based around football.
Players will also have the opportunity to do a work experience course with EMC Academy, and get offered coaching opportunities at weekends.
All players are required to keep up to date with their coursework to be eligible for training and fixtures.
Maths and English retakes are also available as part of the course if required.
At present our pass rate is 97%.
Course Pre-requisites
All players will be required to attend a playing trial before being offered a place on the Scholarship Programme.
‘We have a family environment, where we will go above and beyond to help these players develop on their journey to reach their full potential.’
All year 11,12 & 13s can apply here now:
To find out more about our U19 Scholarship opportunities, please contact us. Alternatively, to apply for a trial, please CLICK HERE!
Scholarship trial upcoming dates:
YouTube Documentary
The Journey - Class of 2023
This Autumn we have been busy filming a fly-on-the-wall style documentary, comprising of 6 episodes, which follows our Class of 2023 Scholars on their journey to success.
The long anticipated release date has recently been announced - 1st December 2023
Click the link below to watch the official trailer.
The Journey - Class of 2023 Official YouTube Trailer
