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.
Since 2022/23 we have seen over 20 of our current Scholars, 1st years to 3rd years, make their debut in the SCEFL and 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 6th Season, our current role of honour is as follows:
- Kent League x3
- Kent Cup x3
- SCL League Champion x1
- SCL Southern League Cup x1
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
In Autumn 2023 filming began for a fly-on-the-wall style documentary, comprising of 6 episodes, which follows our Class of 2023 Scholars on their journey to success.
All episodes of season 1 are now available to watch on our YouTube channel.
The Journey Season 2 - Class of 2024
Following the success of season 1, the documentary continues! Autumn 2024 saw the release of episode 1 of the second season of The Journey. Episode 2 is on it's way! Keep an eye on our socials for information on all upcoming episodes and release dates.
Don't forget to also subscribe to our YouTube channel for all updates.
Click here - EMC Academy YouTube Channel
2023/24 - The 'Invincible' Season
Last season was a rollercoaster of emotions, every game proving more important than the next!
In what has been described as the best scholars side in almost 10 years of EMC Academy, every player and coach played their part in achieving what is arguably the greatest achievement!
This epic season lead to several players playing their first senior football which, along with our accomplishments, we are super proud of!
Here are some of the boys that took the leap into men's football:
J. Glassborow - Larkfield & Rusthall
J. Lyons - Rusthall
Z. Massood - Snodland Town
A. Joy - Crowborough Athletic
B. Cook - Sheppey Sports
A. Dennis - Ide Hill
Along with several players performing at an elite level, the whole team exceeded our expectations.
An entire season without losing a single game put the boys in the same category as the likes of Arsenal. An exceptional start which snowballed throughout and the boys won the league with 2 games to spare! Amazing!
Our final game of the season saw us travel to Gillingham in a very wet but super showdown against Bromley.
The now EFL League 2 side gave the boys their hardest test but a header from J. Lyons was enough to see the players complete a perfect season with a 1-0 win.
League and cup double. Just incredible.
Now it's a new year but with the same ambition - we aren't done yet!
Make sure to follow our socials to stay up to date with all the latest news.
