Barnsley Sports Academy teams up with 4G1

We are pleased to announce that the College will be working in partnership with 4G1 Player Development Football Academy to provide an exciting new opportunity to students.

The collaboration will provide students the chance to compete in a different league for the first time. One of our male football academy teams will compete in the National Youth Football League against the likes of Sheffield United FC Education, Barnsley Shadow Scholars and Sheffield Wednesday FC Education.

4G1 is a football academy/club that provides opportunities for players to bridge the gap between grassroots and professional clubs. They offer high quality coaching and competing in the Junior Premier recognised as a grassroots elite league across the country.

Luke Forgione, 4G1 owner and Sports Performance and Athlete Development Co-ordinator at the College, said: “I’m pleased that College has agreed to work in collaboration formally with 4G1. Over the last 10 years the College has provided 4G1 a home, which has subsequently allowed 4G1 to provide high quality coaching.

“In those 10 years I have developed a pathway for 4- to 16-year-olds, which has seen children progress into professional football, schoolboy and schoolgirl football, alongside county and USA scholarships and semi-professional football.

“During my time at the College, I have completed a MSc in Advanced Performance in Football and Coaching and a PGCE. I am a living example of what can be achieved when studying at the College.

“Over the last 6 years I have shaped and moulded a Football Academy at the College using my experience and knowledge from UEFA coaching qualifications and previous professional football clubs I have worked with. This knowledge has been shared with Barnsley College students and 4G1 members. It is really exciting the partnership will now grow and continue further as we look to provide children in our community and wider a fantastic opportunity to achieve sporting and academic excellence.”

You don’t have to be studying sport to be a part of our Sports Academy – all students are welcome. Our Sports Performance Academies include Football (male and female), Golf Academy, Rugby Union, Refereeing, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Health and Fitness, Inclusive Academy, Futsal, Individual Athlete Academy and Esports.