At Welling School, our Post-16 football programme provides students with the opportunity to develop their footballing potential while continuing to achieve high standards in their academic studies. The programme is designed to support well-rounded development, enabling players to progress both as students and as athletes.
All players follow a full-time training schedule that is carefully structured around their education. This includes regular training sessions and competitive weekly fixtures, allowing players to consistently develop their technical, tactical, and physical performance while maintaining a strong focus on their studies. Our coaching staff work closely with Welling School students and teaching staff, creating a positive and professional environment built on clear communication and shared goals. By working collectively, we ensure each player is supported in working towards their individual ambitions while meeting the expectations of the programme.
We understand that many talented players may lack the exposure needed to progress within the football pathway. Through APD, players are given opportunities to attend professional fixtures, development programmes, and showcase events, allowing them to present their abilities to a wider network of scouts and clubs.
Academic commitment is a key expectation for all students on the programme. We place a strong emphasis on education, ensuring that all training sessions, fixtures, and academy activities are planned around academic timetables, enabling students to succeed in both football and their studies.
Unlike academies aligned to a single football club, APD offers a player-focused pathway. This approach allows us to expose players to a range of clubs and opportunities that best suit their individual needs, ambitions, and stage of development, rather than limiting progression to one specific club pathway.
Progression opportunities include a range of pathways, from university degree programmes to part-time or full-time football and coaching apprenticeships with APD. Our experienced coaching staff, supported by a strong external network, work closely with each student to guide and support them in taking the next steps in both their football development and wider careers.
