SGS College | Be Outstanding
25/26 Full-time Courses

New full-time study options will be available soon for those wanting to apply for September 2025.

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    'acIntro' => 'Our Female Football program has a rich history of guiding learners towards professional contracts and paving the way for numerous individuals to pursue football opportunities across the UK and USA. Over the span of 25 years, SGS Female Football has seen athletes emerge from the program to represent clubs such as Bristol City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Charlton Athletic, and Lewes Women. Additionally, SGS Female Football has provided crucial support for several athletes to play age-grade international football, with learners progressing to represent their countries. Notably, two former learners were part of the England Lionesses team that won the 2022 European Championships, 2023 Finalissima, and reached the 2023 World Cup Final. Our close partnership with Bristol City Women\'s FC enables players to balance playing for BCWFC Under 21s with their studies at SGS College. Additionally, for high-performing athletes, academic flexibility is put in place to support their participation in the BCWFC first team. The SGS Sport female football team competes in the AoC Sport Leagues and boasts multiple partnerships with local clubs, all aimed at facilitating player progression into top non-league teams. ',
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  Overview of Programme 


  Teams Available 


  The Programme 


  The Coaches 


  Previous Success / Alumni Success 






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The Programme

The Female Football Academy Programme at SGS Sport offers athletes aged 16-21 an extensive opportunity to advance their athletic journey while pursuing their academic studies at SGS College. The partnership between Bristol City Women\'s Football Club and SGS Sport offers two distinct pathways for female footballers to advance their athletic journey, with the possibility of progression between squads throughout the year.

Players selected after multiple talent identification days for SGS College & Bristol City WFC U21 programme, have the opportunity to combine their academic studies at SGS College with on-pitch training under the guidance of Bristol City WFC coaches. Meanwhile, within the SGS Sport Female Football Academy, learners benefit from up to 15 hours of contact time per week, including on-field training sessions, gym-based Strength and Conditioning sessions, and broader athlete development sessions covering Psychology, Nutrition, and Brand Awareness throughout the season. Additionally, all learners receive three individual feedback sessions annually with their coaches, focusing on academic development, personal needs, and areas for improvement.

The SGS Sport program also offers an extensive Sport Science and Medical package focused on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes strength and conditioning sessions, sports rehab, sports massage, pitch-side first aid and matchday emergency cover at the SGS WISE Campus. Each academy benefits from two strength and conditioning sessions per week, delivered by our coaches across our two performance gyms. Additionally, a dedicated team of sports rehab professionals is available to support athletes in case of injury. We also collaborate closely with the academic sports department to provide work experience opportunities for students, including sports massage services for sports academy learners. SGS College offers a dedicated ice bath facility for student use. Furthermore, there are various placement opportunities for university-level students in sports psychology, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. For the 2024-25 academic year, SGS College, in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire, is launching a paid MSc studentship opportunity. These initiatives aim to develop SGS College into a centre of sporting excellence and research.

The Female Football program commences in July each year with an extensive pre-season period, integrating on-field sessions with team-building activities. The main program runs from September to May, with academic timetables structured to accommodate access to Sports Academy offerings. Training sessions for SGS Female Football take place on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings, comprising a mix of individual, squad, and unit-based sessions with games played on Wednesdays. Conversely, the BCWFC U21 program trains on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings, with games played on Wednesdays.

Competitive fixtures for the SGS Sport Female Football program occur on Wednesday afternoons, where they contend in the AoC Category 1 League against top Colleges nationwide. Simultaneously, the Bristol City Women\'s FC U21s compete in the WSL Academies League.

Academic Qualifications

To participate in the Female Football programme at SGS College, all learners must be enrolled in a full-time academic qualification, such as Vocational qualifications or A Levels. Many learners choose to study disciplines like Sport, Sports Media, or Media at the WISE Campus, while others pursue A Levels or Business Studies at the Filton Campus. For those studying at the Filton Campus, a shuttle bus service is available to facilitate transportation to and from the WISE Campus.

Participation in the Sports Academy provision is contingent upon adherence to the SGS Sport Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding behaviour, attendance (maintained at 92% across all academic qualifications), timely submission of work, and adherence to sporting conduct standards. Compliance with these requirements ensures learners\' eligibility for involvement in the Sports Academy program.

Partners and Progression

SGS Sport has maintained a longstanding partnership with Bristol City Women\'s Football Club, a collaboration that traces back to 2005 when Bristol Rovers Women’s FC transitioned to Bristol Academy WFC under a new agreement with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. By 2011, Bristol Academy WFC Limited was established, securing a license to compete in the inaugural FA Women’s Super League, thus elevating the team to semi-professional status.

During this period of evolution, Bristol Academy achieved notable successes, reaching two FA Cup finals (2011 and 2013) and participating in the prestigious Champions League tournaments (2011 and 2014). In 2013, they secured a commendable runner-up position in the WSL1 league. However, following relegation to WSL2 at the end of the 2015 season, the FA Women’s Super League management committee approved a name change from Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club to Bristol City Women’s Football Club.

The ongoing partnership between Bristol City Women\'s FC and SGS College is exemplified by the BCWFC Professional Game Academy, which trains at the SGS WISE Campus. The BCWFC Under 21 squad conducts their training and matches at SGS College. Over the years, this collaboration has seen numerous SGS College alumni transition to playing for Bristol City Women\'s FC, including notable players such as Lauren Hemp, Katie Robinson, Brooke Aspin, Naomi Layzell, and Mari Ward.

In recent years, SGS Sport has forged a partnership with Olveston United Women, enabling them to train and compete at the SGS WISE Campus. This collaboration provides an invaluable opportunity for learners in the SGS Female Football academy to gain experience playing senior-level football, thereby enriching their overall SGS Sports academy experience.

Our Alumni and Academy Success

Throughout the years, the SGS Female Football programme, in collaboration with Bristol City Women\'s FC, has nurtured numerous talented athletes who have achieved remarkable success in their football careers. Many of these athletes have secured positions with esteemed clubs such as Bristol City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, and Lewes Women. Additionally, several learners have proudly represented their countries at youth levels, predominantly with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Moreover, a number of learners are given the opportunity to play for England Colleges, participating in a range of fixtures and international tours.

Among our distinguished alumni are Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson, both of whom have proudly represented the England Lionesses. Hemp notably clinched victory in the 2022 European Championships and 2023 Finalissima, while also playing in the 2023 Women\'s World Cup Final. Furthermore, students Jesse Wooley, Jasmine Bull, Maddi Wilde, Brooke Aspin, and Mari Ward have made significant strides by balancing training and playing commitments with the BCWFC First Team in the Women\'s Super League, all while pursuing a sport qualification at the College. Brooke\'s dedication and talent even earned her a move to Chelsea FC in 2023 after a successful tenure with Bristol City Women\'s FC.

The accomplishments of our alumni serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and preparing them for success at the highest echelons of the sport.

"My time at SGS College allowed me to balance my Football and Academic studies giving me the platform to go and represent England in the Women\'s World Cup Final and to become a European Champion in 2022." — Lauren Hemp

"Studying at SGS allowed me to combine studying Sports Coaching alongside starting my professional career in the Women\'s Super League. The academic flexibility and support allowed me to play at the highest level of Women\'s Football in the country alongside supporting me with my International career to date." — Brooke Aspin

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SGS Sport

Womens Football

Our Female Football program has a rich history of guiding learners towards professional contracts and paving the way for numerous individuals to pursue football opportunities across the UK and USA. Over the span of 25 years, SGS Female Football has seen athletes emerge from the program to represent clubs such as Bristol City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Charlton Athletic, and Lewes Women. Additionally, SGS Female Football has provided crucial support for several athletes to play age-grade international football, with learners progressing to represent their countries. Notably, two former learners were part of the England Lionesses team that won the 2022 European Championships, 2023 Finalissima, and reached the 2023 World Cup Final. Our close partnership with Bristol City Women's FC enables players to balance playing for BCWFC Under 21s with their studies at SGS College. Additionally, for high-performing athletes, academic flexibility is put in place to support their participation in the BCWFC first team. The SGS Sport female football team competes in the AoC Sport Leagues and boasts multiple partnerships with local clubs, all aimed at facilitating player progression into top non-league teams.

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The Programme

The Female Football Academy Programme at SGS Sport offers athletes aged 16-21 an extensive opportunity to advance their athletic journey while pursuing their academic studies at SGS College. The partnership between Bristol City Women's Football Club and SGS Sport offers two distinct pathways for female footballers to advance their athletic journey, with the possibility of progression between squads throughout the year.

Players selected after multiple talent identification days for SGS College & Bristol City WFC U21 programme, have the opportunity to combine their academic studies at SGS College with on-pitch training under the guidance of Bristol City WFC coaches. Meanwhile, within the SGS Sport Female Football Academy, learners benefit from up to 15 hours of contact time per week, including on-field training sessions, gym-based Strength and Conditioning sessions, and broader athlete development sessions covering Psychology, Nutrition, and Brand Awareness throughout the season. Additionally, all learners receive three individual feedback sessions annually with their coaches, focusing on academic development, personal needs, and areas for improvement.

The SGS Sport program also offers an extensive Sport Science and Medical package focused on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes strength and conditioning sessions, sports rehab, sports massage, pitch-side first aid and matchday emergency cover at the SGS WISE Campus. Each academy benefits from two strength and conditioning sessions per week, delivered by our coaches across our two performance gyms. Additionally, a dedicated team of sports rehab professionals is available to support athletes in case of injury. We also collaborate closely with the academic sports department to provide work experience opportunities for students, including sports massage services for sports academy learners. SGS College offers a dedicated ice bath facility for student use. Furthermore, there are various placement opportunities for university-level students in sports psychology, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. For the 2024-25 academic year, SGS College, in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire, is launching a paid MSc studentship opportunity. These initiatives aim to develop SGS College into a centre of sporting excellence and research.

The Female Football program commences in July each year with an extensive pre-season period, integrating on-field sessions with team-building activities. The main program runs from September to May, with academic timetables structured to accommodate access to Sports Academy offerings. Training sessions for SGS Female Football take place on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings, comprising a mix of individual, squad, and unit-based sessions with games played on Wednesdays. Conversely, the BCWFC U21 program trains on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings, with games played on Wednesdays.

Competitive fixtures for the SGS Sport Female Football program occur on Wednesday afternoons, where they contend in the AoC Category 1 League against top Colleges nationwide. Simultaneously, the Bristol City Women's FC U21s compete in the WSL Academies League.

Academic Qualifications

To participate in the Female Football programme at SGS College, all learners must be enrolled in a full-time academic qualification, such as Vocational qualifications or A Levels. Many learners choose to study disciplines like Sport, Sports Media, or Media at the WISE Campus, while others pursue A Levels or Business Studies at the Filton Campus. For those studying at the Filton Campus, a shuttle bus service is available to facilitate transportation to and from the WISE Campus.

Participation in the Sports Academy provision is contingent upon adherence to the SGS Sport Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding behaviour, attendance (maintained at 92% across all academic qualifications), timely submission of work, and adherence to sporting conduct standards. Compliance with these requirements ensures learners' eligibility for involvement in the Sports Academy program.

Partners and Progression

SGS Sport has maintained a longstanding partnership with Bristol City Women's Football Club, a collaboration that traces back to 2005 when Bristol Rovers Women’s FC transitioned to Bristol Academy WFC under a new agreement with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. By 2011, Bristol Academy WFC Limited was established, securing a license to compete in the inaugural FA Women’s Super League, thus elevating the team to semi-professional status.

During this period of evolution, Bristol Academy achieved notable successes, reaching two FA Cup finals (2011 and 2013) and participating in the prestigious Champions League tournaments (2011 and 2014). In 2013, they secured a commendable runner-up position in the WSL1 league. However, following relegation to WSL2 at the end of the 2015 season, the FA Women’s Super League management committee approved a name change from Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club to Bristol City Women’s Football Club.

The ongoing partnership between Bristol City Women's FC and SGS College is exemplified by the BCWFC Professional Game Academy, which trains at the SGS WISE Campus. The BCWFC Under 21 squad conducts their training and matches at SGS College. Over the years, this collaboration has seen numerous SGS College alumni transition to playing for Bristol City Women's FC, including notable players such as Lauren Hemp, Katie Robinson, Brooke Aspin, Naomi Layzell, and Mari Ward.

In recent years, SGS Sport has forged a partnership with Olveston United Women, enabling them to train and compete at the SGS WISE Campus. This collaboration provides an invaluable opportunity for learners in the SGS Female Football academy to gain experience playing senior-level football, thereby enriching their overall SGS Sports academy experience.

Our Alumni and Academy Success

Throughout the years, the SGS Female Football programme, in collaboration with Bristol City Women's FC, has nurtured numerous talented athletes who have achieved remarkable success in their football careers. Many of these athletes have secured positions with esteemed clubs such as Bristol City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, and Lewes Women. Additionally, several learners have proudly represented their countries at youth levels, predominantly with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Moreover, a number of learners are given the opportunity to play for England Colleges, participating in a range of fixtures and international tours.

Among our distinguished alumni are Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson, both of whom have proudly represented the England Lionesses. Hemp notably clinched victory in the 2022 European Championships and 2023 Finalissima, while also playing in the 2023 Women's World Cup Final. Furthermore, students Jesse Wooley, Jasmine Bull, Maddi Wilde, Brooke Aspin, and Mari Ward have made significant strides by balancing training and playing commitments with the BCWFC First Team in the Women's Super League, all while pursuing a sport qualification at the College. Brooke's dedication and talent even earned her a move to Chelsea FC in 2023 after a successful tenure with Bristol City Women's FC.

The accomplishments of our alumni serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and preparing them for success at the highest echelons of the sport.

"My time at SGS College allowed me to balance my Football and Academic studies giving me the platform to go and represent England in the Women's World Cup Final and to become a European Champion in 2022." — Lauren Hemp

"Studying at SGS allowed me to combine studying Sports Coaching alongside starting my professional career in the Women's Super League. The academic flexibility and support allowed me to play at the highest level of Women's Football in the country alongside supporting me with my International career to date." — Brooke Aspin

How to Apply

If you are looking to join our College Academy on a full time Level 1-3 course on either a BTEC or A-Level program then please apply online for the course you want below.

Full-Time Application Form Applying Online Full-Time Courses

Degree Program and UCAS

If it is our degree program you are interested in then please click below to see the full list of courses we offer. Then for help with applying through UCAS please email Bev Awre ([email protected]).

University Courses

Meet Our Staff

Choisze To

Choisze To

Operation Lead
View Bio

Choisze To

Operation Lead

-Former Hong Kong international player
-International coach and team manager
-National Championship Gold medal winning coach
-Provides expert insight into Chinese training and elite performance
-Master Degree in Sports Management and Bachelor Degree in Business Administration

Connor Sidley-Adams

Connor Sidley-Adams

Learning Area Manager, Extra Curricular Programmes
View Bio

Connor Sidley-Adams

Learning Area Manager, Extra Curricular Programmes

Coming soon.

Dr Craig Barden

Dr Craig Barden

Head of Strength, Conditioning and Sports Therapy
View Bio

Dr Craig Barden

Head of Strength, Conditioning and Sports Therapy

Craig has worked in the SGS injury clinic since 2010 when he graduated from the University of the West of England with a degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation. Craig is responsible the sports injury clinic where, alongside 4 other therapists, he ensures sports students are receiving a good level of care for their injuries ensuring they can return to activities as quickly and safely as possible. He also oversees the strength and conditioning provision, where 3 qualified coaches support the various academies to aid physical development and team performance. Outside of the academy, Craig works with the Bristol’s only professional basketball team, the Bristol Flyers, whilst lecturing at the University of Gloucestershire. He has also completed a PhD in injury prevention in youth rugby at the University of Bath, publishing in various peer-reviewed journals.

Tom Riddell

Tom Riddell

Sports Rehabiliator
View Bio

Tom Riddell

Sports Rehabiliator

Tom has a degree in Sport Rehabilitation and is a BASRaT registered therapist. He works in private clinical practices as well as working with Nailsea & Tickenham FC. He has now joined the sports academy team supporting the student athletes in their injury management. Tom will primarily use tailored exercise programs, but also some manual therapy techniques, to help facilitate better movement, reduce pain and, help people return to their activity stronger than they were before. Outside of work, Tom plays two instruments with a band as well as keeping fit with his main sport of swimming.

Will Crowfoot

Will Crowfoot

Strength and Conditioning Coach
View Bio

Will Crowfoot

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Will started working at the college in 2018 but he is also an ex-student attending the college from 2010-2012 where he studied a Level 3 BTEC in Sports performance and excellence and was a member of the American Football academy. After graduating from SGS, Will spent 6 months in Canada at a Prep school playing against some top high schools in America before coming back to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he graduated with a BCs (Hons) degree in Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage. Whilst completing his degree he also interned with the Cardiff Met performance sports teams during his third year and gained experience within multiple sports.

Pip Dickin

Pip Dickin

Sports Therapist
View Bio

Pip Dickin

Sports Therapist

Pip started in the sports injury clinic at SGS in 2022 after graduating from the university of Worcester with a degree in Sports Therapy, where she gained skills in sports massage, injury assessment and rehabilitation and electrotherapy modalities. Pip is also qualified in RFU accredited Pre-hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS) first aid.

Outside of the college, Pip also works for National League 2 rugby team Dings Crusaders and for private clinic Top to Toe Physiotherapy in their clinics across Bristol and Bath. Pip also has experience working in the BBL and alongside university sports teams.

Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman

Strength and Conditioning Coach
View Bio

Daniel Newman

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Dan is an experienced strength and conditioning coach working with top level athletes and individuals at all fitness levels. Having been involved developing athlete’s physical qualities in an abundance of sports, Dan has previously worked within multiple Professional Sports Clubs, National Governing Bodies, and University and College sport teams. Holding MSc Strength and Conditioning, and BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science qualifications, he is also a BASES Supervised Sport and Exercise Scientist. Dan’s strong passion and experience in sport and exercise aspires to support the student athlete to reach their true potential and help develop the strength and conditioning programme at the College.

Dominic Williams

Dominic Williams

Sports Rehabilitator
View Bio

Dominic Williams

Sports Rehabilitator

I graduated from UWE in 2022 with a degree in Sport Rehabilitation. Additional qualifications include the RFU-accredited Pre-Hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS) and myofascial cupping. Alongside SGS I currently work as the Lead Academy Sports Therapist for Chippenham Town FC, and as a Sports Therapist at Philgood Rehabilitation. Previous experience includes working with UWE Sport teams (Football, Rugby, and Lacrosse) and within the UWE Injury Clinic. As well as this I spent 6 months working for Southwest Pitch-Side Trauma Care, which involved first aid support for rugby teams around Bristol. Outside of the college, I play drums in a rock band and have competed in football and kickboxing.

Max Cooper

Max Cooper

Strength and Conditioning Coach
View Bio

Max Cooper

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Max started working at the college in 2022. He completed his BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Strength and conditioning and is currently undertaking his MSc (Hons) in Spots Strength and Conditioning, from the university of Gloucestershire. Max has had experience with a multitude of different teams from Bristol Bears woman’s to Bristol City u21 woman’s yet his most recent position was with Severn Stars netball. Here he was head of the academy’s strength and conditioning programme, while also working extensively with the first team. Alongside his role within SGS he also works with the university of Gloucestershire carrying out strength and conditioning sessions for the university teams.

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