Football pathway - ProChance Football Club

Pushing the boundaries through elite player development and education

ProChance Football Club was established to provide a programme for elite players to play football or partake in another sport at a high level, as well as gain an education at the same time to provide different avenues for their future careers.

All of the ProChance Football players study the Fda Athlete Professional Development course, which is a two-year degree. The course has been designed to provide players with a wide range of knowledge and skills, which can then be enhanced and developed by topping up the FdA to a full degree by undertaking a third year of studying. Our student athletes generally top-up after two years unless in that time they have moved on to a higher level of football as an occupation, full time.

You will find an elite environment located at the University of Derby which encompasses and gives you access to elite level coaching and mentoring, sport psychology, a superb medical provision, player care and wellbeing, S&C and outstanding academic support.

The modules on the course cover a range of topics including communication, entrepreneurship, business, scouting, talent management, sports management, analysis, coaching plus many more. Students will gain outstanding work experience making them much more employable for the future.

Our ambitions

• Educate in our own innovative way to produce the next generation of highly employable, skilled individuals. We have created a balance between academics and football enabling our student athletes to be truly full time, giving them the best chance of success on and off the pitch.
• Within men’s and women’s football, we aim to create opportunities and deliver outstanding coaching to reignite players’ love for the game. We empower them to learn and develop beyond their current ambitions, while cultivating a culture and environment that produces squads capable of challenging the status quo within professional football. Ultimately, we strive to create a synergy between elite level university sport and the professional game.

Rethink what could be possible?

In November 2024 we were selected by Sky Sports to take part in a documentary called “Chasing the Dream”. This programme highlighted all the challenges faced by young, talented footballers upon their release. The same challenges often faced by players trying to force their way in to senior football but without much success.
 
Our ethos of supporting young footballers, our model, programme and how we do things were visible for all to see as we make strides to be the very best football and academic programme in the world for players aged 18 and over.

Watch Liam Sutcliff, Head of Football for ProChance Football Club, talk about the opportunities the FdA Athlete Professional Development offers players:

Who are we looking for?

• Players who have recently been released from a professional football club
• Players who have been involved in non-league football but for whatever reason haven’t found the opportunities they were looking for
• Committed, dedicated and hardworking individuals who are open to learning and improving
• Ambition to become the best version of yourself and to achieve sporting excellence on and off the pitch
• Aged 18 to 23 Male and Female
• Individuals who can add to our already impressive culture and environment for enjoyment, development and winning
• Players willing to combine study and football with a view to becoming a success on and off the pitch.
•  

How to apply

It's important you understand all elements of the programme and our football club.

ProChance and staff at the University of Derby will take you through the process of application and your application is direct through the University.

Top-up to a Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree

You can top-up to a full Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree if you wish to once you have completed your FdA Athlete Professional Development, including our:

• BA (Hons) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport
• BA (Hons) Sport Coaching and Coach Development
• BA (Hons) Sport Management
• BSc (Hons) Performance Analysis and Coaching Science

Life in Derby

Student life in Derby as an athlete is vibrant and fulfilling! As a residential student athlete, you will not only focus on your studies and training but also enjoy a variety of activities in our lively city. From music and shopping to outdoor adventures in the stunning Peak District, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

ProChance Football is proud to offer players comfortable accommodation close to our facilities, ensuring a seamless transition as you embark on this exciting journey at the University of Derby.

It is quite common for players to share accommodation.

ProChance and staff at the University of Derby will take you through the process of application, and your application is direct through the University for both accommodation and the course.

You can find out how to fund your studies via the course page  and the University fees are applicable to all players but all your athletic needs are catered for within the academic fees payable to the University of Derby. Most players access  student finance – there is a link below which will provide the information you need on how to access funding.