Hartpury University has become an education provider to the Premier League, creating a Student-Athlete Scholarship Programme which will allow Premier League Academy graduates to progress with their education and explore career paths within the sports industry while playing the sport within Hartpury’s widely respected Football Academy.

The aim of the partnership is to ensure academy graduates are equipped with the skills and education necessary for their chosen career, whether as professional footballers or in areas such as coaching, nutrition and business management.  

The programme is part of the Premier League’s wider commitment to ensuring that whatever their futures hold, they’re better off for having been an academy player. The programme includes playing for the Hartpury University team in the Hellenic Premier, athletic performance training, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, and guest lectures from industry experts.

Premier League Academy graduates successfully securing a scholarship will benefit from Hartpury University’s top-level coaches, medical practitioners and other experts. Sport students can carry out research in a professional environment that has had over £10million in investment over recent years.

West Brom graduate Leon Machisa said: “I enrolled at Hartpury University back in September 2023 and I must admit, I didn’t quite know what to expect. However, from the moment I stepped onto campus, I’ve loved every single minute of it. The independence I’ve gained, coupled with the opportunity to play week in and week out while pursuing my degree, has been nothing short of amazing.”

“The quality of football at Hartpury University and Hartpury College is truly exceptional, and the level of support and rehabilitation available is second to none.”

Marc Richards, Hartpury’s Assistant Director of Elite Sport said: “Hartpury University and Hartpury College have a fantastic reputation of producing elite performers and supporting dual career student athletes combining their sport and education. 

“We’ve produced over 250 international athletes across our wider sports academies, and the partnership with the Premier League reinforces this. We’re very proud that we’ve been chosen by the Premier League to support these individuals with their footballing and educational pathway.”