Football and Education Programme

Our new highly recommended Football and Education Programme, in partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club and Palace for Life Foundation, gives boys and girls the opportunity to combine their post-16 education, studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Sports Coaching & Development) or A Levels at Weavers Academy whilst training and playing for Weavers Academy and Palace for Life Football Foundation, headed up by Eddie McGoldrick and his coaching staff.

Eddie began his career at Kettering Town as a schoolboy before joining Nuneaton Town, from there he went on to play at Northampton Town. After impressing for the Cobblers, he moved to Crystal Palace where he made 147 appearances scoring 11 goals. In 1993 he was signed for Arsenal FC for three years before joining Manchester City first on loan then permanently between 1996-1999. Despite being a local Northamptonshire man, he played for his National team, The Republic of Ireland where he was a valued member of the 1994 World Cup Squad hosted by the United States of America. 

Players that excel will get opportunities to train with the professional UEFA Licensed Coaches. Eddie and his team have been involved in developing youth football, starting first at Northampton Town in 2009 for four years before moving onto Crystal Palace where he has been involved in the youth set up ever since. Eddie is proud to be responsible for several young talented players such as; Hubert Witkowski, who trialled with Peterborough United and Sheffield United, and has now returned to Poland and plays for MKP Boruta Zgierz FC. Bruno Lafond who trialled at Sheffield United and who later signed a professional contract for a Portugal professional club.

It is not just about the playing opportunities in professional football though. During the programme, there are also lots of work experience opportunities in the various roles. 

We can also support individual students with gaining additional qualifications, such as coaching and officiating qualifications. This can lead to multiple exit pathways that past students have gone on to, such as University, US Scholarships, Advanced apprenticeships, and employment. Other opportunities Weavers Academy football students will receive include playing at Selhurst Park, home of Premier League side Crystal Palace FC and experience what current premier league star players such as Crystal Palace first team players; Wilfred Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise alongside getting the opportunity to train and watch Crystal Palace first team.

We are currently recruiting players to join our Post-16 cohort. For any enquiries or to register your interest in joining the Programme, please email Stefan Emary (stefan.emary@weaversacademy.org.uk or Eddie McGoldrick (eddiemcgoldrick18@outlook.com)