Hartpury Football Programme
Hartpury offers a unique football pathway that combines outstanding college and university education with a full-time, elite football programme endorsed by the Premier League. Designed to mirror the demands of the professional game, Hartpury provides players with the opportunity to continue their development in a high-performance environment while gaining qualifications that support long-term career success.
The programme delivers a comprehensive games schedule across multiple competitions, including Step 4 of the National League Pyramid (Southern League Division One), BUCS Southern Premier League, National Youth Alliance, England Colleges Premier League, England Schools Premier Cup, FA Youth Cup, FA Cup and FA Trophy.
Players benefit from a professional academy-style environment, supported by specialist services such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology, lifestyle management and performance analysis. World-class facilities enable players to train and compete full-time alongside their academic studies.
Individual development is central to the Hartpury philosophy, with a proven pathway into professional football. Over 40 graduates have signed professional contracts worldwide, with alumni representing clubs at the highest levels of the game, including the World Cup, UEFA Champions League and the EFL Championship. Regular representation within England Colleges, England Schools and England Universities provides consistent exposure and opportunities to showcase talent.
Professional playing graduates include:
Mustapha Bundu (Hannover 96), Laiith Fairnie (Birmingham City), Abdul Waris (Ghana)
Alongside on-field progression, Hartpury supports career development through its education pathway. The University was awarded Specialist University of the Year 2025/26, recognising its tailored approach to dual-career athletes. Vocational degree programmes are designed to apply theory to real-world practice, preparing students for employment within professional football and the wider sports industry.
Education pathway graduates include:
Tom John (Strength & Conditioning – Arsenal), James Sharman (Scout – Manchester City), Scott Mason (Performance Education – Liverpool), Josh Marsh (Loans Manager – Chelsea)
Hartpury is one of the most successful college and university football programmes in the UK, consistently competing for national honours. The programme has secured 16 national college titles and 6 national university titles. In 2020, Hartpury launched its national league team, achieving three promotions in four seasons to reach Step 4 as the highest-ranked university-associated team in England. This progression has enabled regular participation in FA competitions, including a semi-final appearance in the FA Vase during the 2024/25 season.
Hartpury Football offers a complete student-athlete experience, combining elite football, high-quality education and an on-site campus lifestyle. Students live, train and study alongside like-minded individuals, creating an environment that supports ambition, development and progression into the professional game.