In the report published last week, LFE was judged to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, with inspectors stating that learners and apprentices “consistently demonstrate extremely positive attitudes towards their learning,” adding “they are highly enthusiastic and motivated to achieve” in what was described as a “calm and focused environment for learning.”

Established in 2004 by the EFL and the PFA, LFE delivers the Apprenticeship Programme to 16-18 year olds at EFL Clubs and places a focus on a player’s on and off the pitch development as it aims to leave them in the best possible position for their future, whether that be in the professional game or outside it.

LFE works with 64 of the EFL’s Clubs, including Sutton United, to deliver the Level 3 Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship Standard to 1,184 apprentices, as well as partnering with 13 EFL Club Community Trusts to provide the Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development programme to nearly 600 16-18 year olds.

The educational programme has been specifically designed for elite athletes and is geared towards nationally recognised qualifications and consists of the following elements:
Sporting Excellence (Level 3)
BTEC Sporting Excellence and Performance (Level 3)
Functional Skills (Level 2)
Certificate in Coaching (UEFA C)

Personal development and life skills are also a key focus, covering topics such as mental health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, finance, and social media.

LFE’s transition expertise was also highlighted with Ofsted noting the “learners and apprentices receive high quality specialised careers advice and guidance,” which inspectors said “prepares them extremely well for their futures” allowing them to “make informed decisions about their next steps.”

Inspectors also found learners and apprentices “develop high levels of confidence and resilience” adding that “many learners and apprentices progress to higher levels of study at university.”

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: ”The recognition received by LFE is testament to the hard work and commitment of (LFE Chief Executive) Sarah Stephen and her team but also by Clubs, their Academies and players as well as those Community Organisations that partner with LFE on the study programme.”

More details on LFE, with whom we are pleased to be associated, can be found here.