Did you know that our College Programme can be a stepping stone to our Academies and First Team, and even the EFL?

Let us take you back to March 5th, 2022. Sutton United, in their first ever season in League Two, took on then-EFL ever-presents Rochdale AFC at the VBS Community Stadium, and found themselves 3-0 up against Robbie Stockdale’s side following a dominant display. U’s supporters will notably remember the match for a key win in the race for automatic promotion, with Matt Gray’s men defying all the odds in their first campaign in the fourth tier, with an emphatic victory over Rochdale sending them back into the automatic promotion places with 12 games to go.

However, another notable event took place that day, with goals from Enzio Boldewijn and Joe Kizzi giving Sutton the breathing room to offer a senior debut with nine minutes to go. Enter: Elite College Programme graduate, Kylian Kouassi.

Coming on in place of Omar Bugiel, Kouassi, who had previously spent time on loan at Bedfont Sports, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Chesham United, showed his potential with some good movement and attacking threat on his brief first appearance, as well as going close to a debut goal with a header that flew just over the crossbar. Kouassi later made three further substitute appearances during the 2021/22 season, before enjoying a far more significant role during the 2022/23 campaign, appearing 36 times in all competitions.

The young forward scored his first goal with the winner in a 2-1 win over Harrogate Town, and was followed by two goals in as many games in the EFL Trophy against Leyton Orient and Oxford United, before rounding off the season with a goal on the final day in a 1-1 draw against Carlisle United, in which he also completed his first 90 minutes in the league. A season of firsts for Kouassi, the sky was certainly the limit for the 20-year old, and it wasn’t long before he found himself moving higher up the football pyramid, moving to League One side Blackpool in the summer of 2023, who were then fresh off a season in the Championship.

He went on to play 24 times in all competitions for the Tangerines, as well as notably scoring a hat-trick against Liverpool Under-21’s in the EFL Trophy. As a result of playing at a higher level of football, he saw seen his development skyrocket following his move to the Lancashire Coast, but opted to depart last season in search of increased game time. This saw a temporary return to League Two come to fruition with a loan move to Salford City, and he subsequently played more games than ever before during his stint at the Peninsula Stadium, scoring three goals 27 league appearances, while featuring a total of 31 times in all competitions last term.

Kouassi’s journey to the EFL is something that began so many years ago in Sutton’s Elite College Programme, and thus, Sutton United were the agents of a what is looking to be an extremely promising career in the EFL.

Follow in Kylian’s footsteps and join the College Programme today! With another trial set for this week, and with limited spaces available, click here to register. Secure your place today!

You can also read below for more information regarding the trial.

Are you starting year 12 in September and are passionate about sport? Sutton United Football Club is offering a sports education programme — designed to help you succeed on and off the pitch.

Successful trialists will have the chance to train and learn in a professional football setting at the home of Sutton United, experiencing what it’s like to be part of a real club, with access to elite coaching, high-quality facilities, and hands-on sports development:

  • Study NCFE & BTEC qualifications (Level 1–3) in Sport, Business, Fitness, and Teaching
  • Earn up to 168 UCAS points and prepare for university, apprenticeships, or careers in sport
  • Receive dedicated support in English and Maths, and a personal development programme to build confidence and life skills

SCL hold a direct contract with the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the government agency accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.

As an ESFA partner, SCL have access to funding for the education of people aged 16-19 years. Providing that you are of the correct age and eligible for funding, your programme will be fully funded and therefore free of charge to you.

By taking part in work placements, you will gain experience in:

  • Coaching
  • Sports marketing
  • Health and fitness
  • Community development
  • Business and media

We will also support you beyond the pitch:

  • SEND and learning support specialists
  • Safeguarding-first campus culture
  • Mental resilience and wellbeing coaching

Join a club that believes in community, education, and building the next generation of talent. Whether you’re eyeing a career in sport or want a unique route to university, this is your moment.

Important information:

  • The trial will take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025 at 2:30pm at Tooting & Mitcham Football Club – Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Rd, Mitcham, Morden SM4 6BF
  • 2pm registration
  • Back in main hall at 3:45pm for talk on education
  • Students will receive the chance to represent Sutton in the EFL Youth Alliance, League FA Youth Cup and National League Alliance
  • Students will also get the chance to gain an NCFE Level 3 in Sport & Physical Activity and A-Level Psychology
  • Boots, shin pads and a water bottle all required
  • Bring ID

Who will be involved?

  • Jimmy Dack – Academy Manager
  • Glen Nichols – Academy Head of Coaching/PDP Head Coach (Under-18/19)
  • Steve Boys – Head of Recruitment

Eligibility

  • Eligible students should be born between 1st September 2008 and 31st August 2009
  • Age 16 and going into Year 12
  • Local within 45 min
  • Ideally have Grade 4 or above in Maths and English GCSE

How to sign up? 

Apply Now

Click here to register, with limited spaces at Sutton United Football Club – Secure your place today!

Photo Credit: Paul Loughlin