9-months program

The BW PASE Academy is a sports and education programme in partnership between Vanarama National League side Boreham Wood FC and education providers SCL.

The Academy was a pioneer in sports and education when it started back in 2002 and has since become the number one sports and education programme in the United Kingdom for the achievement and success of its students and players for over the past two decades.

The BW PASE Academy has successfully helped 29 young players reach a significant milestone by representing their countries on the international stage. Among these players, six have made full international appearances: Lee Hodson and Kyle Vassell (Northern Ireland), Calaum Jahraldo-Martin (Antigua & Barbuda), Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu (DR Congo), Sorba Thomas (Wales), and Iliman N’Diaye (Senegal). They have participated in prestigious tournaments, including the World Cup, European Championships, AFCON qualifiers, and various international friendlies.

Football Coaching

At the BW PASE Academy, players receive high-quality coaching from qualified staff who hold a minimum of a FA Level 2 coaching license and are trained in first aid and safeguarding. The Academy also employs a dedicated team of therapists focused on injury prevention and rehabilitation, strength and conditioning coaches who develop tailored conditioning programs, and an analysis department that evaluates player performances to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities, developed through significant investment over the last two decades, support our coaching and educational programs. These facilities include a stadium with a 4,000-person capacity, a DESSO pitch, a 4G astro turf pitch, a fully equipped gymnasium, and education suites with advanced technology and software.

Training Methods

The Academy's training philosophy aims to enhance players' technical and tactical understanding of the game, providing them with a robust platform to improve. Over the past 20 years, the BW PASE Academy has achieved success with more National Youth titles, produced more England Schools and Colleges internationals, and advanced more players into professional and semi-professional football compared to other programs in the UK. To date, the Academy has secured eight National titles and reached several finals, second only to the FA Youth Cup in prestige.

Success Stories

Additionally, the Academy has successfully placed over 250 players into the semi-professional game and helped 14 players earn professional contracts in the Football League. Notable graduates include Lee Hodson, Matthew Whichelow, Corey Whitely, and Iliman N’Diaye, with many now playing for clubs like Glasgow Rangers, West Ham United, and Sheffield United.

Prominently, Academy graduates Sorba Thomas and Iliman N’Diaye represented Wales and Senegal, respectively, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Thomas played as a substitute in the group stage against the United States, and N’Diaye featured prominently for Senegal, even starting in their round of 16 match against England.

While we celebrate these achievements, we prioritize the daily development of all BW PASE Academy players. We strive to provide pathways to further education, either at UK universities or through soccer scholarships in the United States, as well as equipping players with vital skills for entering the workforce.

Player Pathway

The BW PASE Academy uniquely offers a direct pathway into men’s first-team football, unlike other programs lacking senior club affiliations. Our 20-year track record includes various exit routes for players, such as university scholarships in both the UK and the USA, as well as pathways into professional and semi-professional football, or entry into the workforce.

The player pathway consists of six tiers. Players may remain at one tier, progress through several, or skip levels altogether. Progress can depend not just on talent but on the player's attitude, discipline, and commitment.

Categories 2 and 3


Our journey begins with the category 2 and 3 groups, competing in the National League Youth Alliance and AoC Sport Leagues. These leagues facilitate regular competitive football, allowing players to grow in a professional environment.

Under 18s
The

Under 18s category represents a competitive level where we aim for both league and cup victories annually. This group also participates in the prestigious FA Youth Cup, with home matches taking place at Meadow Park, providing top player experiences akin to the first team.

Under 19s


Progressing into the Under 19s group, players compete in the National League Football Academy. Only a select few academies meet the stringent criteria for this accreditation, and the BW PASE Academy is proud to be among them. The Under 19s also participate in national cup competitions, focusing on securing wins each year.

First Team


Boreham Wood FC emphasizes providing a clear progression from the Academy to the first team. Academy players train alongside the first team and may earn squad numbers and matchday positions.

Our coaching structure bridges the Academy and the first team, with some first-team coaches also engaging in coaching roles within the Academy, which enhances player development and pathway opportunities.

Making the transition to a first-team player is among the most challenging and requires breaking the journey into achievable milestones, such as training with the first team, earning a squad number, and making competitive debuts.

Educational Courses

The BW PASE Academy provides varied educational options for student-athletes through its partnership with SCL, experts in sports education. SCL has been fostering athletic potential for over 20 years, focusing on creating future life opportunities. They have successfully supported thousands of learners while receiving high praise in their latest Ofsted inspection, reflecting their commitment to educational excellence.