Big win for Loughborough as NFL Academy relocates to the East Midlands

The NFL Academy is coming to Loughborough

East Midlands-based fans of American football were given something to smile about this morning after the National Football League announced it was relocating its UK NFL Academy to Loughborough.

The NFL Academy, currently based at Barnet and Southgate College in London, will move to Loughborough College and Loughborough University for the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

Established in 2019, the Academy provides students aged 16-19 with pathways into employment, further education and the opportunity to play NCAA college football in the United States by combining full-time education with professional-level American football coaching.

From September 2022 all of the NFL Academy’s football and academic operations will move to Loughborough.

NFL head of Europe and UK Brett Gosper said: “Barnet and Southgate College has been an excellent partner in getting the Academy established, and we are now very excited about the opportunity to further develop both the academic and athletic offering in a move to Loughborough.

”Operating at an elite athletic performance centre with a global reputation, combined with the excellent classroom offering, gives the students the greatest chance of future achievement in all fields. It will allow us to achieve our aim of creating life-changing opportunities for young people through the sport of American football.”

Professor Nick Jennings, vice-chancellor and president of Loughborough University, said: “We are delighted to work alongside the NFL on this ground-breaking partnership.

“By working collectively with colleagues from Loughborough College, we will provide young players with a first-class education and world-renowned training environment across both campuses. By providing this solid foundation in their early sporting careers, we will play a key role in the growth of American football in the UK and around the world.”

Jo Maher, principal and CEO at Loughborough College, added: “Loughborough College is incredibly proud and excited to partner with the NFL and Loughborough University on the NFL’s only global Academy. With a track record of nurturing and developing elite athletes through high-quality pastoral support and teaching, we cannot wait to welcome our first cohort of students on the NFL pathway.

“This is a golden opportunity for everyone involved to forge a truly impactful and successful academy which creates potential NFL stars of the future and it’s one we’re delighted to be part of.”

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