If you’re 16 or 17 and serious about football, the hardest part isn’t wanting a career in the game — it’s finding a real pathway that doesn’t force you to choose between playing and getting an education. Eastleigh FC’s Scholarship programme is built to remove that trade-off entirely.
What the Scholarship Actually Is
It’s a 2–3 year, full-time programme that combines professional-level football development with a genuine academic qualification — not football training with a token classroom bolted on. Players train and study on-site at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium, on brand-new grass and all-weather pitches, with a dedicated on-site classroom.
On the football side: scholars compete in the U19 National Youth League Alliance, Tactic Leagues, Youth Development League, and the FA Youth Cup — with the top performers moving up to the Elite Development Squad, which plays showcase fixtures against professional and semi-professional sides and competes in the National Academy South League. The pathway links directly to Eastleigh’s first team.
On the education side: players spend their first two years working toward an NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity — equivalent to three A-Levels — with the option to also pick up English and Maths GCSEs. Strong performers can then progress to a third year with the Elite Development Squad, where Juniper delivers further qualifications in Business Enterprise or Gym Instructing and Personal Training.
It Costs Nothing to Join
Both the football and education elements are fully funded — there’s no fee to enter the programme, aside from a subsidised training kit cost once you’re accepted.
The Track Record Is Real
This isn’t a new or unproven scheme — Eastleigh’s scholarship has run for over a decade, and it has actually produced professional footballers: Alex Wilkie (QPR), Jahiem Dotse (Wycombe Wanderers), Joe Adams (Wigan Athletic), Brett Williams (Reading), Aaron Martin (Southampton), and Will Aimson (Hull City) all came through this pathway. More recently, Josh Jeffries (Southampton) and Balraj Landa (AFC Bournemouth) moved on from the Spitfires, and the current first team includes academy products training full-time.
Two scholars — Joe Adams and Tom Gruzewski — were even called up to the U18 England Schoolboys squad.
Where It Can Lead
The programme is upfront that not everyone ends up with a first-team contract, and it’s transparent about the other real outcomes on offer:
- First-team contracts for standout players
- A third-year Elite Development Squad place, for those selected
- University progression, including links to US university football scholarship programmes
- Sports industry careers — coaching, media, sports therapy, and similar roles the qualification opens doors to
How to Get In
Open Trials for Year 11 and 12 students are held ahead of each season. For details on the next trial or general enquiries, contact Jason Bristow at, or follow on Instagram, X, TikTok, or Facebook for updates.