Future football coaches will be able to study for an innovative foundation degree after Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust joined forces with Middlesex University.

The foundation degree in football development and coaching combines coaching, theory and work-based learning within the sport, linked to the Hornets.

Students enrolled on this course will be registered as a Middlesex University students and will be entitled to all the benefits associated with studying at the establishment.

All students will study at both Middlesex University and at the trust’s facilities at Cedars Youth & Community Centre in Harrow, and will also receive free Watford FC kit to wear when on work placements

This degree is awarded by Middlesex University and is recognised as a unique work-based learning qualification exposing students to valuable work experience and preparing them for employment.

The university also provides progression routes that allow students to achieve a BA (hons) by undertaking a final year of study and graduating at Middlesex University subject to admissions criteria.

You can find out more about the foundation degree on the trust’s website.

The community trust’s higher education strategic lead Laura Figg said: “We are very excited about this degree and the potential impact it can have on young people in the local community.

"University is not for everyone and this programme gives people a slightly different, more personal slant on higher education with delivery from industry professionals and work experience within the trust.

“Students have a real opportunity to gain life changing employability skills whilst studying towards a degree.”

Neil Bangs, director of programmes for sport at the university, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us as a university to get involved with a trust that has an amazing reputation in the community.

“We hope to build on our partnership by working together to support students to achieve exceptional work experience placements alongside their studies and Middlesex University has a range of alternative clubs and teams we already work with that can enhance the student’s experience further.”