If you play a competitive sport you may have the opportunity to join one of our Sports Academies. Sports Academies are a great way to develop and enhance your current sporting skills, as well as make new friends and help keep yourself fit and healthy.



The Sixth Form offers the following Sports Academies:
  • Sport Performance Pathway

  • Football Academy

  • Cricket Academy


Sport Performance Pathway

The Sport Performance Pathway is a bespoke training and development programme for young athletes who compete at a high level in any sport.


Football Academy

The B6 Football Academy offers you the fantastic opportunity to develop and excel in football. Training and Academy fixtures take place at the new 4G training facility at Hacken Lane.

Meet the Coach:

CRAIG THOMAS | HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Craig has taught and coached on the Salford Football for Life Programme, educating and developing apprentices for football league clubs. Craig then went on to become Academy Coordinator of FC United of Manchester Football Excellence Programme, a position which he held for over 10 years.

Image of Head Football Coach, Craig Thomas

Craig Thomas, Head Football Coach


Cricket Academy

The B6 Cricket Academy offers you the fantastic opportunity to develop and excel in cricket. We have partnerships with the Bolton Cricket League and we’re supported by the Lancashire Cricket Board. Training takes place at Bolton Indians and Cricket Academy fixtures take place at a variety of top quality local clubs.

Meet the Coach:

PAUL TEBAY | HEAD CRICKET COACH

Paul is an ECB Level 2 Coach and a former cricket professional. He has gained valuable experience and vast knowledge as a cricket professional and coach. He has coached several young players, most notably Sajid Mahmood who has gone on to represent England at International level. 

Image of Head Cricket Coach, Paul Tebay

Paul Tebay, Head Cricket Coach


Benefits of joining the Sports Academies:
  • Individualised high-quality coaching delivered by our specialist coaches

  • Access to a sports rehabilitator and therapist

  • Full Academy training kit

  • Compete in National Academy Leagues and British Colleges Framework

  • Acquire coaching and officiating qualifications

  • Academy teams compete in regular fixtures and competitions against other colleges on Wednesday afternoons. Each Academy runs alongside academic classes and all students will follow a full-time programme of study

Academy sessions include:
  • Speed and agility

  • Skill development

  • Performance techniques

  • Video analysis

  • Diet and nutrition

  • Etiquette and conduct


Application process

If you wish to apply for a place on one of the academies, you should indicate in the box on the main application form. You will be invited for a standard admissions interview and once you have been offered a place you will be invited to attend trials. References can also be submitted from relevant sports teachers at your school or your sports coach to support your application.


Image of four students in college sports kits
Image of the cricket team
Image of student in Rugby kit with a rugby ball
Students playing Cricket
Image of two students in Cricket kit
Image of student in football kit

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