Sep 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
From September 2026 Ackworth School will partner with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England to launch a new elite football programme for both boys and girls. The initiative will offer students from Year 10 upwards the chance to combine world-class football coaching with a carefully tailored academic curriculum.
The new partnership builds on the continued success of the Ackworth Football Academy, which under the leadership of Director of Football John McDermott and Assistant Director of Football Gary Childs, has already established a strong reputation across the region. Reflecting on the announcement, McDermott said:
“Partnering with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England is a huge step forward for our football provision at Ackworth. This collaboration will give our players access to world-class coaching methods and pathways, while ensuring that their education remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Training will follow the renowned PSG methodology, designed to develop technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical excellence in a professional environment. Students will also benefit from extensive competitive opportunities, with the academy competing in prestigious ISFA and ESFA competitions, as well as regular fixtures against professional academies. These matches will not only challenge and inspire our players but also provide a vital platform to showcase their talents to scouts and clubs at the highest levels.
Students enrolling in the academy will benefit from high levels of contact time per week with our school-based UEFA A licenced Directors of Football. This will comprise of regular individual and group skills coaching sessions, regular football matches for both the Academy (and for the school when possible), and supervised strength and conditioning training.
In addition to the Academy’s home being at a £1.2m 3G pitch ten minutes from the school, students will have access to five full-sized pitches, a multi-use games pitch and an indoor training area. Students enrolled in the football academy can also take full advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool and our purpose-built fitness suite.
Students in Years 10 and 11 follow a core curriculum, including GCSEs or a Pre A-Level course, while Sixth Form pupils can choose between traditional A-Levels or the BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification equivalent to three A-Levels. This structure ensures that every student-athlete has the opportunity to excel both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The school community has warmly welcomed this partnership as a landmark opportunity for both current and future students. Head Martyn Beer commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting development for Ackworth School. Working with such a prestigious international football academy allows us to broaden opportunities for our pupils, combining academic excellence with elite sporting performance. We are proud to be part of this partnership with Paris St Germain to develop our students’ skill, performance and character.”
For more information about joining Ackworth School and the Football Academy, please visit www.ackworthschool.com/sports/football or contact us on admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Aug 19, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is proud to announce a landmark achievement for its Football Academy, as two of its standout students have signed professional contracts with prestigious clubs in England and Europe.
Sixteen-year-old Yisa has signed with Sheffield Wednesday FC and already made his professional debut with the men’s first team, an extraordinary milestone that reflects both his talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Charlie has taken his career international, signing with Almuñecar City, part of Málaga CF in Spain, further underlining the Academy’s growing reputation as a pathway to the professional game.
Their individual success builds on an exceptional year for the Football Academy. Yisa played a starring role in the U16 West Yorkshire Cup triumph, scoring four goals during the campaign, and was instrumental in the team’s run to the last 32 of the ESFA Cup. Charlie, meanwhile, was central to the U18 side’s impressive season, helping the team to win the U18 West Yorkshire Cup, reach the finals of the ISFA Cup, and advance to the quarter-finals of the ESFA Cup.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the players’ commitment and the Academy’s ethos:
“Yisa and Charlie are shining examples of what hard work, resilience, and talent can achieve. To see them move into the professional game at such a young age is a source of pride for the entire school community. Their success also inspires the next generation of Ackworth players coming through.”
Head of Sport, James Bower, echoed this pride, highlighting the Academy’s broader impact:
“These achievements reflect not only the exceptional ability of our students, but also the strength of our football programme as a whole. Balancing academic excellence with sporting success is at the heart of what we do at Ackworth, and Yisa and Charlie’s journeys show just how far that balance can take our pupils.”
Ackworth School’s Football Academy continues to establish itself as one of the country’s leading independent school football programmes – nurturing talent, delivering results, and now celebrating the success of two young professionals embarking on exciting careers.
Mar 26, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
Jan 30, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Sport
Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team etched their names into the history books after a stunning 6 – 1 victory over Boston Spa in the U19 West Yorkshire County Schools Cup final at Shelley FC.
The final started with a nervy opening spell on a challenging, heavy pitch, and an early defensive error allowed Boston Spa to take a 1 – 0 lead. However, Ackworth’s response was swift and emphatic. A moment of magic from Jordan, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, brought the game level and lifted the team’s spirits.
With renewed confidence, Ackworth dominated possession and took full control in the second half. Their quick passing and relentless attacking play wore down the opposition, creating gaps in the Boston Spa defence. The floodgates opened as Andrew, Jordan (scoring his second), Charlie, Tar, and Reece all found the back of the net, securing a resounding 6 – 1 victory.
The triumph was not only a testament to the team’s skill and determination but also marked a historic moment for Ackworth School. With our U16 team also securing the county title this year, it has been an unprecedented period of success for the school’s football program.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the team’s incredible performance, saying, “The boys showed fantastic character after going behind early. Their resilience, teamwork, and sheer quality shone through, and they fully deserved this victory. To have both age groups winning the West Yorkshire title in the same year is an unbelievable achievement for the school.”
Ackworth School’s footballers can now celebrate their well-earned triumph, with this victory cementing their status as one of the strongest teams in the region. The future is certainly bright for football at Ackworth!
Jan 22, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Sport, table tennis
Our Table Tennis Academy students competed in the West Yorkshire Schools Individuals competition at Bradford Grammar School in the 2nd week of January. In the U19 boys’ event, Hiko and Alex both won their groups and semi-finals to face each other in the final. Hiko prevailed 3:2 to become the U19 champion.
Jaron, Charlie and Peter all won their groups and made it to the last 8 in the U16 boys’ event. Jaron fell 3:2 to Noah from Beckfoot. In the semi-finals, Charlie also lost to Noah 3:1 and Peter won 3:0. In the final, Peter beat Noah 3:0 to become the U16 champion.
Both Hiko and Peter will represent West Yorkshire in the National Finals in April.
Fantastic playing and results from all of the Table Tennis Academy players and congratulations to Hiko and Peter on their respective titles.
Dec 9, 2024 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
