Academy
Burscough FC · Football & Education
Burscough FC Academy · 16–19

WE ARE
THE NEXT LINNETS

A full-time football education with a direct pathway into Burscough's first team — supported by the manager and coaches who pick the side on a Saturday.

Why The Linnets

Not Just Another College Course

This is football education built inside a real club environment. Students are coached, supported and developed by people who know the game — with a clear pathway towards first-team football and future careers in sport.

4 +Training Days / Week
1 : 1Individual Development
Level 3Extended Diploma
1One Club · One Badge
The Technology Behind Your Development

Powered By

At Burscough FC Academy, we believe player development should go beyond the training pitch.

That's why our Academy is powered by NXT4 PRO, an advanced football development platform designed to connect coaches, players and parents through three dedicated, fully integrated apps.

From intelligent training sessions and individual development plans to match analysis, performance feedback and player progress, NXT4 PRO brings every part of a player's football journey together.

Three Dedicated Apps. Built Around The Player.

01

NXT4 PRO Academy Coach

Smarter coaching. More informed development.

Our Academy coaches use NXT4 PRO to support a structured, individual approach to player development.

  • AI-assisted training session planning tailored to the squad
  • Individual player profiles and development objectives
  • Player wellness and fitness monitoring
  • Match performance reviews and tactical analysis
  • Training observations and ongoing progress tracking
  • Structured feedback to support individual improvement

This gives coaches the tools to plan with purpose, monitor development and make more informed decisions throughout a player's Academy journey.

NXT4 PRO Academy Coach
02

NXT4 PRO Academy Player

Your game. Your progress. Your future.

Every Academy player has access to their own dedicated NXT4 PRO Player App, helping them take greater ownership of their football development.

  • Personal player profile and development information
  • Training schedules, fixtures and match details
  • Individual coaching feedback and performance reviews
  • Match video and analysis resources
  • Development targets and progress tracking
  • Wellness check-ins to support training preparation

Players gain a clearer understanding of where they are, what they're working towards and how they can continue improving.

NXT4 PRO Academy Player
03

NXT4 PRO Academy Parent

Stay connected to their football journey.

The dedicated NXT4 PRO Academy Parent App provides a way for families to stay informed, engaged and connected with their child's Academy experience.

  • View upcoming fixtures and training schedules
  • Follow their child's football development
  • Access shared coaching feedback and progress updates
  • View available match analysis and video content
  • Stay informed about Academy activities
  • Share relevant player information with authorised Academy staff

Parents don't have to be on the touchline every day to feel part of their child's journey.

NXT4 PRO Academy Parent
Coach → Player → Parent

One Connected Development Experience

When coaches plan sessions, review performances and update individual development objectives, relevant information can be shared through the connected Player and Parent Apps. This creates greater visibility, stronger communication and a more joined-up approach to player development.
More Than Just An Academy

Professional Tools. Connected Development. Real Opportunities.

At Burscough FC Academy, we're combining quality football coaching, competitive fixtures, education and innovative technology to create an environment where ambitious young players can work towards their potential.
Burscough FC Academy — Powered by NXT4 PRO
the journey

YOUR DEVELOPMENT YOUR FUTURE

Every player's journey is different. At Burscough FC Academy, we provide the coaching, education, facilities and development opportunities to help you work towards your ambitions. Progress is earned through commitment, attitude, hard work and performance, with opportunities to take the next step when you're ready.

1
Year 1

BUILD YOUR FOUNDATIONS

Develop your technical ability, tactical understanding, fitness and confidence through structured football training, competitive fixtures and your Level 3 qualification.

2
Year 1-2

DEVELOP & PROGRESS

Work with your Academy coaches to identify strengths, improve areas for development and build the consistency, discipline and football intelligence needed to progress.

3
Throughout the programme

TRAIN & BE CHALLENGED

Experience a senior football environment, with opportunities to train alongside the Burscough FC First Team and learn from experienced players and coaches.

4
Performance-based

EARN YOUR OPPORTUNITIES

Players demonstrating the required ability, attitude, commitment and readiness may be considered for further First Team involvement, subject to the management team's assessment and selection.

5
Your next chapter

EXPLORE YOUR NEXT STEPS

Whether your ambitions involve senior football, further education, university, coaching or opportunities elsewhere in the game, we'll help you explore suitable pathways for your future.

Proof It Works

From Our Academy To The First Team.

Three of our academy players have already stepped up and signed for the Burscough FC first team — and they won't be the last.

Phil Stafford
Supported By The First Team

Coached By The People Who Pick The Side

I think it is imperative for a club of this stature to have an academy in place. We want to be embedded within the community and this allows a pathway for local talent to progress into non league. Providing a platform for these students to showcase their potential and, one day, to pull on the first-team shirt right here at their own club.
Phil StaffordFirst-Team Manager, Burscough FC

Our academy players will also be given the opportunity to train alongside the senior setup and are watched by the manager and his staff throughout the season — so the step up isn't a leap, it's the next stride.

Meet The Head Of Academy

Learning On The Pitch And In The Classroom

I've spent years developing young players — in the classroom, on the pitch, and in SEN provisions where every young person deserves the same chance. Now I get to do it all at my own club. Come here ready to work and I'll help you become a better footballer and a better person, every single day.
Stephen RigbyHead of Academy & First-Team Player, Burscough FC

A current first-team player and an experienced educator, our Head of Academy brings years of teaching experience to the Linnets — including a spell as a tutor at Marine Football Academy and extensive work within SEN provisions, delivering inclusive education the right way. He knows exactly what it takes to develop young players on the grass and in the classroom, and he now leads our academy full-time.

Stephen Rigby
Academy Coach
Meet The Academy Coach

Developing The Next Generation.

I started out as an analyst, but I quickly realised my real passion was out on the pitch — coaching players and helping them improve every single day. Now I get to do exactly that, full-time.
Academy CoachAcademy Coach, Burscough FC

Aaron completed the same course here between 2017 and 2019, before progressing to university and earning a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. He went on to join Fleetwood Town as an analyst across the U9s to U21s — but soon realised coaching, not analysis, was where his passion lay. Now UEFA C qualified and coaching full-time, he delivers private 1-to-1 sessions with players from top academy environments, developing them both technically and tactically.

Included When You Join

Your Full Academy Kit

Every academy player is kitted out head to toe — a full training kit for the daily grind and a smart travel kit for match days. Look like a pro, feel like a pro.

Your Full Academy
Intake Now Open

Ready To Step Up?

Book a trial, register your interest for our next open evening, or enrol today. Limited places available for September 2026.

Working In Partnership With

Our academy is proudly supported by our funding partner