Walsall FC Foundation’s Post-16 Football and Education ‘A’ Team have today been crowned champions of the EFL’s Community and Education Football Alliance (CEFA) Central 2 League following a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town.
The Post-16 Football and Education programme allows students aged 16 to 19 to combine their studies – either a BTEC Level 2 in Sport and/or a BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching and Development – with the unique opportunity to train and play football daily on a professional 3G pitch at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.
Now in its third year, the programme continues to grow. In September 2025, the number of enrolled students increased from 15 to 30, enabling the creation of a ‘B’ Team alongside the ‘A’ Team.
Several students have progressed into further education or full-time employment within the football industry. Notably, Joe Garratt secured an apprenticeship with Walsall FC Foundation after two years within our Post 16 programme, where he delivers physical activity sessions in local primary schools and contributes to a range of other Foundation programmes.
The CEFA Central 2 League features a number of further education programmes from club foundations across the area, including Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Across the 2025/26 season, our ‘A’ Team have picked up a number of fantastic results, securing top spot after a 1-1 draw against title rivals Northampton Town on Wednesday afternoon.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the success of the team throughout the year. To celebrate, the team have been invited by the EFL to the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 24th May.
We are currently recruiting for the upcoming 2026 academic year, with recruitment events coming up for students considering their next steps after leaving school. To learn more about the programme or to register your interest, visit: https://walsallfcfoundation.com/sport/post16/
Or contact: marc.wilkes@walsallfcfoundation.co.uk.
