At Queen Ethelburga’s, football is a cornerstone of the outstanding sporting education you’ll receive. As a student from Year 3 onwards, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the game and grow within a football school that nurtures talent and passion.

If you’re in King’s Magna or College, your football journey will focus on four key pillars: technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development. You’ll sharpen these skills through PE lessons, enrichment sessions, after-school training, and competitive fixtures.

Competitive Football Opportunities

If you are looking to compete in regular local, regional and national competitions, we have Boys and Girls teams for U10 to U18. There are competitions throughout the year, including:

• Harrogate & Craven District Cup
• Harrogate & Craven Small Sided Tournaments (5 & 7 aside)
• North Yorkshire County Cup
• English Schools FA Cup & Trophy (ESFA)
• ESFA Super League
• AoC Premier League
• Independent Schools FA Cup, Shield & Plate (ISFA)
• ISFA National Sixes
• ISFA Northern Eights
• ISA Regional & National Tournaments 
• Sisters N Sport Cup

Teams will also challenge themselves against Junior Premier League teams and local professional academies. As a member of the A or B teams, you’ll take part in football block fixtures against other top independent schools.

Continue Your Football Journey

If you’re excelling in your age group, our Coaches will connect you with opportunities beyond the school pitch. These include:

• Professional Academy trials
• County Representative trials
• ISFA Yorkshire trials
• ISFA National Team trials
• Local Junior Grassroots Opportunities
• USA Scholarship Pathways
• UK University Pathways

If you’re a goalkeeper, you’ll benefit from weekly masterclass sessions with a professional goalkeeper coach - just one of the many ways our football school supports specialist development.

Meet The Coaches

	Matt Derbyshire  Football Coach - Development & Performance  “After recently retiring from a 22-year professional football career, I got a taste for coaching after being appointed interim coach of Bradford City. I have also coached at Blackburn Rovers Academy. I hope to bring all my playing, coaching and mentorship skills to the students, as well as helping them to develop both as people and players.”
	Sam Sharman  Football Coach - Engagement & Partnerships  “In my previous role, I served as Technical Support Lead for Para Football at the FA. My previous experience includes working at professional football academies, schools and colleges, and international soccer camps. Most recently, England and Great Britain Deaf Men and England Cerebral Palsy Football teams.  At QE, I’m excited to combine quality football coaching sessions, mentoring and the promotion of professional standards, enabling students to be the best that they can.”
	Ashley Vickers  Football Coach - Enrichment & Inclusion  “I’ve spent the last three years coaching at Manchester City Women’s Academy, leading the Elite Development Squad (U21s) and playing a key role in progressing players into the first team, national squads, and U.S. college scholarships. My experience spans individual development, high-performance environments, and player recruitment at the top level of the women’s game. At QE, I aim to build an inclusive, enriching football programme that supports players of all abilities, combining technical excellence, personal growth, and a love for the game across both performance and participation pathways.”
	Paul Bolland  Teacher of Sport & Performance  “I’ve made over 400 professional appearances across a 15-year playing career in the English Football Leagues. Now a qualified UEFA A Licence coach and Teacher of Sport & Performance, I look forward to continuing to pass on my knowledge & experience to aspiring students at QE; creating a fun, challenging, and inclusive environment for all players to improve their skills.”
	Yousif Mohammed  Football Coach "Previously Lead Coach and Head of Football at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, I hold a UEFA B licence. I spent a year with Total Pro Soccer as Lead Football Coach, focusing on college football, school PE and overseeing football summer camps.  At QE, I hope to bring a positive team environment and help students to develop, reach their full potential and make QE champions and the best footballing school!”

Partnerships

Our Coaches maintain strong links with professional clubs, giving you the chance to play against Academy teams like Leeds United, Bradford City, and Sheffield Wednesday. These fixtures offer a rare glimpse into the professional game and help you grow in a high-performance setting.

Beyond the pitch, you’ll engage in football programmes with UK universities and fellow ISFA member schools. You’ll compete in both local and national tournaments, building your skills and reputation.

If you’re considering long-term pathways, QE’s partnerships with USA Sport Scholarship organisations offer you a realistic route to study and play in the United States. Many QE students have already secured full or partial scholarships at American universities, combining academic success with football excellence.