National Youth Football Association (NYFA) Sweden and ERUDIO International LTD join forces with NCFE

28 October 2021

International Sports Education organisation, NYFA Sweden, and educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning, NCFE, have joined forces to deliver NYFA Sweden’s International Student Athlete Programme.

NYFA’s International Student Athlete Programme was created with the aim of supporting young people through education to achieve their goals of working in sport, through a dual career modality. Learners on the programme step into a hybrid world of study, sports competition, and work placements to ensure they are capable of transitioning and navigating towards their goals, no matter which route they pursue. The programme will use NCFE’s regulated qualifications in sport to upskill learners and provide them with both the life and leadership skills to help them achieve their potential. Catering for students at all levels, athletes can gain access to the appropriate set of courses and qualifications that will set them on their path of learning.

Founder of NYFA, Owen Southgate, set up the organisation after discovering there was a real societal issue for young people in Swedish sport – with the average dropout range age being just 11 years old. It was clear that an innovative transformation was required and so in 2019, NYFA launched several educational projects in key cities within the west of Sweden, aiming to provide positive interventions at a young age, inspiring people to continue their education within sport. Their services extended beyond the shores of Scandinavia to support the organisation Football for Humanity by delivering multiple educational courses to hundreds of sports leaders across the nation.

Today, the organisation specialises in delivering robust, quality vocational sports programmes to the youth of Sweden.

Owen Southgate, Founder and Mentor at NYFA Sweden said: “At NYFA, our long-term goal is to strengthen the role that sport plays in shaping wider society. In doing this, we are committed to enhancing the engagement of youth activities in Sweden, whilst developing skilful leaders, establishing safe environments, and empowering young people to take ownership of their own sporting potential. We are delighted to work with NCFE, who have a long heritage in vocational education and bring technical expertise and robust qualifications to increase the impact of the programme.”

Michael Potts, International Programmes Manager at NCFE said: “At NCFE, we believe that no learner should be left behind – and this applies across the globe. We want to provide the educational solutions that support every individual to achieve their goals and find a career that positively enhances their life. Engaging people to work in sport is absolutely crucial; playing a vital role in enhancing physical and mental wellbeing at a time when this is much needed. We believe in what NYFA Sweden is looking to achieve, and we are proud to be part of that journey.