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Excelsior Football Academy
Established in September 2023, Excelsior Football Academy (EFA) is a curriculum-integrated programme designed to engage and develop young people through their passion for the game.
Offering a five to seven year football-in-education pathway for students aged 11 to 19, EFA positions Excelsior Academy as a distinctive choice for families across the West End of Newcastle. It combines high-quality teaching with a high-performance sporting environment, enabling students to pursue their passion alongside their education.
A Different Approach to Learning
EFA is built around the principle of connecting education with student interest. By integrating football into the school experience, the programme creates a more engaging and purposeful learning environment.
Through a structured coaching programme and an alternative approach to development, students benefit from an experience that supports both academic progress and personal growth, extending well beyond the classroom.
Built on over 25 years of coaching expertise, EFA follows a proven model that develops potential into performance, while keeping education at the centre of every opportunity.
Developing the Whole Student
EFA uses football as a vehicle to support wider development, helping students build discipline, resilience and teamwork skills that prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Selection into EFA reflects not only footballing ability and potential, but also attitude, commitment and a desire to improve. All players are expected to meet high standards through a ‘Behaviour to Play’ agreement, where academic performance and behaviour are closely monitored to support both personal development and their place within the programme.
Benefits to Pupil Development
EFA is designed to deliver measurable impact across every aspect of a student’s development.
- High Levels of Engagement – Students report strong enjoyment and arrive at school motivated and ready to learn.
- Increased Confidence – Pupils develop self-belief, growing both as footballers and as individuals.
- Accelerated Progress – Students improve rapidly on the pitch while becoming more focused and effective learners in the classroom.
- Positive Attitudes to Education – Participation in a football-education environment strengthens how students and families view school.
- Strong Sense of Belonging – Students build friendships, feel valued and develop a clear sense of identity within the school community.
- Pride in Participation – Being part of a unique and aspirational programme fosters ownership and passion.
- Clear Future Pathways – Over the course of the programme, students can gain qualifications in football coaching and sports leadership, supporting progression into further education, training or careers in sport.
Meet the Coaches
Kris Glenwright
Kris has been a valued member of Excelsior Academy since 2008, holding a range of roles within PE, including Lead Practitioner, and now serving as Leader of PE and Head of Excelsior Football Academy (EFA).
With over 27 years of experience in football development, Kris has delivered programmes across the city through the local authority, working in every primary and secondary school, as well as advanced centres and holiday provision. His experience also includes working with the FA as a Social Inclusion Coach in the west end of Newcastle, supporting players from early years through to adult level across both grassroots and elite pathways.
A UEFA Diploma-qualified coach, Kris brings a breadth of expertise developed across a wide range of organisations, initiatives and clubs. Alongside his leadership of EFA, he continues to operate at a high level within the game as a coach at Newcastle United Academy and as a Coach Developer for the NFA.
Olivia Black
Olivia is in her fourth year at Excelsior Academy as a PE teacher and plays a key role within Excelsior Football Academy (EFA), bringing extensive experience as both a player and coach.
With over 15 years in North East football, Olivia is a proven goal scorer and currently a key player for Washington. She was also a founding member of Gateshead Ladies FC, where she became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Alongside her playing career, Olivia has built eight years of coaching experience across grassroots and development pathways, including leading a local team, heading up a Wildcats girls’ centre and delivering programmes with the Gateshead FC Foundation.
Olivia is currently working towards her UEFA C Diploma in Coaching Football and is committed to using her playing and coaching experience to inspire and develop the next generation of talent.
2025/2026 Team Photos
Year 7
“Football Academy has taught me to be less selfish and work more as a team. I know how to include everyone in our games now and I feel I am more resilient as a person. If you lose then it doesn’t matter, and you learn from your mistakes for next time”
- Adriana, YEAR 7
Year 8
"My favourite part of Football Academy is I love the sessions and the games. I also love wearing the tracksuit as my school uniform on training days!”
- Eduard, YEAR 8
Year 9
“The sessions are brilliant. I feel I have really developed as a player and a person since starting Football Academy in Year 7. I love it”
- Bobby, YEAR 9
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What year groups is this for?
Excelsior Football Academy begins in Year 7 and Year 12, offering a five to seven year football-in-education experience for students aged 11 to 19.
2. How do interested students get involved?
In Year 6, pupils who have secured a place to attend Excelsior Academy are invited to attend Open Training sessions in the summer prior to their September start. Within each session, pupils can showcase their talents against other potential EFA players. A decision is made before the end of the school year. Students can also be selected at any point during the academic year and introduced as an EFA player as and when appropriate.
3. What kit do the students need?
EFA players are invited to purchase and wear the exclusive Adidas kit, which can be worn on training days during school hours.
4. What are the days and times of training and matches?
Students engage in two hours of football activity per week during curriculum time, alongside the core curriculum. Within College, students who study Sport have the opportunity to enrol into the College Academy squad. Match days and fixtures are communicated directly to players and families.
Player Learning Journey
