Alan Ball Football Academy
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Alan Ball Football Academy Lead | Lisa Burnett |
| Safeguarding & Attendance Officer | Jess Bartlett |
The Alan Ball Football Academy is an integral part of The Harbour School, designed to develop confidence, character, and real‑world skills through a high-quality football and vocational curriculum. The programme provides structure, purpose, and motivation, helping students engage more positively with their learning.
Inspiring Engagement and Positive Habits
The academy promotes strong attendance, routine, and commitment. Students involved demonstrate increased motivation and show notable improvements in confidence, communication, teamwork, and self-discipline. Football acts as a powerful tool for inclusion, helping students feel valued and connected to the school community.
Developing Skills for Life
Alongside professional coaching, students access meaningful vocational and work-related opportunities. These include sports leadership, coaching, officiating, communication roles, and trade-related experiences. Through these activities, students build essential skills such as responsibility, organisation, resilience, and time management—skills that support future education, employment, and independence.
Competitive Football and Memorable Experiences
Representing The Harbour School in Hampshire FA league fixtures is a highlight for many students. Match days offer healthy competition, teamwork, and personal pride. They provide opportunities to showcase progress, celebrate success, and create positive, lasting memories.
A Provision That Makes a Difference
As part of The Harbour School’s holistic approach, the academy has a clear and measurable impact on student growth. It supports improved attendance and engagement, stronger confidence and communication, enhanced emotional regulation, and better preparation for further education or employment. The programme gives students a sense of belonging while helping them flourish both personally and academically.
Grow, Learn and achieve
Grow
The academy aims to inspire students through a structured football and vocational curriculum that boosts motivation, attendance, and personal development. It builds key life skills and provides real-world experiences while fostering pride and belonging through training and competition.
Learn
Delivery combines high-quality coaching, strong pastoral support, and vocational learning:
• Regular training from qualified coaches
• Reinforcement of routines, behaviour expectations, and wellbeing
• Opportunities for leadership, officiating, coaching, and work experience
• Participation in Hampshire FA league fixtures, with reflection and celebration built in
Achieve
The academy has a positive effect on student outcomes, including:
• Higher attendance and punctuality
• Increased confidence, communication, and resilience
• Better teamwork and emotional regulation
• Stronger preparation for further education and employment
• A greater sense of pride, wellbeing, and belonging
Curriculum Roadmap
