Riseholme extend partnership with Lincoln City Football Club

Riseholme has been working in collaboration with ‘The Imps’ since 2018, in addition to hosting City’s Academy at its Showground Campus.

The Shadow Scholar Academy was launched in 2019. It has been successful in giving talented students the opportunity to play football at a high level alongside college study which gives them the opportunity to access other career pathways in sport.

Both parties have committed to develop their relationship through a new partnership agreement, which involves conducting all activities, including the Academy Emerging Talent Programme and Goalkeeper Development Centre, from a central hub.

As part of the new agreement, City’s U9 to U16 age groups within the Academy will host matches and train at the showground campus in future.

Many talented players have made their way onto the professional pitch through the Academy, including Elicha Ahui, who signed a contract with the Imps in 2022 and debuted last season in the Papa Johns Trophy.

Kate McDonald, Assistant Principal at the college said: “Riseholme College is delighted to continue working in partnership with Lincoln City to develop and enhance the provision of sport within Lincolnshire.

“We are extremely proud of the relationship the college has with the Imps – creating a hub that supports players at all stages of their development, through the delivery of an excellent education and student experience at both college and degree level.

“We’re very excited to continue working with the club, to develop programmes and pathways for young players that provide hugely beneficial opportunities and experiences, all aimed at supporting them to enjoy successful sporting careers.”

Jon Pepper, head of academy, added: “The partnership between ourselves and Riseholme College is essential in our strategy moving forward and it’s fantastic to continue working with them.

“We have an excellent working relationship and the facilities help us provide first class provision to our young players in our Academy programmes.

“We are delighted that we have renewed and extended the scope of the contract and look forward to continuing to working together.”