The Barnet FC Shadow Scholarship Programme offers a unique and ambitious pathway for aspiring footballers aged 16–19, combining high-level football development with a traditional sixth form education.
Delivered in partnership with Canons High School, students benefit from a full academic experience, with the option to study A Levels or BTECs alongside an intensive football programme ensuring they are well prepared for careers both on and off the pitch. Canons High School sixth subjects and entry requirements.
The programme bridges the gap between grassroots football and the professional academy environment, while directly supporting Barnet FC’s U18 EFL squad. Players develop within a high-performance setting that mirrors academy standards, with clear opportunities to progress into the EFL U18 setup based on performance. This season alone, 17 Shadow Scholarship players represented that squad, highlighting the strength of the pathway and its integration with the academy programme.
The Shadow Scholarship has already demonstrated its ability to identify, recruit, and develop talent into the professional game. Patrick Matejko, Jack Blower and Bright Siaw all progressed through the programme, earning opportunities in the first team and showcasing its role as a genuine pathway into professional football.
Players benefit from coaching delivered by first team staff, including Connor Smith, who played an important role in the programme’s successful 2024/25 campaign, culminating in Barnet FC being crowned National Youth Alliance League Champion of Champions.
The coaching team has since been further strengthened with the addition of First Team Coach Jerome Okimo, further enhancing the programme’s connection to the senior environment.
For anyone interested in the programme, please complete the following APPLICATION FORM.