Sports Diploma
A Diploma in Sport taught by leading experts in sport science.
About our FSD Organisation
About
What do we do, and why do we do it?
About FSD Academy
FSD Academy was formed by one-time Premier League player Matthew Piper and his good friend Owen Johnson. They shared a vision to create exciting career pathways and opportunities for individuals between 16-19yrs old, who have a passion for football and aspirations to pursue a qualification in sport.
Our vision throughout the FSD organisation is to empower young people to achieve more in all aspects of life, and we offer a wide range of sports coaching and educational opportunities in order to achieve that.
We pride ourselves on helping our students and all the young people we work with to become the best they can be, particularly those youngsters who come from disadvantaged communities, challenging backgrounds or who haven’t settled in the mainstream education system.
To deliver a unique mix of sport, education & life skills in a 'family' environment where every individual is valued and the power of positive thinking is realised
FSD Academy mission statement
To deliver a unique mix of sport, education & life skills in a 'family' environment where every individual is valued and the power of positive thinking is realised
What we do
School Coaching
Game-focused sports education that combines having fun while learning.
1-on-1 Coaching
Bespoke football coaching and development plans tailored to your child’s current ability.
Alternative Provision
Our unique, 3-layered approach re-engages young people who struggle within the mainstream education framework.
Community Interest
Our Community Interest Company helps us support new projects in the local area where need is most needed.
Holiday Sports Clubs
Fun and engaging sports camps for 5-14 year olds during half-term, Easter and Summer holidays.
Mens Football
Elite coaching, training and non-league football progression with the FSD men’s team
International Academy
Experience life as a professional footballer in a country that has the best and most exciting league in the world.
Youth Football
Helping young people to develop their football skills both technically and tactically.
Our founders: Matt Piper
Matthew earned 23 Premier League appearances for Leicester City until he was sold to Sunderland AFC for 3.5 million. He spent four years with Sunderland before injury cut his career short at the age of 26.
After gaining a UEFA coaching badge the natural progression was into coaching. Matthew has developed a fantastic reputation throughout Leicestershire and beyond for his work with young people from all walks of life, including disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities. He is an ambassador for two local children’s charities and commentates for the BBC on Leicester City premier league matches.
Our founders: Owen Johnson
Owen came up through the ranks at Leicester City alongside England international Emile Heskey and played at a high level in the semi-professional game.
At the end of Owen’s playing career he chose to study for a sports qualification, a path that has led him to become an experienced UEFA-qualified coach.
Alongside FSD Academy, Owen runs Don’t Just Kick It (DJKI) football development centres, with the aim of progressing talented youngsters into the professional game.
Our journey so far
2017
Highfield Rangers
We acquired the Highfield Rangers FC campus, the start of the FSD Level 2 Diploma Academy
2018
Sports Diploma
We begin to offer the Level 3 Diploma qualification at Highfield Rangers FC campus
Pathways
The FSD Pathways Programme (secondary Alternative Provision) is launched
2019
Active IQ
We start teaching Active IQ Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer qualifications free of charge for qualifying students
2020
Community interest
Our community interest company FSD FC CiC, designed to support individuals and communities through sport, is launched.
2021
Kirby Muxloe
We acquired the Kirby Muxloe campus to expand our Diploma Academy.
B-Inspired
We partner with B-Inspired at the Braunstone Grove campus for the Power of Change initiative and start to deliver coaching and mentoring workshops to youngsters.
FSD Teams
Our very own football teams are launched, including several youth teams and a local mens’ league team.
2022
Alternative Provision
Our Alternative Provision Primary facility is launched at the Braunstone Grove campus.
International
Our international academy, Pro-Sports Experience (PSE), is launched.
Mowmacre Hill
The Mowmacre Hill Sports Complex is acquired from the local council.
Beyond
Yet to come...
The Mowmacre Hill Sports Complex will become our main campus, supporting young people from all backgrounds throughout the Midlands. The site will be a sporting and education hub of positivity and personal development.