City and Riseholme College have extended their partnership for an additional three years.
The Imps and the college have been successfully working together since 2018 with City’s Academy also being based at the campus during that time.
In 2019, the Shadow Scholar Academy was launched giving students who showed potential to play football at a high level the opportunity to access further education to support potential careers in the sport.
Elicha Ahui, who earned a professional contract with the Imps in 2022 and made his debut last season in the Papa Johns Trophy, came through the Shadow Scholar Academy.
This new partnership agreement sees commitment from both parties to continue to develop the relationship which will see all activities, including the Academy Emerging Talent Programme and Goalkeeper Development Centre, taking place from the central hub.
City’s U9 to U16 age groups within the Academy will host matches and train at the showground campus moving forward.
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 working together for the foreseeable future.”
