Formed in 2014, the Northern Premier League Football Academy (NPLFA) is the full time education and football programme of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League (Step 7 of the English football pyramid system) Students aged 16-19, can study for a NVQ Level 2 or BTEC in Sport Level 3 (Diploma and Extended Diploma) whilst training full time with UEFA qualified coaches and playing in the only FA sanctioned league of this type in the UK. The NPLFA now offers a higher pathway route for it's students in the form of a Bachelors Degree Course in Sports Management and Sports Coaching that enables students to continue their education and full time football for a further three years.