LFE was established in 2004 by The EFL and The PFA to deliver the Apprenticeship Programme to 16 to 18-year-old players at EFL clubs.

The graphic (top left) provides a brief outline of the components that make up the Apprenticeship Programme.

LFE’s responsibilities extend to the delivery of life skills to U9-U23 players, parents and club staff. LFE’s Life Skills programme covers topics that include emotional well-being, equality, diversity and inclusion, finance, cardiac and sexual health awareness, social media, talent transfer, resilience, personal development and lifestyle & education on key subjects such as gambling, alcohol and drugs.

Support is also provided after the completion of the apprenticeship, including tracking & monitoring of all past apprentices, assessment trials to try to help out of contract players gain a club, assistance in securing USA Soccer Scholarships or University places and European links with clubs in Spain and Sweden.


In partnership with The EFL and EFL Trust, LFE also delivers a CT Study Programme, offering 16 to 18 year-old (male and female) learners the opportunity to study sport-related qualifications, while representing their club at football or futsal.

The conceptual diagram (bottom left) provides a brief outline of the components that make up the course. Learners are able to improve their knowledge of sport and can apply this to the practical element of their programme to improve their technical, tactical and physical ability. Upon completion, learners can progress to University or full-time employment.


Part of the LFE education programme may be sub-contracted to a third party organisation. LFE believes that this provides an overall higher quality programme for its learners. Sub-contracted provision provides expertise in certain areas of our niche provision and adds to the already extensive support that LFE provides.

Subcontracting Rationale, Fees & Charges

At all times, LFE remains responsible for the quality of teaching, learning and assessment of all of its learners and is responsible for registering all learners with the relevant awarding body. LFE also internally verifies all work and provides CPD for all staff that work on its programmes.