Saints to bring 'The Southampton Way' to LVS Ascot in new football partnership

LVS Ascot have announced a new partnership with Southampton FC to deliver top class training and development for staff and pupils at the school.

The school hopes the new partnership will strengthen its football offering for pupils in years 7 to 13, while Saints will get the chance to showcase their coaching methods and inspire the next generation of footballers.

The school is also launching a new football scholarship and has longer-term plans to introduce a full-time Football Education programme which this new partnership will help shape.

The partnership will see Southampton FC coaching methods - ‘The Southampton Way’ - embedded directly into LVS Ascot’s football programme.

Southampton will deliver weekly coaching sessions and monthly staff visits while coach education programmes are also available for both school coaches and staff.

Pupils will be able to watch the professionals in action at Southampton’s Staplewood Campus and there will also be trips to St Mary’s Stadium for tours and exposure to matchday experiences.

Saints staff will also provide career insights and pathways for pupils both on and off the pitch.

It is hoped the new partnership will create a ‘stronger, more connected football environment that benefits every pupil, across the whole school’.

Tom Grevatt, head of football partnerships at Southampton FC, said: “LVS Ascot have huge ambition for their football programme, and we’re delighted to support them on their journey toward becoming a school known for footballing excellence and a future-focussed, forward-thinking education.

“Having our staff delivering in school every week from January 2026 will allow us to make a real impact, not just on player development, but on the culture, curriculum, and the wider footballing programme. We’re excited to help support their developments, including their new scholarship offer and future football education programme.”

Nick Bovingdon, head of football at LVS Ascot, added: “We are incredibly excited to begin our partnership with Southampton FC. At LVS Ascot, we are committed to building a football programme that matches the ambition and talent of our students, and this collaboration is a major step forward.

“Having Southampton academy coaches working with our players will elevate the standard of coaching, deepen our footballing culture, and open new pathways for development.

“This partnership strengthens the foundations we’ve already built and supports our long-term vision of making LVS Ascot a recognised centre of footballing excellence.”

For further details on the LVS Ascot affiliate partnership, or for enquiries, email: global@saintsfc.co.uk.

For more information about LVS Ascot, please visit https://www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk/