The institutions have partnered to form the Bath College Sport Academy, offering 16 to 18-year-olds a “clear pathway” into professional and semi-professional sport while gaining a qualification.
Students will receive professional coaching, access to elite facilities, a structured timetable, and strength and conditioning sessions to help them become the best athletes they can be.
James Moon, Bath College’s football lead academy coach, said: “We are excited about the dramatic increase in sports academy activity at the college next year.
“By strengthening the role of sport within further education, we create an environment where students can thrive on and off the field, develop skills, confidence, and build resilience for the future.”
The initiative includes a women’s football academy.
She said: “Since launching our women’s team four seasons ago, our goal has been to grow the game locally, and this academy builds that vision by connecting youth development to senior opportunities.”
Bath Rugby’s head of academy, Craig Lilley, added: “It is vital that talented athletes, whether inside or outside our formal academy, have access to high-quality environments to continue their development, and this programme delivers exactly that.”
Future plans include netball, golf, and women’s rugby.
