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Pro:Direct Academy Lutterworth Trial Day Project | Leicestershire

  • Writer: Sam Bettany
    Sam Bettany
  • Oct 31, 2025
  • 2 min read

Capturing a New Education Pathway in Leicestershire


I had the opportunity to support Pro Direct Academy Lutterworth on a one off media project, providing coverage for one of their post 16 education programme trial days held at Lutterworth Athletic Football Club.


The project focused on capturing both the energy and purpose of the day through a combination of photography and a promotional video piece, showcasing what the programme offers to prospective students and their families.


This trial day took place on October 23rd 2025 and marked the first of four planned trial days ahead of the programme officially launching in September 2026.


Signage for Pro:Direct Academy Lutterworth and HOET Football Education Programme in Lutterworth, Leicestershire

About the Trial Day Programme


The post 16 education programme is delivered through a partnership between Pro Direct Academy Lutterworth and Heart Of English Training, combining elite level football coaching with a structured education pathway.


Students on the programme will be based at Lutterworth Athletic Football Club, receiving coaching from Pro Direct Academy coaches alongside education delivered by HOET.


The trial days give students the chance to experience the environment, coaching style, and educational support before committing to the programme.


Joe Jarvis of Pro:Direct Academy coaching at trial day in Lutterworth, Leicestershire

Media Coverage on the Day


My role was to capture the day through, high quality photographs, a promotional video featuring cinematic slow motion footage, and an interview package highlighting the opportunity and structure of the programme.


The aim was to create content that clearly communicated the value of the programme while also reflecting the professional environment being built around it.


James Rumsby of Heart of England Training and Cheryl Edwards of Pro:Direct Academy coaching at trial day in Lutterworth, Leicestershire

Interviews and Key Voices


The day provided a great opportunity to speak with several key figures involved in the programme.


I interviewed Alex Savage, Sports Educator at Heart Of English Training and Director of Football at Lutterworth Athletic Football Club.


Alex spoke about the importance of the programme, how it fits into the club’s wider development pathway, and what it offers young players looking to combine education with football.


A big thank you to Alex for inviting me down to the event and trusting me to capture the day.


I also spoke with James Rumsby from Heart Of English Training, who shared insight into his role and why the trial days are such an important step for students before the programme begins.


On the coaching side, it was great to meet the Pro Direct Academy coaches, including Joe Jarvis, Ben Needham, and former WSL player Cheryl Edwards, all of whom contributed to a fun, positive and professional experience for the students on the day.


Ben Needham of Pro:Direct Academy coaching at trial day in Lutterworth, Leicestershire

Looking Ahead


This was the first of four trial days that students can attend between now and summer 2026, offering multiple opportunities to experience the programme ahead of its official launch in September 2026.


It was a fantastic day to be part of, and a great example of how strong partnerships between education providers, football academies, and community clubs can create real opportunities for young people.


Could We Work on a Fun Project Together?


If you are a Leicestershire based organisation, academy, or business looking for professional media support for a one off project, I would love to work with you.


You can reach out via social media or complete the quick enquiry form on the Optimum Creative Media website.


Let us create something creative, engaging, and tailored to your project.

 
 
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