A Northern Ireland e-learning company has signed a deal with the English Football Association to deliver a football education programme.
Learning Pool, which has grown into one the UK’s largest providers of online learning, said the new partnership will support the delivery of the programme by 2020. It’s the latest deal secured by Paul McElvaney’s company.
The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
In June Learning Pool acquired Scottish firm MediaCorp for an undisclosed sum. It was a further acquisition after a previous deal to buy Nottingham-based Mind Click.
Based in the Old City Factory in Londonderry, Learning Pool’s growth saw its turnover grow from £7.6m in 2017 to £11.1m in the 12 months to April 30, 2018. Pre-tax profits were £2.5m for the same period.
English FA chairman Greg Clarke said its strategic plan sets out a clear vision for the future of the game. He said it “recognises that professional, accredited training is central to the growth and continued success of football in the UK”.
As part of the strategy, FA Education, which is responsible for managing qualifications within English football, sought an online learning partner.
It said that its search for “the expertise, creativity and customer service to support and accelerate its digital learning roadmap” brought it to the door of Learning Pool, which won a comprehensive tender process.
The Derry company will now work with FA Education to create an education programme to improve the skiills of the current football workforce and develop new coaches, referees, medics and administrators.
Mr McElvaney said: “We’re incredibly proud to have this opportunity to work with the English FA. “Their selection validates Learning Pool’s unique position to deliver the best in learning platforms, custom learning content and cutting edge innovation.
“The initial phases of our engagement with the FA are progressing exceptionally well and we’re confident that we can meet and exceed their expectations as both the online learning market and their learning audience develop over the coming years”.
Lucy Pearson, the FA’s head of education, added: “By investing in our digital learning platforms and capabilities, we will further enhance the high quality education programmes that underpin our outstanding football workforce, and in turn support and develop the players they are working with across all disciplines.”