The National Soccer Summer School was once again run successfully by Bucks New University in partnership with AimHigher. Bucks New University hosted thirty nine 16-year-olds for five days, with the aim of giving them an exposure to university life. Students are selected from non-traditional university backgrounds and football is used as a tool to engage with studying at university. The National Soccer Summer School is the only one of its kind in the country.

Highlights of the week included an introduction to sport science testing, coaching at Reading FC, a visit to Stamford Bridge home of Chelsea FC and a taste of Futsal, small sided indoor football. The week culminated in a presentation dinner, recognising the achievements of the students throughout the week.

At the end of the week the students said "I had a great experience and it (soccer school) makes university seem like a good choice." Another student reported, "I advise everyone to go as it has been a really good week and will stay as an amazing memory."

Lee Herron, Community Trust manager and Academy Coach at Reading FC said, "It is really good to see football being used as a means to engage youngsters with university and higher education. Reading FC has a good relationship with the Bucks New University as we both value education for young people".

Freya Coombe, senior lecturer at Bucks New University, commented "the soccer summer school was once again a complete success. It is fantastic to be able to provide students with insight into studying in higher education. We hope that many students may now consider university to be a viable option for their future."