IGCSE PE Students Unlock New Levels of Learning with Manchester City Football Club

A group of IGCSE Physical Education students returned from a 4-day action-packed experiential learning trip to Manchester, where their classroom extended from the football pitch to world-class sports science facilities. This unique opportunity, made possible through Aiglon’s partnership with Manchester City Football Club (MCFC), enabled students to deepen their understanding of performance sport through hands-on experiences, expert coaching, and exposure to cutting-edge health and sports technology.

Throughout the trip, they engaged in a series of immersive sessions designed to strengthen both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Highlights included:

• Hydrotherapy and recovery workshops at the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance (MIHP)
• Fitness and performance testing using the latest sport science technology
• On-pitch tactical and technical sessions delivered by Manchester City-certified coaches
• A visit to the National Football Museum to explore the cultural and historical impact of sport
• ‘Beautiful Football’ theory sessions linking classroom concepts to elite-level training strategies

MIHP provided students with access to modern diagnostic tools and innovative sports medicine—helping them understand how athletes maximise physical capabilities and prevent injuries.

Expert Coaching and Curriculum Development

Joe Maguire, Aiglon’s on-site MCFC Football School coach, expressed his excitement about the programme’s impact:

“We’re moving the curriculum forward on and off the pitch, focusing on nutrition, sport science, plyometrics, recovery, and applying first-team methodologies to our students. Some of this is classroom-based, honing in on football specifics and building a detailed curriculum to support student-athletes at every level.”

This approach ensures students are not only learning how to play the game—but how to think, recover, prepare, and lead like professionals.
Led by Coach Joe Maguire, Head of Physical Education & Sport James Dyson, Chloe Elphick, and Simon Hayen,  Head of Junior Physical Education, this trip exemplifies Aiglon’s commitment to redefining education through meaningful, real-world experiences.

In 2023, Aiglon College proudly partnered with Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) to establish the first Manchester City Football School in Europe. This collaboration has since flourished, offering our students unparalleled opportunities to develop both as individuals and as footballers.

AI Disclosure: First draft written by human, edits supported by AI. Quotes original.