Sky Blues in the Community have teamed up with Henley College to deliver a full-time BTEC Level 3 Qualification from September 2013...
Sky Blues in the Community have teamed up with Henley College to deliver a full-time BTEC Level 3 Qualification from September 2013.
With thousands of Coventry youngsters having just received their GCSE grades, the BTEC Football Education Academy programme offers students a chance to study for a career in sport or a pathway into University, whilst benefiting from football coaching by Sky Blues staff.
The course will see up to 20 students study full-time for two years to gain a BTEC qualification (Levels 1 to 3) in Sport and Active Recreation.
Alongside the BTEC qualification, students will obtain a Sports Coach UK Sports Leaders award and an FA Level One coaching badge. Students will also be given the opportunity to gain practical voluntary - and potentially paid employment - with Sky Blues in the Community, coaching at schools and on holiday activities across Coventry and Warwickshire.
The course will provide an opportunity to benefit from daily football coaching with a professional coach, with 12 hours of training and games taking place each week with Sky Blues in the Community coaches.
The football academy will represent the sky Blues in the PL/FL colleges’ league, featuring 21 other professional club college programmes including Birmingham City, Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Burton Albion and Blackpool.
Sky Blues in the Community and Henley held an open day at the college in June, which was attended by 23 players interested in signing up to the scheme.
With GCSE results looming, Henley College are still taking applications for the courses.
For more information on the course and the qualification, please visit www.henley-cov.ac.uk or contact the Sky Blues in the Community team on 024 7678 6349.
Some frequently asked questions:
Who is the course aimed at?
Young people aged 16-19. This course offers an alternative to 6th form or a traditional college course, for those with an interest in sport or wishing to look at a career in sport
What can students do after the course?
Those passing the course can potentially go on to study at university, or will have appropriate qualifications to pursue a career in the football or sport industry.
What qualifications do they need to have to get on the course?
The Academy offers sport courses at BTEC Level 1 to 3, so we can cater for students of all academic abilities.
How many hours each week and where will the course take place?
There will be approximately 15 hours of tutorials and 12 hours of games/coaching each week during term-time, so it is effectively a full-time college course. The course will be delivered at both the Ricoh Arena and Henley College.
Will this stop the players playing for their own football club?
No, definitely not. Any games will take place on a Wednesday afternoon, which is when any school or college games normally take place and won't interfere with your weekend games.
How do I find out more?
Details of the course and its content can be found on the Henley College website, or you can contact the Sky Blues in the Community team on 024 7678 6349.