Sporty teenagers could score bright future with Shropshire course
Sporty school leavers could score a bright future career by applying for a course to take their skills to the next level.
Crossbar Coaching is looking for young people who are keen to pursue a career in sport and leisure to apply for its Future Skills Programme, based at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Newport.
The course combines work experience opportunities with gaining industry recognised qualifications. A limited number of spaces for boys and girls, aged between 16 and 18, are available for the next 36-week programme, beginning in September.
Former professional footballer Kevin Sandwith, Crossbar’s head of further education in sport, said: “This is a bespoke programme and the feedback has been excellent since it was launched for the first time last September.
“It enhances employability prospects and some of the learners on the current programme will progress to coaching apprenticeships with Crossbar, some will go on to university and some will be employed in other sectors.
“This programme is not just for young people who want to become sports coaches as it also offers routes into sports development and the leisure industry.”
He added: "The main element of the programme, which makes it a little bit different, is the fact it provides lots of opportunities to gain valuable work experience.
“Everything the students learn in the classroom towards achieving qualifications will be put it into practice. They will have plenty of time on the astroturf working on the practical side of what they are taught.
“Theory sessions are delivered in the morning ahead of the learners visiting primary schools in the Telford or Shrewsbury area to shadow our Crossbar coaches and to see how sessions are delivered.”
The main qualifications available through the programme are a Level 2 and Level 3 certificate in physical education in school sport, essential for being able to deliver sport in primary schools.
The programme also offers a Level 2 award in multi skills development and a Level 2 certificate in coaching sport and physical activity, together with an FA Level 1 certificate in coaching football.
There is also the option to gain functional skills in English and Maths.
Students will receive free transport to take them to the National Sports Centre from Shrewsbury and Telford while they are also provided with a Crossbar tracksuit and kit.
Teenagers keen to apply for a place on this September’s Future Skills Programme need to achieve five GCSEs at level four and above, but interviews may also be offered under other circumstances.
Email admin@crossbarcoaching.com or call 01952 677965 for further details.