Students in the Newton Aycliffe area are being encouraged to consider a BTEC in Sport as a pathway to a career in sport.
Many talented students do not realise that there is a serious further education option which could lead to university career in sport related disciplines, teaching or even sports management. Students often go on the successfully acquire coaching qualifications and work in active leisure as well as amateur and professional sport.
In September each year Darlington College, in conjunction with the Martin Gray Football Academy, run BTEC Sports Level Two and Three courses in football which is open to boys and girls.
Bishop Auckland born Andrew White, a current BTEC Level Three student, has flourished on the course and, as well as make appearances in the Darlington Football Club first team, successfully won a place on the England Schoolboys under 18 team which recently won 5.0 against Australia which Andrew described as a “life changing experience”.
“I knew it was something I wanted to do when I was in year 10 at Longfield Sports Academy and I have given it everything since that time” said Andrew.
The courses are based at the Eastbourne Sports Complex in Darlington where academic and active study is carefully blended to bring the very best out of students all of the time.
Darlington College’s Principal Tim Grant said “Darlington College is delighted to work with the Martin Gray Football Academy on an exciting program which gives school leavers the chance to study elite sport and prepare them for exciting future careers”.
Applications for 2014/15 is currently underway, boys and girls with footballing ability who are currently considering options in further education should contact the Darlington College admissions team on 01325 503035
or email admissions@darlington.ac.uk
