Students who have a career interest in sports coaching, and a passion for working with young people aged 5 – 12 have a learning pathway to help them toward that dream job – the CM Sports Coaching Academy at HSDC South Downs.
Now in its second year, this year-long course is a blend of five Level 2 and Level 3 short courses, including Sports Coaching, Coaching Multi-Skills in Sport and a First Aid qualification. Students spend mornings at College in classes and afternoons on work-based placements. CM Sports Managing Director Neil Tomlinson explains why this course was developed,
“We are passionate about sports coaching and want to give the children that we work with the best possible experience. We’ve faced challenges in the past when aspiring coaches have applied for jobs but didn’t have the required qualifications. This course provides learners with everything they need to start their coaching journey”.
CM Sports offers sports coaching to more than 100 schools across Hampshire and Surrey – PE lessons, after-school clubs and holiday provision – and was founded in 2008 by three former HSDC South Downs students. Its aim is to be the top professional sports partner for schools. HSDC and CM Sports have worked together for more than 10 years but it’s only been in the last 18 months that there has been a formal partnership with this Academy.
The 15 students who received their qualification in 2020 have all successfully gone on to the next step in their career – six are now working for CM Sports full time and others either have employment elsewhere as a sports coach or are returning students to HSDC to work on their qualifications to go on to university.
CM Sports Director Luke White said,
“We were delighted with the success of the course last year. The students produced work of the highest order and have fitted in seamlessly to the CM Sports family. The experience that they were able to gain has been invaluable and put them at the top of the list when we looked to recruit new coaches. We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with HSDC and look forward to it continuing for many years to come”.
HSDC Sport & Public Services Teacher Ollie Jones believes this is a good way for students who have already completed a one or two-year qualification in sport either at HSDC or elsewhere, to obtain the training and work experience to succeed as a sports coach.
“Young people who have already gained some life skills and have a high interest in sports coaching will thrive on this course. They are given the opportunity to experience what real youth coaching is in an education setting”.
“We are thrilled that this partnership has been so successful and look forward to working with the CM Sports team to help provide an excellent career path for our students.”
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