The Our Lady and St.Chad Catholic Sports College Football Academy programme launched in September 2009 with a single men’s team. The purpose of the programme is to provide post 16 students with a motivation and framework to achieve success in an educational environment that was rated good with many outstanding features in the most recent OFSTED report.
Our Football Academy students are provided with a full and comprehensive timetable which is put together to maximise their talents in their chosen fields. This is supplemented by opportunities to be part of programmes such as:
- Step into Sport
- Recruit into Coaching
- 1st 4 Sport – Level 1 in football coaching
- CSLA leadership programme
The overall aim of the two year programme is for the students to gain qualifications in a number of different areas that will help them with university applications and their future career path. Also during the 6th Form, students can undertake an Extended Project based around a topic of their choice that provides them with extra UCAS points towards any Further Education applications.
In September 2010 the women’s programme was added to the set up, and they will be competing in the West Midlands Colleges’ Central League. Students have the unique opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of the game through regular training sessions, league and cup fixtures.
All students in the Football Academy will be expected to fulfil their subject options as well as their football duties. They will receive support from the head coach, PE teaching staff and other staff within the school in order to gain the best possible experience from the 2 year period. Football Academy students receive high quality support, reviews and feedback to ensure they reach potential beyond their own vision of capability.
Further to this there will be extra benefits including:
- A BTEC National qualification in sports development and coaching
- Gaining coaching qualifications (FA level 1)
- Qualifications in 1st aid and injury treatment
- Academy training kit and rain jacket
- Playing kit
- Introduction to referee’s course
- Other BTEC and A-level options including A - level P.E, BTEC sports science, A-Level maths, A – Level English, BTEC Forensic science, A-Level ICT, A-Level Psychology, A-Level Law.
