A NEW course has been launched at Warrington to support students looking to pursue careers at an elite level in professional sport.
The BTEC National in Sport (Performance and Excellence) course at Priestley College can be studied at either diploma or certificate level.
It has pre-entry requirements for students, in that they had to be performing at academy, county, district or national level in their specialism.
Students who opted to join the programme included athlete Abigayle Fitzpatrick, who has realistic ambitions of becoming an Olympian in the 400metres hurdles, Michael Gregg who aspires to become a professional cyclist, potential professional footballer Jamie Brown, Great Britain judo squad member Dan Lyon, Jamie Reed who referees at semi-pro and professional Rugby League matches and current England fell runner Rachel Jefferson.
The course is aimed at supporting the students to perform to their maximum level come “game day”, while providing them with a well respected and recognised academic qualification.
It includes modules such a sports psychology, the body in action and exercise and fitness testing.
Warrington Wolves coach Richard Marshall, a former tutor on the course, went back to campus to see how the students were progressing and to give the college’s newly refurbished gym, which has been used extensively by the group, his seal of approval.
He said: “The introduction of this BTEC course is a great way for the students to focus on their long term goals of becoming professional sportsmen and women, whilst at the same time allowing them to gain an academic qualification.
“Courses such as this, really give talented athletes the best of both worlds. The studies they undertake are broad and varied and easily transferable to a range of other vocations. I’m sure it won’t be too long into the future when I’ll be watching some of these students on my television screen.”
Nige Howells, curriculum manager for sport, added: “The course is unique in that it offers a definite career pathway for potential sports performers, coaches and officials. Richard did an exceptional job passing on his expertise to these young people before joining the coaching staff at the Wolves and we wish him and the club every success this season.”
Pictured: Some of the students in the newly refurbished jim with Richard Marshall.
