Stockport College and Stockport County have developed a collaborative partnership to deliver a one-year Higher National Certificate programme in Sport (Coaching and Sports Development).
Stockport College has worked with the players and coaching staff at Stockport County to design a relevant one-year Higher National Certificate programme in Sport (Coaching and Sports Development), providing their players with an academic insight in to aspects of professional sport and performance, including coaching analysis, skills development and performance.
The plan is to deliver the programme from September 2017 at the University Centre and football ground.
One of the first to benefit from the success of this new approach will players who can continue with their passion for football alongside studying for a qualification locally, planned around their training and match commitments. This allows the club to retain these players for a further year as they aspire to achieve or retain a first team place. To date, 16 of the players have applied and been accepted on to the programme and the College still has places available for other applicants who wish to study alongside this group.
For continuous training, Stockport College has also developed a strong and sustainable partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, allowing progression from the HNC on to the 2nd year of a relevant Degree programme upon completion. There are many course options available, for further information contact the Course Enquiries Team on 0300 300 0900
Dr Mike Potter CBE, Transition Principal and Chief Executive of Stockport College said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be a part of the local football team whilst enjoying professional coaching and recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Degree – we are delighted to engage in a collaboration between two great Stockport institutions for the benefit of our learners”.
Stockport County Director Steve Bellis added
“We are delighted to bring the education of our academy players back to Stockport. The education of our young players is an absolute priority and it is essential that we equip every player with the qualifications that will enable them to develop careers in sport regardless of their on-field achievements.
“The new HNC course enables us to retain players for an extra year further enhancing the opportunity for our young players to progress into the first team squad.
“It is clear that both the College and the club have some exciting times ahead”
Stockport College is entering into an exciting new phase as it merges with Trafford College and looks forward to a brand new campus development in Stockport Town Centre.
As part of its future strategy, the college is determined to work closely with the community and local employers to ensure that their course offering is current, exciting and meets the needs of our learners.