20 young people from Nottingham have started a brand new sports apprenticeship scheme engineered by organisations from across the Home of Sport.
Team Nottingham is a joint initiative between The City of Football, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Nottingham Rugby, the National Ice Centre, Notts County in the Community, Nottingham Forest in the Community and sports charity Epic Partners.
The unique partnership gives young people aged between 16 and 24 the opportunity to become the next generation of inspirational coaches and gain an NVQ 2 qualification in sports coaching, working in a professional sporting environment.
Jointly funded by the Royal Foundation, the charity of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the Coach Core programme has previously only been run within London (from the Olympics in 2012) and Glasgow (after The Commonwealth Games).
Louise Hopkin, Coach Core Coordinator said: “The programme does not just involve placing young people into professional sports coaching roles. It provides coaching opportunities to young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).
“These are young people, who for whatever reason have found it difficult to stay in education or gain a full time job. They have passion for coaching but have never been given the opportunities to develop their coaching skills to a level that would able them to pursue a career in sports coaching.
“The reason I believe this programme is unique and worthwhile for the young people involved is because of the professional partners who are willing to support their development and give them the opportunity to work at sports events, alongside the support networks offered throughout their 12 month programme.”
Laura Lowe, an 18 year-old apprentice with Nottingham Forest in the Community said: “The chance to work with a club like Nottingham Forest and to develop skills in sports coaching is something that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s fantastic that I’ve finally been given the chance to prove myself.”
“Along the way we are even getting involved in big matches and local sporting events as well as earning an NVQ. I think the whole experience will be amazing for everyone involved.”
On Wednesday 3 February all 20 apprentices met with Olympian and British short track speed skater Jonathan Eley at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham for a photo-call and motivational presentation.
Lifetime Training will be providing educational support and training for the 20 apprentices.
The apprenticeship incorporates 10 hours of training per week through an NVQ II in Activity Leadership, Create Development modules and a number of Governing Body sports qualifications.
A minimum of 20 hours per week will be provided in the workplace gaining practical experience of working within a professional sports development environment.
For further information, please contact the Nottingham City of Football Press Office:
Aimee Preston, Macesport
Account Manager
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