Published Thursday 25 March 2021 at 10:42
If you are leaving school this year and are interested in gaining a professional sports qualification combined with practical and hands-on paid work experience – then look no further.
Starting in September, AFC Darwen will be introducing a brand new Sports BTEC Course. The concept mixes formal education with learning a trade in Darwen.
Ahead of the launch, the club is inviting school leavers across the borough to an introductory open day – please be advised that booking is essential to ensure Covid secure practices. You can find booking details below.
Registration is available to current Year 11 school leavers considering the next stage of their education.
Through working with former Bolton Wanderers players, Gavin McCann and Nick Spooner, and two UEFA A Licensed Coaches, the club has been able to design a course that allows Year 11 school leavers to gain a qualification whilst also getting paid work experience and learning a trade.
The open day will take place at The Anchor Ground in Darwen from 10am – 12am on Friday 9th April.
This is a great opportunity to get a free coaching session with two UEFA A Licensed coaches and former professional footballers.
Chairperson of AFC Darwen, Sarah Hindle, said:
I am excited to see the positive impact these open days will have within the community and the home-grown talent it will bring.
We are combining formal education with practical paid work experience so that those taking part in the scheme have the added benefit of learning a trade. We are proud to be the first to offer this in Darwen.
Improvements to AFC Darwen is one of four initiatives ear-marked to benefit from £750,000 of ‘quick-win’ Darwen Town Deal funding, secured by the board from Government.
Planning permission has been granted for a brand new facility to be built at the ground.
The multi-function venue will offer space for teaching, conferences and a sports bar, as part of wider plans to create a state-of-the-art new sports village.
Executive Member for Growth and Prosperity, Phil Riley, added:
This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people who are looking to further their education and earn whilst they learn.
Covid has had a huge impact on all young people, especially those who are at critical stages of their education preparing for exams. They need all the help that can get and this is exactly the type of initiative we want to encourage to ensure our future generations have the right opportunities to gain qualifications and a quality trade.
Our young people deserve to have the tools they need to thrive and secure quality job opportunities.
If you are interested in attending the open day, booking will be essential, as numbers are limited due to the Covid safe measures that have been put in place.
Please visit www.afcdarwen.co.uk/btec-open-days/ to register.
On the day, please make sure to bring footwear suitable for a 3G pitch!