Aston Villa Foundation sets up new Coaching Academy

Aston Villa Foundation sets up new Coaching Academy

The Aston Villa Foundation initiates a new Coaching Academy. Due to the cooperation with the Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) the academy offers a mix of educational inputs and practical experiences.   

Year 12 students will have the opportunity to study A Levels, BTECs or vocational courses while working towards sports-related coaching qualifications in a professional environment. The Coaching Academy will entail working towards sports-related Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications while gaining practical experience delivering a range of Foundation programmes. Studying for the coaching side of the course will take place at Villa Park while the educational side will be delivered by BMet from their Sutton Coldfield College.

Students will be ready for the coaching world

Programmes Manager Pete Ezard believes it is a unique pathway for students who seek a career in coaching: “In partnership with BMet we will be offering a unique opportunity for students to combine their academic studies whilst attaining a range of sports related coaching badges, undertake professional work experience and visit sports organisations across the country. The two-year programme will help learners build up a coaching portfolio which will include recognised governing body qualifications and an intensive work experience programme which will enhance the students’ individual CVs and ensure they are ready to work in the coaching world.”

Projects connected to four key themes

The new programme is connected to the topic education & development. Beside this field of work, Aston Villa Foundation delivers projects and activities in Birmingham across three other key themes: sport & recreation, health & wellbeing, and inclusion & community cohesion.