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From Young Learners to Young Leaders

Case Study – Sports Connect: How qualifications offered by 1st4sport are empowering the next generation of sports coaches

In the bustling heart of Kent, a quiet revolution is taking place in the sport and physical activity landscape. Thanks to the successful partnership between 1st4sport and training provider Sports Connect – a registered 1st4sport Approved Centre – young people are not just earning qualifications; they are building brighter futures by significantly increasing their employability.

For many people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), traditional education settings have been a source of frustration and disappointment. But at Sports Connect, their all-inclusive education and training programmes are changing that narrative for learners.

The development journeys of those who enrol in a post-16 programme with Sports Connect are a testament to the power of vocational education, the profound influence of Sports Connect’s tutors, and the company’s robust and highly effective education model – which seamlessly integrates substantial work experience with core academic studies.

Additionally, the impact of 1st4sport coaching qualifications – which complement the core education programmes for those interested in becoming a sports coach – cannot be overstated.

“As learners aspire to become coaches, the 1st4sport qualifications serve as an invaluable addition to their core academic studies,” says Simon Hodge, one of Sports Connect’s four directors.

The qualifications not only enhance their knowledge but also provide practical experience. By participating in our community programme as assistant coaches, they seamlessly integrate their work experience with their academic pursuits, gaining real-world skills that are crucial for their future careers.

Simon Hodge

Sports Connect has evolved from a football-focused education academy to a multi-sport, inclusive programme that prioritises education while using sport as an enrichment tool. Given that 51% of Sports Connect’s learners are SEN/SEND/EHCP students, the programme places a significant emphasis on work experience. This approach provides students with practical skills and hands-on, on-the-job learning, which is critical to supplement their classroom work.

A Sports Connect tutor guiding students as they work towards their 1st4sport qualification

Embedding qualifications and reaping the benefits 

Sports Connect began by delivering the 1st4sport Level 1 Award for Activators (Multi-Skills) qualification. This decision was driven by the desire to ensure that students, particularly those with SEN, could achieve a tangible qualification. 

“The introduction of the Level 1 Activator qualification has been a game-changer,” explains Simon Hodge.

Traditional education settings often posed challenges for these learners, and many had not previously attained formal qualifications. The Level 1 Activator qualification, which can be completed in one day or two half-days, has become an integral part of our community offer. It aligns perfectly with the company’s vision and values of developing an inspired, educated, and motivated workforce.

Simon Hodge

By achieving this qualification, learners become more self-sufficient, which in turn increases their employment prospects.

The success of the Level 1 Activator course sparked further interest among learners, leading to the introduction of the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching. This 1st4sport qualification serves as a natural progression from the Level 1 Activator, allowing learners to build on their initial experiences and delve deeper into coaching.

The Level 2 Certificate was seamlessly integrated into the core education programme, providing a valuable 'bolt-on' that enhanced the overall learning experience.

Simon Hodge

Recognising the growing enthusiasm and commitment of their learners, Sports Connect then introduced the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching (Sport and Physical Activity) and then the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Performance for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Josh Force is presented with his 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching (Sport and Physical Activity) by Sports Connect Director Simon Hodge

1st4sport qualifications are changing lives

Simon discusses the journey of one SEN student, Josh Force, as a success story he is particularly proud of. 

Josh has navigated a full suite of 1st4sport qualifications. Starting with the Level 1 Activator, he quickly progressed to the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching, and eventually, the Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Performance. This journey has not only equipped him with valuable skills but also provided a clear pathway to employment.

The Level 3 qualification became Josh’s core area of study, and today, he is a vital part of the Sports Connect team, working as a learning support assistant and sports coach, contemplating going into Higher Education. 

“He’s already completed the NCFE academic programme,” says Simon. “The 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Sports Coaching and Performance offered a more in-depth exploration of coaching and performance, which is Josh’s passion, further solidifying his skills and knowledge.”

In Josh’s case, he didn’t want employment just yet but wanted to continue to volunteer to grow his experience and skills through completing his 1st4sport work and his sessional coaching placement hours. 

“It is testament to his dedication and commitment that we have even discussed him going into Higher Education. We have a strong relationship with some universities across Kent and Medway, Canterbury Christ Church being among them, which we can leverage to provide further opportunities and support for those learners who want to go down that route.”

Simon notes that this progression is not something Josh himself would have considered likely just a few years ago. 

Importantly, the progression through the Sports Connect programme and 1st4sport bolt-on qualifications has also enabled him to build strong relationships with the tutors, community team and other learning support assistants who oversee the community elements of Sports Connects activities.

“When it flips out of the academic timetable into the school holidays, the community team alongside the learning support assistants help provide our multi-sport initiatives locally. We have onboarded students officially as members of staff and this is something we have done with Josh. 

“It is a friendly environment, with relationships already formed. They know how to work well together already and get the best from each other as learners and tutors, which transfers across into the working environment.

Building those relationships is hugely beneficial to us as our learners become fiercely loyal and supportive of the journey we are providing. They share our values, and it creates its own ecosystem. It’s about employability, and these coaching environments provide that crucial employability aspect.

Simon Hodge

The transition from learner to staff member is not just about gaining qualifications. Josh has demonstrated his employability by gaining substantial work experience in diverse environments, across different age groups and abilities – from disability football settings to local adult and children’s football clubs. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in his development.

“These varied experiences have honed his ability to adapt and thrive in different contexts, making him an invaluable asset to the Sports Connect team. By supporting younger students in the classroom and on match days, he has become a positive role model.”

Holistic growth and expanding horizons

1st4sport qualifications enhance students’ CVs by showcasing their dedication and hard work. Additionally, the extensive coaching experience they gain demonstrates their longevity and commitment to their futures, making them attractive to prospective employers.

Overall, the suite of 1st4sport qualifications delivered by Sports Connect has had a profound impact on learners. It has provided them with valuable skills, increased their employability, and fostered a sense of achievement and self-worth. The qualifications have also benefited the future coaching workforce by enhancing their ability to support and develop young people, ultimately contributing to a more inspired and motivated workforce.

More good news comes with Simon’s vision of expansion. 

“Our aim is to scale up to have an education and community-focused hub across the 12 districts of Kent and Medway. By expanding our reach, we can provide more young people with the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications and practical experience.”

Expansion will significantly enhance the transformative impact of Sports Connect’s programmes, empowering even more learners to improve their employment prospects and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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