Blackpool FC Community Trust column: College courses for sport and esports students
Are you aged 16-19 and interested in a career in sport or esports? Blackpool FC Sports College offers a range of courses designed to help you gain the knowledge, experience and qualifications to progress into the industry.
Courses on offer for 16-19-year-olds are level two sports coaching and esports: digital business and media.
At level three, there is a diploma in sports coaching and development, an extended diploma in sports coaching and development, and a national diploma in esports: digital business and media.
Students also complete work experience placements to gain insight into the sports industry and explore areas of work that interest them.
They take on additional volunteering hours, with the opportunity to have sports coaching qualifications funded by BFCCT.
Students benefit from three coaching sessions per week delivered by UEFA-qualified academy level coaches, alongside weekly fixtures where they represent Blackpool FC Sports College in official club kit.
Our esports courses provide students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills, including entrepreneurship, teamwork, communication, decision-making, cyber skills and leadership.
Endorsed by the British Esports Association, these qualifications can lead to careers in esports as well as wider technical, digital and STEM industries.
If you are over 19 and passionate about sport, Blackpool FC Sports College also offers higher education courses for those looking to begin a new career or return to education.
A sports coaching and development degree is available, as is a community football coaching and development degree.
As part of their degree, students complete a sports placement that allows them to put theory into practice each week.
They gain experience coaching across different levels and abilities, developing the skills required to progress into full-time employment in the sector.
Several graduates have gone on to secure full-time roles with BFCCT.
In addition to their studies and placements, students can access a range of enrichment opportunities designed to support both personal and professional development.
The sports coaching pathway provides aspiring coaches with opportunities to develop their practical coaching skills and theoretical knowledge, helping prepare them for careers in the sports industry.
The football academy is designed for students looking to enhance their football performance while continuing their education.
This pathway combines academic learning with a structured football development programme.
Competitive gaming allows students to develop their gaming and event management skills through training sessions, peer-led activities, weekly fixtures and the opportunity to compete in the British Esports Student Championships.
Blackpool FC Sports College recently welcomed former Blackpool FC striker Mark Cullen as football enrichment officer.
“I am delighted to be working for the Community Trust,” he said.
“It’s something I have been keen to get involved in since my football career came to an end.
“After the success I had in my playing career at the club, it feels great to now be back supporting the people of Blackpool who supported my family and me in the past.
“Working as football enrichment officer gives me the chance to help young people develop through football while also helping recruit students for our Sports College, providing them with opportunities to continue their education and develop towards a career in sport.”
Anyone interested in joining the college can visit the next open evening in Bloomfield Road’s North Stand on Monday, May 18 (5pm-7pm).