Students on Wolves Foundation’s Football & Education College and Sixth Form Academies were able to enjoy an enrichment experience at Wolves Under-21s clash with Ajax in the International Cup.
Approximately 120 male and female students came to Molineux following their afternoon fixtures for some social time together before listening to two fascinating presentations and watching the fixture between two of Europe’s most historic clubs.
The experience was just one of many enjoyed by students from the courses based at the City of Wolverhampton College and Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Academy as part of their further education studies with the Foundation.
The pre-match presentations to the students were delivered by Stephen Gilpin, Head of Performance Services for Academy and Women at Wolves, and former professional player Courtney Pitt, now the Lead Coach for the Under 11/12 phase with the Academy,
“This was a really great evening for all the students and another invaluable part of the many enrichment activities which they are able to experience whilst with us at the Foundation,” says Brad Moore, Senior Education Officer with Wolves Foundation.
“We really appreciate the input of Stephen and Courtney from the Academy, who both provide some fantastic insight into their roles at Wolves.
“Hearing from people who have progressed within football to now be working in an elite environment is so impactful for the students, many of whom will have similar aspirations in the future.
“Alongside working for their qualifications, the range of enrichment opportunities they experience within our educational programmes provide real and practical guidance to help their studies and give them food for thought for the future.”
The Foundation currently offer two Further Education options for prospective students. These comprise the Football & Education College Academy, run with the City of Wolverhampton College, and the Football & Sixth Form Academy, with Our Lady & St Chad. The different options reflect different pathways offering either two separate BTEC options at the College, or combining BTEC Level 3 qualification with A-levels at the Academy.
Both options carry the enrichment opportunities recently enjoyed by students at Molineux, with previous experiences including coaching sessions with former Wolves captain Karl Henry, access to player visits and the chance to participate in the Turing Scheme and a trip to Spain.
There is also an extensive fixture programme in the EFL League with matches against other clubs from across the country. This opportunity is exclusive to the Foundation programme and includes matches against the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City.
“This was a memorable experience for me and I look forward to more opportunities like this in the future,” said one of the students, Siyanda.
“I had never had the chance to watch a professional football match in England, let alone in a Premier League stadium, so I’m super grateful for the opportunity.”
New year, new ambitions? If you are keen on pursuing a sports qualification and a potential career within the industry click here to express an interest in the College Academy or click here for the Sixth Form Academy.
