Wolves Foundation links up with Telford College

Wolves Foundation has teamed up with Telford College to relaunch its ‘Football & Education’ programme, offering students the chance to obtain a sports qualification alongside a series of enrichment opportunities with the Premier League club.

Starting from September, students will be able to study a BTEC level three extended diploma in sport, picking up valuable industry knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology, sports coaching, sports science and performance analysis.

The two-year course will also feature various enrichment opportunities, including representing Wolves Foundation in fixtures against other professional club community organisations in the EFL League, and visits to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC’s Molineux stadium and Compton Park training ground.

The course and associated enrichment are all designed to improve employability options and prepare students for various potential opportunities within the world of sport.

“We are delighted to be working with the leadership team at Telford College to relaunch the Football & Education programme,” says Brad Moore, post 16 education and skills manager with Wolves Foundation.

“It was a programme which we delivered successfully in the years leading up to the pandemic, and will once again offer students the opportunity to obtain a qualification which can lead to a career in sport.

“We have previously seen students who have completed the course either go on to continue their studies via a sport-related degree, or obtain employment within teaching, sports coaching and some within Wolves Foundation.

“Another huge positive of the Football & Education programme is that, in addition to the academic and practical learning, there are also numerous enrichment opportunities during the year, notably having the chance to play fixtures against other club community organisations (CCOs) from the EFL and Premier League.

“Opponents include the likes of CCO’s from Liverpool, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, and the programme offers a really positive experience of competitive football.

“As a whole, the qualification and associated benefits provide students a well-rounded and fulfilling experience, which has such a positive impact on their career development and future prospects.”

Students will also enjoy access to some of the best facilities in the area at Telford College. These include a double sized sports hall, an indoor 3G football pitch, an outdoor 3G all-weather pitch, professional studio and well-stocked gym.

Andy Turner, director of vocational studies at Telford College, said: “Our sport provision at the college has been developed for next academic year to provide students with even greater opportunities to progress into higher education and careers in sport.

“This new partnership with Wolves Foundation on our football education course is a big part of our new suite of courses at level three – which include pathways in football, sport and exercise science, or sports coaching and physical education.

“The football education programme will provide young people with an amazing opportunity to fulfil their academic potential, whilst also developing their ability and understanding in football – both as players and coaches.”

An open evening is taking place at Telford College’s Wellington campus from 5pm to 7.30pm on March 12 for prospective students to find out more. 

More information about the open event and the course can be found on the Telford College website at www.telfordcollege.ac.uk

Pic: From left, John Walton from Wolves Foundation, Melanie Newbrook and Andy Turner from Telford College, and Brad Moore of Wolves Foundation announce the new partnership.