Education

In association with Virtual Learning UK (VLUK), the Aldershot Town Academy provides a unique learning experience for its players, by offering a full-time, two-year BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (Level 3) and, from September 2018, a Higher National Diploma in Sport.

BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (Level 3):

Lead by senior education professionals, it offers a qualification which is the equivalent of three A Levels. Covering sports coaching, fitness testing and programming, sports nutrition and lifestyle, the course provides a pathway into a number of opportunities, including higher education, careers in diverse areas of sport, playing careers and further work experience. Professional football clubs create the ideal environment for career progression in a specialised sport.

Tasks and assessments are completed online via the Sportsbrain.info virtual learning platform, and will be delivered alongside a daily training schedule and competitive fixtures.

Tariff points are awarded in line with A Level points, and therefore carry the same credibility when applying for Higher Education courses. Information on the UCAS journey, and support with personal statements, is also provided by VLUK.

The course is perfect for people aged 16 – 18 with a strong interest in playing or coaching football and other sports, who are predicted five GCSE’s at grade C or above, and are committed to continuing their football, academic and vocational education.

Higher National Diploma In Sport:

This Diploma gives young people the opportunity to continue their education towards an Honours Degree, whilst continuing to develop as players and coaches. Once the Level 5 HND is completed, progression opportunities are available on to Level 6 (Hons) degrees in related subject areas.

Alongside the education provided by VLUK, students have the opportunity to participate in real life work experience, that is relevant to future careers. For some, this is continuing training and competing as players. For others, it is in sports development and coaching, gaining work experience delivering and managing various programmes for FSE, and partner organisations, as well as various school camps and clubs.

The coaching curriculum is designed to mirror that of a professional club’s Under 21 squad, whilst at the same time, providing for different ability levels. There is clear progression and targets for the squad as a whole, as well as individual players, providing the best possible opportunities for player development.

The club also provides extensive work experience in coaching, with the possibility of applying some of your newly acquired expertise in the workplace.

The education, provided by VLUK, consists of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport: Coaching and Sports Development. This includes various units, designed to develop a broad understanding of the subject area, and provide the best possible opportunities for success in future careers.

Units include:

Principles of Sports Coaching

Applied Sports Coaching

Managing Sports Development

Managing resources in Sport and Leisure Management

The Sport and Leisure Industry

Event Management in Sport and Leisure

Entry requirements
120 UCAS points plus GCSE maths and English (grades A*-C), or equivalent, or Access to Higher Education Certificate. Applicants will normally be interviewed to assess academic suitability.

Tutor: Dan Fleuty

Dan (pictured above) has over a decade’s experience in teaching and coaching, primarily as a Lecturer in Sport at Richmond-upon-Thames College, and has also worked as a coach for Chelsea FC’s Community Development department. Prior to that, Dan had been Operations Manager and Centre Manager at several Health Clubs and Leisure Centres, including for Hart District Council.

He has a Certificate in Education for Post-Compulsory Education and a Level 1 Certificate in British Sign Language, has completed the FA’s Safeguarding course and is currently working towards his FA Level 2 Certificate in Football Coaching, having achieved the original qualification in 1995.