A Football and Sports Coaching degree offered by Bristol Rovers have hit a record high in applications this year.
The University of South Wales (USW) degree programme, run in partnership with EFL in the Community at more than 45 Club Community Organisations across England and Wales, have received a record number of 355 applications for students starting in September 2024, with time still to apply.
Across the courses offered – a Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development and a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Development and BA Sports Business and Management, there has been a 20 per cent increase in applications for this year compared to 2023.
Not only has there been an increase in popularity and demand for the courses from applications but also in the success of students achieving high level grades, with over half (56%) achieving a 2.1 or better.
Bristol Rovers Community College have received a 35% increase over the course of the last academic year and we still have spaces available to join a course that delivers results and genuine career prospects.
Education Lead James Lee said, “We’re delighted that interest in our degree programme continues to grow. We’ve a lot of applications through our second-year cohort at Bristol Rovers Community College, and we’re always happy to welcome external applications. A lot of our students have gone on to get roles within college’s, school’s and at Bristol Rovers Community Trust proving that the courses delivered by USW can produce really positive outcomes.”
The University of South Wales courses are popular with students as it gives them practical experience at a Football Club – whilst allowing for a blended and ‘real world’ learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning.
Students on the degree programme have numerous points of support, from club mentors to lecturers and Academic Support Coaches.
USW courses started 10 years ago at three clubs with a handful of students and has significantly grown to be delivered at Bristol Rovers and 45 other Clubs – with hundreds of students now benefitting.
Even though the courses are hosted at Football Clubs nationwide, it doesn’t mean that the courses are designed specifically for avid football fans. It can be for anyone with an interest, for example the degree provides students with the ability to gain further qualifications alongside their studies including gaining their coaching badges.
For more information about the course, please visit https://www.bristolroverscommunity.org.uk/degree
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