BURTON Albion midfielder Ben Fox has returned to his former secondary school to discuss the importance of education and learning as part of the promotion for a university degree course delivered by Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT).
During the visit, Fox spoke to Sixth Form students about his educational experiences and background, and about his beliefs of how studying higher education can help students progress into employment.
The online distance-learning football coaching and development course provides the knowledge needed to work within a professional football club. The degree works in partnership with the University of South Wales (USW) and English Football League Trust (EFLT) to give the skills and qualities needed to work within the community departments of a professional football club or national governing body.
During the degree students will learn about children and youth coaching, football coaching, football development, social inclusion and sports management skills.
Participating students will also gain regular coaching opportunities from BACT alongside gaining an FA Level 2 Award in Coaching Football within the first year. In the second-year students will complete 200 hours of coaching to give them the vital skills for a career in youth coaching, football development, sport science or performance analysis.
Ben Webster, Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development Programme Lead, said: “It was fantastic to talk about the opportunities that BACT provides to students who want to continue their academic route into further education.
“The Foundation Degree, in partnership with USW and the EFLT, gives a flexible learning experience that differs from a traditional degree in this field.
“It’s great that Ben was able to come and support the programme and give a detailed insight into his own academic background as part of his scholarship, as well as explaining how this degree can help students to gain academic and vocational qualifications to enable them to find employment once they’ve graduated.”
Following the talk, Year 12 student Matt Gates, said: “The presentation really helped me and other PE students to look at our future career paths and broaden our pathways.
“It was clear to see the potential opportunities available with the practical and theoretical aspects which the apprenticeship offered. They clearly laid out all opportunities and went into detail giving reason as to why they would be an interesting and considerable option for students interested in sport.
“Alongside this, we also got the chance to listen to an ex-John Taylor pupil who is also a member of the first team, on his experiences at Burton Albion, which was interesting and inspiring.”
Lead PE Teacher, Julie Berry, said: “John Taylor are always grateful for the careers work that Burton Albion offers our pupils. We’d like to thank them once more for coming in and bringing an ex-pupil in to talk as well.”
For more information on the course, click here or contact ben.webster@burtonalbionct.org.