The Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme has announced a unique partnership that will deliver a pioneering sports education programme to more than 100 young people.
The project will see the club’s charitable arm work with Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield College and Sheffield FC to provide first class sports education with potential progression to higher education.
Students will receive tutoring from leading Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield College academics, whilst gaining practical experience from Sheffield FC coaches.
Spencer Taylor, CSR manager for the Community Programme, said: “We’re really excited about the partnership and it’s great for the programme to work with such notable educational organisations.”
The partnership will reach out to young people of all abilities, from grassroots level to elite, and focus on a range of sports.
Spencer added: “Thanks to this link, our Education Programme will now be able to provide leading teaching in various sports and across all levels. We are proud to say this programme is completely unique in the football world.”
Guy Masterman, Head of the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Our partnerships locally continue to provide opportunities for young people in sport, and particularly those who wish to train for a career in the sport industry. Working with SWFC, Sheffield FC and The Sheffield College enables the city of Sheffield to provide a unique pathway for young people, combining training with bespoke education packages, which now extend to degree level seamlessly."
Iain McKinney, Assistant Principal at The Sheffield College, said: “We offer a range of vocational sports qualifications which enable our students to progress from diplomas through to degree level courses, with the chance to then go on to university afterwards. This partnership will build on our existing offering and benefit around 100 elite sports performers a year.
“The College is committed to working with industry experts across the curriculum to ensure our students gain valuable sector relevant experience. This programme will offer elite sports performers the opportunity to meet their training demands and to focus on education to ensure that they are better prepared as athletes as well as for life after sport."
Chris Dolby, Foundation Director of Sheffield FC, said: “We are very excited about the partnership and look forward to giving students a pathway into elite sports. We have some fantastic progression routes into high level women's football, futsal and men's football. With this partnership we are not only offering students a first class education but also a chance to play at a very high level in their chosen sport.”