The Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme are delighted to announce a ground-breaking addition to their partnership with local rugby club Sheffield Eagles.
The affiliation will bring together the key education modules of the Owls’ Community Programme and the Eagles’ practical sessions, focusing on the recruitment of BTEC Level 3 students with a background in rugby.
The move is the next building block of the existing partnership between the Owls and the Eagles, whereby the clubs’ community staffs join forces to offer activities to youngsters and vulnerable people.
In addition, the project raises funds and attracts students to matches, with ticket deals available through a link with the city’s two high profile universities.
Sheffield Wednesday’s CSR Development Manager Spencer Taylor said: “It is a privilege to be cementing our partnership with such a strong sporting Sheffield brand as the Eagles.
“We are proud to say that no other professional sporting bodies deliver these unique pathways into education.
“Our association with the Eagles has already borne fruit and now it makes perfect sense to move to the next level by delivering this programme in Sheffield.”
Successful students will graduate from the two-year programme with the Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport – the equivalent of up to three ‘A’ levels.
The course is open to students aged 16-18 with a keen sporting interest and in particular, rugby.
Entry requirements are four A-Cs at GSCE level, including maths and English. Potential pathways lead to university study, careers in the sporting industry and scholarships abroad.
Students accepted to the programme will receive support through the UCAS application process via Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Ian Anniss, Head of Community, Development and Education for the Eagles, added: “It is vital we offer an education pathway to young people with an interest in rugby and source a committed partner who can facilitate such a provision.
“To have Sheffield Wednesday FC as a key partner with a proven track record of posting outstanding education results is great, both for us and the wider communities of Sheffield.
“We are very excited about the partnership and the opportunities it will provide for young people who have a desire to combine their studies in a working environment of professional sport.”
* To enrol and for more information please contact: katie.johnson@swfc.co.uk
(L-R): Reda Johnson (Wednesday), Menzie Yere, Eddie Battye & Quentin Laulu Togage