Pupils visit local primary school in conjunction their studies
Fifteen of club’s NVQ Level 3 Sports Development students recently held an activity day at St Catherine’s Primary School as part of their studies.
The course, which works in conjunction with Bolton College, requires the pupils to manage a project in the local community with the group consequently organising an event with the Horwich based school.
The class, made up of Tom Ward, Tom Gee, Adam Longworth, Jordan Mulligan, Louis Ainscow, Zach Brown, James Watkin, Kian Baggaley, Karl Horner, Dylan Kumwenda, Elliott Morton, Callum Reed, Danny Charlton, Richard Thomas and Alice Trengove, planned, delivered and consequently evaluated their event as part of the final weeks of their two year course.
Focusing the activities on Fundamental movements of throwing and catching as well as target and invasion games, there were also workshops on healthy eating and lifestyles plus the dangers of smoking and CPR demonstrations.
Securing both an NVQ Level 2 and 3 award as part of their studies, the pupils, aged between 16 and 18, have also earned their FA Level 1 football coaching badges and are currently working towards their Level 2 award.
Speaking following the conclusion of the event, Mark Edwards of Wanderers’ Institute of Sport, praised the youngsters for their hard work and application during their time at the club.
“They were a little apprehensive ahead of the event as they’d not really had the opportunity to work with youngsters before, but they thoroughly enjoyed it and did fantastically well,” he said.
“St Catherine’s Primary School have also been very accommodating and have enjoyed it too, so hopefully we can make it an annual event.
“It’s great for the club as a whole as by doing something like this, we’re helping to develop links across the town and enhance the relationship that Bolton Wanderers has with the community as a whole.”
Adam Longworth, a student on the course, believes that his experiences during his time with the club and his studies in general will stand him in good stead for his future career prospects.
“It’s been really good – the second year has definitely been more of a challenge, but it’s been great fun and I’ve really enjoyed it,” he explained.
“To come to schools and have the opportunity to coach is not something that many people get the chance to do, so I feel really privileged.
“It’s been different but a great experience – I’ve really enjoyed it and the kids definitely have which is the main thing.
“I’ve always wanted to teach, so hopefully once I finish the course I’ll be able to continue in the field and find a job in coaching with help from my experiences here.”
For more information on the Bolton Wanderers Free School and the courses available, please contact Ellen Luetchford at eluetchford@bwfreeschool.co.uk