Worksop Town academy director hails opportunities for youngsters

The Academy threw open its doors at the end of the lockdown period to help teens develop their skills with the club.

“As of the academic year 2021/2022, we will be looking to offer a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, which is a sports coaching qualification, suitable for anyone over the age of 16 years,” said Griffin.

“The qualification is designed for anyone who wants to go on to further their studies; it will give learners skills and an understanding of sport and physical activity across the sporting sector and it is integrated participation, so whilst it is a full-time college programme, they will also be training three times a week on the pitch, playing elite-level football under the guidance of our UEFA-qualified coaching staff.

“We also have a free coach education programme for all aspiring football coaches across the community, which is a level two qualification and we are interested in speaking with anyone working in the sports, health or leisure sectors about improving their knowledge of the coaching process through this qualification, which will ultimately increase the level in quality of delivery across the whole community. There are then various opportunities that we can offer them through our education programmes and into paid employment with our community programme.”

Griffin also explained the benefits that the community project will have on the town, as well as the football club, justifying their hard work over lockdown to ensure success.

“We have been very busy in the last couple of weeks, building what is going to be a fantastic football offering for the Worksop community and the surrounding areas,” continued Griffin.

“We are going to be providing footballing opportunities for people of all participation tiers; educating coaches, working with people in an academy environment and supporting players who just want to have fun, where they can meet their friends and enjoy football.

“Students will experience football, support the community, and get educated, meaning it is a great opportunity young people, coaches, parents, and the wider community.”