A Leeds student has his sporting career mapped out with his dream of competing at the 2016 Olympics becoming a real possibility, which he attributes to the inspirational guidance he has received from SkillsActive’s Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE).
Jack Bateson from Pool In Wharfedale, near Leeds has been boxing since he was 9 years old, encouraged by his Dad and Uncle who have been coaching the sport as far as he can remember. He recalls the day a letter arrived to invite him to apply for the AASE programme and never looked back, making the move from his new sixth form college to join Bradford College.
“The programme has helped me so much, I’m really sad to be leaving at the end of this year; I’ve had such a strong network of support. I have learned a huge amount about what it takes to reach the top and perform to the best of your ability, the coaching team have been fantastic.
“AASE has helped me to plan for the future and set my career plans, with short, medium and long term goals through to the 2016 Olympics.”
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Jack enjoyed a unique trip to Tenerife through the AASE Boxing programme last August, training at high altitude with young boxers from all over the UK. They experienced firsthand a different training environment that opened his eyes to training in different ways, including running up mountains.
He is currently training in the England Youth squad and is looking forward to the second stage trials for the GB Senior Development squad that will be selected over the next few months. The GB squad will meet regularly in Sheffield with the ultimate goal of competing at the 2016 Olympics and beyond.
Alongside his career in boxing, Jack Bateson 17 explains that the AASE programme has helped him plan for a career as a PE teacher and he hopes to secure a place at University for the end of this year.
His advice for other young athletes considering a place on the AASE programme to boost their chances of a successful sporting career? Jack said, “I would definitely recommend the AASE programme to anyone, but it’s not an easy ride. It has helped me to juggle my boxing and education in the best possible way and realise that it is only hard work that gets you to the very top.”
Alex Nicholson, 17 from Cramlington and his Academy team mate Louis Storey, 18 from Walkerville are both in year two of the AASE programme combined with their respective NVQ and BTEC courses.
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Like thousands of teenagers across the UK, they have dreamed since their childhood of playing in the Premiership but just talking to them for a few minutes it seems their hard work and 100% commitment to both their sport and education is about to pay off.
Alex joined Newcastle United at the age of 13, now in year two of his scholarship he has already played several times for Newcastle United Reserves. He describes the AASE programme as, “perfect for me, I’m getting paid to study, play and train to be the best I can be.
Alex adds; “There is so much to learn off the pitch and the course really made me think about my career goals and not just think about playing football as you never know what is around the corner.” Alex now plans to become a football coach or PE teacher in the future.
Louis has progressed from Sunday league and County football, to joining Newcastle United on a scholarship in July 2010 and has already seen big improvements to his game, thanks to the AASE course. He explains, “I have applied the conditioning training that we learned to my personal programme to boost my overall fitness and it has really helped. I feel much fitter playing now and my confidence is increasing all the time.”
A tailored education programme relevant to their sport, is very much key to the success of the AASE programme, as highlighted by Louis’ commitment to learning: “I am really motivated to reach a distinction in each of my BTEC units and I know the better my results, the more chance I have to go to University and continue my studies. The staff and tutors have taught us so many life skills and above all an appreciation that we cannot rely on football forever, they have instilled a love for learning in my approach to life. I have also enjoyed completing the Level 2 Coaching Award and can definitely see myself coaching one day.”
Jimmy Nelson, Manager of Education and Welfare at Newcastle United says, “The AASE course is a terrific deal for any young footballer, the programme of support is second to none. I would love to turn back the clock and be an apprentice now, there really is no comparison to Apprenticeships 30 years ago, education is core to their learning as a player and making them aware of their responsibilities.”
Max Coates, 18, from Scorton near Richmond is juggling his ‘A’ level studies with the second year of AASE at Loughborough College with his sights set on racing in the Ginetta G50 support class at the British Touring Car Championship this year.
Progressing to the next level demands significant sponsorship to fund the team to prepare the car effectively for each race and AASE has helped Max to achieve these sponsorship targets. He explains, “We hope to confirm later this week that we have secured the sponsorship we need to step up to the G50 Championship this year. It has been a long road with a huge family support team behind me, but we are almost there. The AASE programme has helped me understand the media and the importance of an increased profile including social media and how to secure sponsorship.”
He goes on to explain how the course has given him the tools to reach the pinnacle of his sport. “The programme has improved me as a driver, thanks to a real attention to detail in all aspects; my fitness, nutrition and preparation that I didn’t fully appreciate before and has given me a real focus.”
After two years in the Ginetta Junior Championship, Max is now targeting the British Touring Car Championship and then the World Level Touring Car Championship, inspired by Britain’s recent Formula One World Champions.
He says, “You can’t get two better role models for our sport than Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, they certainly give you added inspiration. AASE has really helped me to learn more about my sport and I really appreciate the small margins that can be the difference between winning and losing a race.
“I would love to be involved with managing a team or coaching drivers one day, next year I am planning to take a gap year to do some work experience in the mechanics of motorsport, technical skills are so important.
“Winning the Championship this year could be the launch pad to successful senior career for me. I know I have an amazing opportunity and just one chance to make it happen.”#
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Lauren Brooks, 17 from Stroud has been playing netball since she was introduced to the game at Primary School in Cirencester and now has her sights set on representing her country at the highest level. Hartpury College, Gloucestershire was the perfect choice for combining her A level studies with her intense training regime as a member of the Junior Netball Academy and England Excel U17 squad member which totals 17 hours of training each week.
Hartpury College was chosen by Netball South West to pilot the AASE scheme in Netball in 2007 with established links to Lauren’s club Hucclecote Netball Club, it has proved the ideal environment for developing sports stars.
Lauren credits the AASE programme with improving her time management and planning skills to juggle her education and strict training regime.
She said: “I have learned so much on the AASE programme, it has really taught us life skills and helped me plan for the future and back up options as I can’t rely on netball as a career unfortunately. The sports and fitness industry is growing all the time and the course has given us a real insight into what career opportunities are out there.
“At the moment, my ‘A’ levels are the priority, but I hope to move on to study Sports Science at Bath University and push for a place in the England team for the U21 World Youth Championships, next year. It’s tough but really worthwhile and I would encourage anyone given the opportunity to join the AASE scheme.”
The AASE scheme, which was created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency has been designed to meet the needs of young, talented netball players (aged 16-18), who have the potential to achieve excellence in netball.
The AASE programme takes two years to complete and aims to develop players through technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical conditioning and psychological techniques. Away from the practical elements, Apprentices also cover units on communication, managing an athlete’s lifestyle and career, and health and safety.
Ashleigh Munns, 17 from Basildon is not a typical college student; she juggles studying for three A levels, the AASE programme and playing top flight basketball for her club Sevenoaks Suns which means she’s up against senior GB internationals every week. She has all but given up her social life to reach her full potential and travel the 80 mile round trip to club training twice a week in Sevenoaks, but her hunger and desire shows no bounds.
Choosing to enrol on the AASE basketball programme at SEEVIC, as the only girl alongside 13 boys, has been a turning point that she believes has really increased her confidence and self belief. She now has her sights set on a place at an NCAA Div 1 or Div 2 University to further her playing career, inspired by several club team mates at Sevenoaks Suns that have chosen to study in the USA.
Looking back, she said “before I started at College, I didn’t have as much confidence generally. At first I hated not having a social life and not seeing my school friends but over the last 12 months, I have totally committed to basketball and AASE was the missing link to help my game and develop me as a stronger and more confident person.”
Her selection for the AASE basketball Leonardo trip to Germany for two weeks last summer, was she says ‘one of the most amazing experiences of my life’, not because they won four out of five games but she found a new self-belief in her ability instilled by the coaching team and team mates that became close friends.
The AASE programme involves regular strength and conditioning sessions which complement her club training sessions, and individual mentoring and performance analysis totalling ten sessions per week. The style of learning and work ethic is now instilled in her training and performance, she commented, “I didn’t used to like working hard, now I love being pushed to my limits and I know working hard brings results, it’s the only way to improve”.
Ashleigh’s goal for 2012 is to be selected for the England U18 team to compete at the European Championships in August and as the Olympic Games comes to London, she hopes women’s sport, in particular basketball, will be elevated to where it belongs, commenting; “it’s just not taken seriously enough in this country, but in my experience the AASE programme is really helping to move things in the right direction.”
Created by SkillsActive and funded by the Skills Funding Agency, AASE is a sports performance programme for young talented athletes. It’s designed to directly measure an athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the appropriate technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication and health and safety.
Anthony Doyle, 27, used to represent Salford and Leigh before deciding to focus on his first love - coaching.
He was offered the level 2 Apprenticeship in Activity Leadership with Premier Sport, which provides high quality community, extended school and holiday coaching activities, in 2010 after completing a work placement with the company on the Future Jobs Fund project.
Delivered by SkillsActive’s National Skills Academy, the project provided 5000 young unemployed people with six months training and work experience in the sport and active leisure sector.
Anthony says: “The Apprenticeship suited me down to the ground. I loved being able to get into schools and do what I was good at –interacting with staff and students – from day one, while also learning on the job.”
During his year-long Apprenticeship, Anthony learned to plan and deliver activity sessions for children before, during and after school as well as on holiday programmes. He also gained relevant qualifications such as NGB coaching badges in Basketball, Gymnastics and Fencing
Anthony now manages the Warrington franchise of Premier Sport after being hand picked by senior management at Premier Sport.
He is also completing a level 3 Apprenticeship in Management.
Premier Sport’s national education and training development officer, Andy Heald, says Antony is one of many apprentices at Premier Sport who will take the business into the future.
“Apprenticeships are a cost effective way to recruit enthusiastic people, give them the qualifications and experience to make them outstanding coaches and, in turn, improve and develop our business.
“I’d advise any business considering taking on an apprentice to go for it –you’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”
To learn more about Apprenticeships in the sport and active leisure sector please see Apprenticeships
Shiremoor adventure playground in North Tyneside provides five to 13 year olds with opportunities for adventurous play in a staffed, safe environment.
Manager Keeks McGarry says during the peak summer season, up to 300 children can use the facility on a single day: “Having a high ratio of staff to children is key to providing quality playwork service.”
Motivated by the need for more staff, Keeks recruited four apprentices to join his team of three fulltime workers in August 2011. One of those is Natasha Killeen, 17, who is completing her level 2 Apprenticeship in Playwork.
Natsaha says: “I’d always wanted to work with children. An Apprenticeship allowed me to gain paid experience in the field and recognised qualifications to kick start my career.
An average day for Natasha involves setting up the facility and engaging children in activities such as drawing or football, as well as additional duties such as cleaning. On Thursdays and Fridays she attends Tyne Metropolitan College to gain the knowledge component of her apprenticeship.
“It’s a really challenging role because you have to adapt your methods depending on whether you’re working with a five year old or a 13 year old,” she says.
Keeks says Apprenticeships help professionalise the sector, and promote playwork as a viable career option.
“Apprenticeships provide a clear entry point for people looking for a career in playwork. We now have several students on work placement wanting to start their career in playwork with an Apprenticeship.”
To learn more about Apprenticeships in the sport and active leisure sector, and how your business can benefit, please register your interest at www.skillsactive.com/takethelead
Jack Clarke, 17, left school at 15 to work on the family farm in Lancaster. After his family moved, he tried his hand at practical jobs such as school caretaking and working in a ground maintenance company before starting work as a trainee engineer at Salop Leisure in Shewsbury.
Soon after starting, Salop Leisure management spied potential in Jack and offered him the opportunity to take an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Leisure Operations.
“I don't enjoy class based learning, which is why I decided not to go to College,” Jack says. “With an apprenticeship, I'm gaining hands on experience, qualifications and training as well as earning a wage.”
Jack began his apprenticeship in February 2011 and has now completed his health and safety and first aid certificates as well as manufacturer's product training. He is looking forward to obtaining important gas and electrical qualifications in the future.
“We have a wide variety of repairs coming into the touring caravan workshop and I'm learning all the time. I aspire to be a good engineer and produce work to the highest standards,” Jack says.
Salop Leisure HR administrator Barbara Morris says Jack is one of four apprentices at the company, with the others working in customer service, holiday homes and alongside Jack in touring caravans repairs.
“Apprenticeships provide our staff with the opportunity to gain technical and transferable skills needed for a great start in their careers. It also ensures we have well trained, competent staff to take the business forward. I would encourage all businesses in our industry to consider taking on an apprentice.”
To find out more about Apprenticeships in the sport and active leisure sector please see Apprenticeships
After finishing school, Lexine, 26, toyed with a career in hospitality “but was interested in doing something a bit more active”.
“I was keen to work with young people and gain some different experience,” she says.
In 2006, Lexine began working at PGL, the UK's leading outdoor education provider, in Surrey as a group leader but wanted to continue learning. So when she was offered the chance to complete a level 2 Apprenticeship in Sport and Recreation with the company, she grabbed it.
“The Apprenticeship offered me the chance to gain qualifications while still progressing in my career at PGL,” she says.
Lexine completed her first Apprenticeship in just nine months, fitting her course work around her hours of work.
She enjoyed the experience so much that in 2010, Lexine - who by then had been promoted to assistant central operations manager – decided to take up a level 3 Apprenticeship in Sport and Recreation. She is on track to complete the Apprenticeship by April 2012.
With the help of Apprenticeships, Lexine has risen from activity instructor to assistant chief instructor, chief instructor , house manager and central operations manager.
“If you're passionate about an industry, capable and keen to progress, there's no reason not to take up an Apprenticeship,” she says.
PGL Apprenticeship Programme Manager Jo Mortimer says PGL's 180 current apprentices have helped the organisation achieve a more flexible and qualified staff base.
“Apprenticeships provide those who may not have travelled the academic route with the skills and qualifications we require. They show new and prospective staff the development opportunities on offer.”
Many of PGL's apprentices, like Lexine, have developed their management skills and gone on to work at higher levels within the organisation.
“In future, PGL would like to be able to offer every member of staff the possibility of doing an Apprenticeship - even those at management level.”
To find out more about Apprenticeships in the sport and active leisure sector please see Apprenticeships
The situation
British Fencing delivers fencing to 9500 members across the United Kingdom. British Fencing National Development Manager Ben Campion says due to rapid expansion of the sport, most of the organisation’s 14-strong development team have only been in post since 2010 and are geographically spread. They also have some ambitious participation targets to achieve by 2013, requiring the full commitment of the team.
“We needed a session together to work out our individual and team strengths and get a strong grasp of the objectives of the organisation so we’re all working together towards that vision rather than separately.”
The solution
In early 2011, Ben contacted his SkillsActive account manager about the need for team building training. The Relationship Manager worked with Ben on a proposal and then came back to him with a priced list of three consultants capable of delivering the session.
SkillsActive has a register of expert consultants to support employers and partners who need additional, sector specific expertise. They specialise in everything from business coaching and preparing funding bids through to governance and endorsement support and cost from £375 and £500 per day, depending on the task.
British Fencing selected Di Horsley who specialises in team building, change management, leadership development and one to one coaching. An accredited management performance coach and former NGB Senior Client Manager with Sport England, Di has a proven ability to motivate individuals and teams to achieve at a high level. Previous satisfied clients include ASA and the British Equestrian Federation.
Di set up a preliminary meeting with Ben to identify the key outcomes for the full day session. These were:
Di says: “Their main challenges were to meet their Sport England targets, particularly around participation, and to identify how they could change their ways of working to become a stronger, more effective team.”
Impact
Ben says the full day session delivered in April was “brilliant” and provided the British Fencing development team with clarity around individual expectations and the organisation’s future direction.
“The session helped us to understand how we can work together better as a team to achieve our Sport England growth, excel and sustain targets. We now have a shared understanding of where the business is headed and how we as individuals and as a team can contribute to that.”
To find out how SkillsActive can support your business please email employerenquiries@skillsactive.com
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