Enhancing opportunities through leadership

For young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) it can be an uphill struggle to realise their full potential. Thanks to Sports Leaders UK, 16-18 year olds in Aylesbury now have the opportunity to improve their prospects and change their future. When Haydon Training and Business College was established in 1992 its aim was clear: ‘to equip young people with the skills and experience needed to enable them to enter employment or further training’. An ethos that is shared by Sports Leaders UK. The college works primarily with NEET groups, although it also runs Apprenticeships and Train to Gain programmes. Students of compulsory school age are referred to the college through Pupil Referral Units, local schools and the youth offending service, while college students are referred from Connexions. Candidates aged 14 - 16 recently completed the Sports Leaders UK Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership as part of the college’s first academic year running the qualification. School Manager, Tracey McNicholas explains the importance of engaging these students and the positive effects that this qualification has had. “There are a number of reasons why some young people end up out of education, employment or training, and it is often the route to further deprivation. The college aims to address this by providing students with the help and support they need to grow in confidence and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from progressing. “The Sports Leaders UK course has enabled the college to help candidates gain a nationally recognised qualification through flexible and practical learning. These young people need to feel enthusiastic and excited about learning if they are to continue to succeed and develop.” “Course tutor, Marl Milsome did a superb job helping to support the less able candidates to achieve their best, and I have high expectations for next year, particularly as we expand our range of Sports Leaders UK qualifications to add the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership.”