European Social Fund in England

Case studies: Success for Sport

The 'Success For Sport’ project, led by Kingston College was designed to expand the base for sports coaches as part of the 'On Your Marks' programme which supports the development of skills to aid the 2012 Games.

The project targeted two key groups: individuals seeking to increase their sports coaching skills to NVQ Level 2 and small sports organisations, particularly in the voluntary sector. The project aimed to deliver Level 2 qualifications and one-to-one mentoring in sports recognised by the International Olympic Committee. In addition, it aimed to work with five sports clubs to increase skills, knowledge and capacity to deliver sports coaching qualifications including achieving Clubmark, a cross-sport quality assurance accreditation for clubs with junior sections. Three of these clubs were required to be from the voluntary sector.

'Success for Sport' brought the experience, skills and capability of public and private providers of sports coaching training together. It targeted underrepresented groups in sports coaching such as ethnic minorities, women, young people, people with disabilities and those from deprived communities.

Darren Long, 19, (pictured above) successfully completed an NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Coaching at Richmond Upon Thames College in June 2007. Darren's previous experience of education had been negative. He had difficulty fitting in at school and had underachieved as a result. His low level of attainment coupled with additional learning needs resulted in frustration and a general lack of motivation. Darren's behaviour deteriorated to the point where he was often rude or aggressive to teachers and disruptive in lessons, and he was permanently excluded in 2005 without any formal qualifications.

In September 2006 Darren was invited to join the Springboard scheme by Connexions where he gained basic literacy and numeracy skills. Having already completed a Level 1 qualification in Coaching Football and Community Sports Leadership in January 2007, Connexions referred Darren to the ‘Success For Sport’ project. Darren was motivated to take the Certificate in Coaching programme by his passion for coaching and especially for working with younger children. He proved to be an enthusiastic and committed student, with an excellent attendance and punctuality record. His classroom behaviour improved dramatically, as did his relationship with course tutors and other participants.

Darren's increased motivation was evident in the fact that he independently arranged voluntary employment with two local sports clubs where he worked on multi sport skills and football coaching with children aged between 6 and 13.

Darren plans to continue working as a coach and aims to become self employed in the future.

The Success for Sport project was granted £250,000 through ‘On Your Marks’ as part of the LSC Pan London 2 ESF Programme.