Ayrshire College launches apprenticeship programme with local football team
Ayrshire College is working in partnership with Kilmarnock Football Club to offer a Modern Apprenticeship Programme for the current under 18 playing squad.
The “Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance” course aims to empower the young players to help them develop their skills on and off the pitch. As well as helping them to achieve their career in football, the course will give them transferrable skills that will help them in the future.
The programme builds on the strong relationship between Ayrshire College and Kilmarnock Football Club Academy, with the club being the first in the county to launch such a scheme.
Kilmarnock FC Academy Director Paul McDonald said: "We have various members of our current full time Academy Staff who have come through Ayrshire College Courses, it is great to be able to work further with the college providing additional learning opportunities as part of our Young Professional Players’ Modern Apprenticeship programme."
Former student of Ayrshire College, Craig Clark is now the Under 18 Coach at Kilmarnock FC. He said “The state of the art facilities at the College create a positive learning environment for the apprentices. It also gives the apprentices a perspective of the bigger picture, looking at perhaps a pathway into coaching or opening up other careers like engineering or technology.”
Modern Apprentice Callum Shields said “Coming to college has really helped my game in terms of match analysis and the tactical side of the game. It’s really good getting the extra qualification. I want to play professional football but coming to college opens up a lot more doors for me.”
Moira Birtwistle from Ayrshire College added: “Ayrshire College is delighted to be entering into this innovative partnership with Kilmarnock Football Club.
“Together we will draw on our expertise to provide a learning and development experience that will help create world class sporting excellence alongside personal and professional development opportunities.
“The young people will have the opportunity to pursue a successful career in football alongside lifelong skills for continued success.”
21 March 2019
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