The ultimate opportunity for any young person seeking a high-level football environment in which to develop technically as a player, while achieving a career-focused further education.
The AFC Totton Football Scholarship Programme, delivered with Access Sport, is the ultimate opportunity for any young person seeking a high-level football environment in which to develop technically as a player while achieving a career-focused further education academically.
The goal is to succeed both on and off the pitch — and to progress onto future pathways and careers across the many exciting roles within the football and sport industry.
| Luke Bennett | Head of Football luke@afctottondp.com |
| Scott Rendell | Academy Manager scottrendell@afctotton.com |
| Jack Good | Assistant Coach & LSA jackgood@afctotton.com |
| Sam Jackson | Teacher sam.jackson@accesssport.ac.uk |
| Ollie Mayo | Maths & English Tutor Oliver.mayo@accesssport.ac.uk |
As a leading national sports training provider that delivers further and higher education programmes, Access Sport’s objective is to provide tangible exit routes for learners desiring a future career in sport across a variety of pathways. These include futures within coaching, sport science, media, events, teaching and esports — all while training and developing as athletes across their chosen sport provision.
The programmes are designed for learners to use their passion for sport to develop transferable skills that can also lead to careers within the public services sector and other industries.
Access Sport’s core principles are embodied in the “growth mindset” culture they have created. This innovative approach has paid dividends, demonstrated by both their data and the observations of experienced professionals who have visited the programmes and seen them in action.
To create this authentic culture, Access Sport have worked tirelessly to install their core principles into the environment, their staff, partnerships and, most importantly, their learners — bringing their philosophy to life.
Over the years they have continued to adapt their study and sport development programmes, embracing new technology and ways of learning to develop the most well-rounded, motivated academic sports students and athletes in the sector.
Programmes are focused on the course and pathway, not just the qualification — seizing and seeking out every possible learning and development opportunity to enrich learners’ CVs with relevant skills and experiences. Access Sport provide a level of service and quality they believe can match any other sports provider in the country, while continuously striving to enhance their delivery so every student fulfils their potential.
This two-year course is designed for students with a strong interest in sport or football development while gaining a valuable skill set within coaching, sports science and performance analysis.
Students who complete this course, alongside the coaching or sports science pathway, will open opportunities to progress to university, scholarships in the United States, apprenticeships and future careers across a variety of coaching, sport science or teaching roles within the world of sport.
| Entry requirements | 5 GCSEs at grades 4–9, ideally including English and Maths |
| Duration | Two years |
| Coursework | 100% coursework and assessments |
| Qualification | Foundation Diploma in Year One; Extended Diploma in Coaching and Performance in Year Two |
| Progression | University, US scholarships, employment |
Students work across a variety of industry disciplines, including careers in sport, sports coaching, sporting performance and analysis, physical and mental health, and sports science. Their studies cover:
Each area of study promotes key knowledge, skills and behaviours, with learners given the opportunity to practise these throughout the week. Learners experience a range of practical and classroom-based lessons, with all assignments assessed internally using written, practical and spoken assignments, and project work.
The course has a specific focus on key skill sets, knowledge and areas of effective application within the sports industry, including:
The aim is to prepare and develop your ability across a multitude of integral subjects, ready for progression to university, a US scholarship, a career in sport or alternative exit routes. Linked with the coaching or sports science pathways, the course develops your knowledge and understanding of the sports industry, helps create an attractive CV and consolidates positive employability skills.
This two-year course is designed for students with a strong interest in the fitness and leisure industry. They will gain a valuable skill set, industry experiences and recognised qualifications in personal training and gym instructing.
Students who complete this course, alongside the Fitness & Leisure pathway, will open opportunities to progress to university, apprenticeships and employment, with a view to a future career in the fitness, leisure and sport industry — including personal training, gym instructing, sport science, teaching, community health and wellbeing, management and more.
| Entry requirements | 4 GCSEs at grades 4–9, including English and Maths |
| Duration | Two years |
| Coursework | 100% coursework and assessments |
| Qualification | Foundation Diploma in Year One; Extended Diploma in Sport, Fitness & Personal Training in Year Two |
| Industry placements | Work placements |
| Progression | University, apprenticeships, employment |
Students work across a variety of industry disciplines, including:
Each area of study promotes key knowledge, skills and behaviours, with learners given the opportunity to practise these throughout the week using fantastic gym and sport facilities, alongside qualified tutors and industry professionals. All assignments are assessed internally using written, practical and spoken assignments, and project work.
The course has been developed in line with the CIMSPA standard for gym instructing and personal training. During Year One, students also study towards a dedicated gym instructing qualification that makes them employment-ready within the industry.
Students study a variety of optional and mandatory units, including:
These units specialise the understanding gained in Year One and give a range of academic and vocational skills and experiences, creating an enriched CV for progression to university, apprenticeships, employment and future careers in fitness, leisure and sport. Students also secure work placements and study towards an industry-recognised qualification in Personal Training to enhance their employability.
Whether your ambition is senior football, a career in coaching, sport science or the fitness industry, the AFC Totton Football Scholarship Programme is your route to succeeding on and off the pitch. Applying through Access Sport takes less than two minutes.
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