Manchester United Foundation goes 'from strength-to-strength' at St. Joseph’s Boys School

The Manchester United foundation BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at St. Joseph’s Boys School goes from strength-to-strength as it starts its second year at the Creggan school.

The two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is delivered by teaching staff at St. Joseph’s in conjunction with Manchester United Foundation staff and aims to give young people the skills, opportunities, experiences and qualifications to support and better their lives while also training within a full-time football model.

This year sees seven new additions to the programme with five St Joseph's students along with another two from Oakgrove and Foyle College.

Fourteen students have entered their second and final year and are in the process of completing their UCAS applications in preparation for next year and life at university.

The UEFA-qualified Foundation staff deliver football training and health and well-being advice as well as academic support and mentoring alongside staff from the school who deliver the academic course.

Adding to this, Ulster University offer wraparound support for the course through academic support, student placement opportunities and vital facility use at their campus.

Under the guidance of their teachers, Mr McGinty, Mrs Walsh and Mr Easom, the young students are all on track to come out with the required grades that open the door into university or other pathways into education or employment.

Speaking this week, Declan Lynch, Manchester United Foundation said: ‘A huge benefit of this fantastic programme is the connection between St Joseph’s Boys School, our Manchester United Foundation and the University of Ulster – creating an open pathway into higher education for all the participants.’

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BTEC Level 3 diploma gives young people academic and sporting opportunities

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Delighted to see the continued success and welcoming the new intake, Mrs Ciara Deane, Principal, St. Joseph’s said: ‘The school welcomes the relationship with the university and the Manchester United foundation staff. At the end of this academic year, we will celebrate the success of our first cohort of pupils.

'Our scholars will continue their relationship with Ulster university accessing a variety of undergraduate courses linked to sport. This makes me very proud of both the students and the hard-working staff that support them every day.’

The Foundation’s Declan Lynch concluded: ‘The education pathway must remain a focus. Students leaving with the equivalent of three ‘A’ Levels is key to success. Football is and remains the bonus, training within a full-time football model will continue to help and support with the development of each player, on and off the pitch.’