North East Scotland College (NESCol) and Sport Aberdeen have created a new progression pathway to sport and fitness courses for young people on the Active Schools Sports Leadership Programme.
The agreement provides an alternative route to college, increasing access to further or higher education for young people without traditional entry requirements. It also provides a progression opportunity to NESCol for those at the end of the programme.
Delivered by Sport Aberdeen, the programme helps young people aged 14 to 25 develop leadership skills through volunteering in sport and physical activity opportunities within their school or community. They receive regular support and training, with the programme running at various venues across the city.
NESCol offers a range of sport, fitness and uniformed services courses from introductory to HND level. The bronze, silver and gold awards achieved from the Sports Leadership Programme will be recognised as an alternative, or partial alternative, to entry requirements for these.
Graeme Dale, director of sport and active communities, Sport Aberdeen, said: “Sport Aberdeen is delighted to continue working closely with NESCol. With this innovative new partnership agreement, we can further enhance our support to school pupils in our programmes, such as our award-winning SPACE programme for care experienced young people, to help them achieve sustained positive destinations at NESCol.”
Alongside the new agreement, Sport Aberdeen has confirmed updated placement opportunities for students studying HND Sport Coaching & Development and Fitness, Health & Exercise.
These placements will provide students with real-life experience in a wide range of areas, with a focus on gym instruction, sports coaching and sports development.
Ross Connell, curriculum manager (acting) for sport and fitness, NESCol, said: "NESCol has a long-standing partnership with Sport Aberdeen, and we are excited to renew this collaboration to ensure our students have access to industry expertise and relevant placements to enhance their College experience.
“Through the Active Schools Sports Leadership Programme, participants gain valuable skills and experience, with the opportunity to progress onto NESCol’s sport courses—turning their passion into a future career."
Study Sport & Fitness at NESCol
Completion of the Active Schools Leadership Programme is recognised as alternative, or partial alternative, entry requirements to:
- Introduction to Sport Coaching, Fitness & Exercise (Bronze/Silver Award)
- Advanced Sport Coaching, Fitness & Exercise (Silver/Gold Award)
- HND Coaching & Developing Sport (Gold Award – partial alternative)
- HND Fitness, Health & Exercise (Gold Award – partial alternative)
- Level 2 Uniformed Services (Bronze/Silver Award)
- Level 3 Uniformed Services (Silver/Gold Award)
Explore all full-time sport, fitness and uniformed services courses