MEET THE STUDENTS
Andrew Simmonds
Andrew Simmonds is 18 years old and lives in Cross Keys, Gwent. He joined MPCT Sports Academy on 4/9/17. Previously Andrew had studied sport at Cross Keys college but was attracted to the opportunities that lay at the MPCT Sports Academy in Cardiff.
Andrew has really enjoyed his time at MPCT. He has particularly enjoyed learning new skills in a fun and challenging way. His favourite activities have been PT sessions, especially learning new team sports. While on the programme he has made lots of new friends from different areas which has helped him to settle.
In June, Andrew attended a field trip to University of South Wales (USW). This was a chance to listen to the opportunities that were on offer for young people like himself. While taking a tour around USW Sports Park, Andrew was blown away by the facilities and this motivated him to find out how he could study at the campus. Fortunately, he was able to talk to Technical Demonstrator in Football Coaching and Development, Bobby Briers, about how he was to apply.
After speaking to his parents about his future options, Andrew decided to take this opportunity seriously and went along to the USW Open Day. He decided upon the course he wished to study and applied. After a couple of weeks, he received an unconditional offer! He has since arranged his student finance and accommodation at the halls of residence and is set to enrol in September!
Andrew is excited by the opportunities that may come his way in future. He has shown a good work ethic while at the Sports Academy. For example, in his own time he has volunteered with his local mini and junior club. This will serve him well while at USW. He already has a link in the area with MPCT partner, Sport RCT, who he has volunteered with while a member of the Sports Academy. He can hopefully build upon this link to gain further experience. Andrew is looking forward to finding out more about the coaching industry and developing his skills and understanding further while at USW.
We are very proud of how Andrew has acted upon this initial opportunity and has used the Sports Academy as a stepping stone towards achieving his future goals. We wish you the very best for the future!
Bradley Hulme & Micheal Read
The Cardiff Sports Academy has recently seen two students start Work Placements with local employers in the Sport and Fitness industry. Bradley Hulme (pictured top in the image) who travels to Cardiff Sports Academy from Bridgend has started a work placement with SNAP Fitness in Bridgend. Michael Reid (pictured bottom in image) who travels from Gorseinon, has started at Unit 9 in Neath.
Since joining MPCT, the students expressed interest in a career as Personal Trainers and have used their time at the Sports Academy to help them achieve their goals. They have done this through following an Individual Learning Plan; covering Personal, Social and Health related targets as well as developing Employability Skills.
The Sports Academy gives students as hands on approach to developing skills on a daily basis through a contextualised curriculum and practical gym and sports based sessions. Each week, Vocational Training day’s focus on developing the student’s gym instructing and sports coaching skills. Both Bradley and Michael have excelled in these areas.
As a result of their progress, both students were selected to attend the MPCT Sports Academy Level 2 Gym Instructing course at Channel View Leisure Centre. Bradley and Michael impressed with their positive attitude and willingness to learn. It came as no surprise that they passed the qualification to become qualified Gym Instructors – a step closer to becoming Personal Trainers!
The next step for both students is to continue their development while on work placement under the mentorship of their gym managers and staff in the work place. It is hoped that the skills they have displayed in college will be transferred to the work place in order to give them every chance of gaining future employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
We are incredibly thankful our partners at SNAP Fitness and Unit 9 for their participation in providing work placements for our young people and would like to congratulate both Bradley and Michael on their progress so far!
Llongyfarchiadau i chi, a pob lwc boys!