Introduction & Welcome

The Oxfordshire Football Partnership is a new venture which incorporates the already hugely successful Football Development Centre at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College which has been running with great success for the past eight years. The partners also include Oxford City Football Club who will be the main base for you as a football student from the start of the 2009/10 season, and Premier Sports who bring a wealth of experience and NVQ’s to the programme which offers an all round excellent educational package for young budding footballers. Progression from these programmes includes higher education with Bucks University who continue to support the collaboration. These are the only courses in the County able to offer this exciting new opportunity, based solely at a football environment complex at Oxford City. A typical day would consist of you training in either the morning or afternoon whilst having time to shower before spending the rest of the day in the classrooms at Oxford City, gym and / or sports hall working on the specific units for successful completion of your chosen course that we offer. The success rates at OCVC and Premier Sports are considerably above national standard marks; in addition we have produced three professional players in the past four years! OCVC are one of only five Colleges in the Country to be awarded the FA Charter Standard Award coupled with Oxford City FC who hold the Community Standard Club Award, the combination produces a winning team catering for both male and females of all abilities. As a player, you would train four times a week and play in one of three leagues each Wednesday throughout the season. The games are held within the day and allow you as a player to play for the College to also be able to continue playing for your local youth football club in the evenings. The three leagues consist of the Youth Conference, English Colleges (ECFA) and the Oxfordshire Schools. We also have the provision that enables the student the chance to attend sports

injury clinics if injured and to also attend Football theory where you will be able to go through the previous day’s game with your UEFA ‘A & B’ qualified coaches. Each home game within the Oxfordshire Football Partnership is videoed and this is then viewed in football theory lessons the day after the game, enabling 1 on 1 coaching to also take place within the class room. There is also the opportunity for you to have gym sessions where you would be able to undertake your own personal training programme away from the training pitches, under the strict supervision of qualified and experienced staff. This will enable you to develop other areas of your game whilst also keeping fit and using information for other relevant lessons such as Fitness Testing and Training & Fitness. Training Kit As a player you will be required to purchase a training kit which will consist of: 1 x Tracksuit, 1 x Bag, 2 x Training T-shirts, 2 x Shorts, 2 x Socks, 1 x Polo shirt, 1 x Rain jacket & 2 x Sweatshirt The training kit package is price is yet to be confirmed but is a requirement for potential students. Coaching Opportunities This season has seen the creation of a very strong Coaching strand to the Football Development Centre that enables students who show the potential to become good new young coaches, the opportunity to progress through their FA Level 1 and 2 Coaching Certificates along with other relevant courses such as the new age appropriate coaching Module 1. Due to the above we have created a great link with local boys & girls football club Summertown Stars where these coaches are linked in with an existing age group (U7 - U11) to gain valuable coaching experience by taking training sessions and attending match days.

The Oxford Football Partnership

Football Apprentices

The Oxford Football Partnership is able to offer a limited number of apprenticeships in Football. Successful applicants will experience a programme aimed at developing the football player with high quality coaching and progression within the ranks of a senior non-league football club. Players will receive an individualised coaching and development programme while gaining valuable experience within a Community Charter Standard Football Club. What are the entry requirements? This scheme is aimed at high standard footballers with a passion for developing within the game. Players will have to complete a successful trial process. How is the course structured? You will be employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week by Oxford City Football Club and will receive professional coaching as well as gaining experience in all aspects of the running of a Community Charter Standard Football Club. You will represent Oxford City Football Club in competitive fixtures and also in the comprehensive development scheme. In the first year of the scheme you will complete the Level 2 NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing Association Football and move on to the Level 3 NVQ in the second year of the scheme. What will I study? Your NVQ will cover all aspects of planning, delivering and evaluating coaching sessions along with 1st Aid and Child Protection. How will I be assessed? The NVQ is completed by the production of a portfolio of skills evidence developed throughout the year.

What can I do at the end of the course? This scheme is aimed at young players looking to continue to perform at a senior level of football, you will also have an excellent pathway to our Higher Education programmes. Students can also look to gain employment with local sports coaching companies or a variety of Sport and Recreation based organisations. How can I find out more? For more information about this course: Website: www.ocvc.ac.uk www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk Email: football@ocvc.ac.uk Tel: 01865 551015

The Oxford Football Partnership Level 2 Pathway

Performance for Football

This 1 year full-time course incorporates the BTEC First Diploma in Sport (Performance) with the NVQ Level 2 in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing along with regular, professional coaching. This practical football themed course allows you to develop your knowledge in a range of Sports Science topics while developing both your coaching and playing skills and abilities. Students will also complete Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football. Offering successful students an excellent progression route onto our Level 3 programmes or into the workplace this course is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a long term career within the football family. What are the entry requirements? Students will normally have one of the following:

2 GCSE’s at grade D or above preferably including English or Maths.

Level 1 in related subject;

Appropriate professional experience. How is the course structured? You will complete 6 units for the First Diploma in Sport (Performance) while completing a portfolio of evidence to gain the NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing. Within your full-time timetable you will also complete a minimum of 12 hours per week of professional coaching and or football related activities including participation in one of our representative teams.

What will I study? Topics of study include Health and Safety, Practical Sport, Nutrition, Psychology, Fitness and Anatomy, Coaching, 1st Aid and Child Protection. How will I be assessed? The First Diploma in Sport (Performance) is coursework based and students need to complete all six units, the NVQ is completed by the production of a portfolio of skills evidence developed throughout the year. The Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football assessed by a practical coaching session and an additional portfolio. What can I do at the end of the course? The Level 2 Performance for Football course is an excellent pathway to our Level 3 programmes. Students can also look to gain employment with local sports coaching companies or a variety of Sport and Recreation based organisations. How can I find out more? For more information about this course: Website: www.ocvc.ac.uk www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk Email: football@ocvc.ac.uk Tel: 01865 551015

The Oxford Football Partnership Level 3 Pathway

Performance for Football

What is the Level 3 Performance for Football course? This 2 year full-time course incorporates the BTEC National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science with the NVQ Level 3 in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing along with regular professional coaching. This practical football themed course allows you to develop your knowledge in a range of Sports Science topics while developing both your coaching and playing skills and abilities. Students will also complete Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football and the Level 2 Treatment and Management of Injuries. Offering successful students an excellent progression route into Higher Education or into the workplace this course is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a long term career within the football family. What are the entry requirements? Students will normally have one of the following:

4 GCSE’s at grade C or above to include 2 from Maths, English, Science and PE;

A First Diploma in related subject at Merit grade;

Appropriate professional experience. How is the course structured? You will complete 12 units for the National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science while completing a portfolio of evidence to gain the NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing. Within your full-time timetable you will also complete a minimum of 12 hours per week of professional coaching and or football related activities including participation in one of our representative teams.

What will I study? Anatomy for Sport and Exercise, Sport and Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Research Methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Research Project for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise, Training and Fitness for Sport, Sport and Exercise Massage, Sports Nutrition, Sports Injuries, Sports Coaching, Practical Team Sports. How will I be assessed? The National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science is coursework based and students need to complete all twelve units, the NVQ is completed by the production of a portfolio of skills evidence developed throughout the year. The Certificate’s in Coaching Football are assessed by a practical coaching session and an additional portfolio. The Treatment and Management of Injuries is assessed by a multiple choice exam paper and a practical exam. What can I do at the end of the course? The Level 3 Performance for Football course is an excellent pathway to Higher Education on a variety of degree level courses including Sports Coaching, Sports Therapy and Sports Science. Students can also look to gain employment with local sports coaching companies or a variety of Sport and Recreation based organisations. How can I find out more? For more information about this course: Website: www.ocvc.ac.uk www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk Email: football@ocvc.ac.uk Tel: 01865 551015

Where are they Now? Students who have gone on to continue their development once completing our courses, here are just a handful: Garath McCleary

Garath enrolled on our BTEC National Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence) within our Football Development Centre and has now in his second season as a Nottingham Forest, holding down a 1st team starting place. Garath is still one of the most talented youngsters to come through our courses and worked hard at both training and also his

college work. His attitude and determination have seen him reach the level he has and we are sure that he will be one for the future. Matty Taylor

Matty enrolled onto the National Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence) at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. As a keen footballer Matty enrolled onto the Football Development Centre and represented the College. In his second year Matty was invited to trial at Oxford Utd and was rewarded with a professional contract which is now in its second year; while completing his studies at the college.

Andy Ballard Andy joined our National Diploma Sport & Exercise Science Diploma through our Football Development Centre and is has made three appearances this season for Eastbourne Borough in the Blue Square Conference Premier; after helping secure promotion from the Conference South last season.

What the Students Say..... Jack Longford – 1st Year Sport Performance

“This course is a great chance to train and play in a good standard of youth football and gain the relevant qualifications needed to progress into University”

Luke Carnell – 1st Year Sport Science

“I am currently in my first year and it is a brilliant course for people who want to gain a career out of sport. It also allows you to gain experience in coaching and playing at a high level of football” Pablo Haysham – 1st Year Sport Science

“The playing, coaching and the studies have given me a better understanding of sport. We play a very good standard of football and the educational side of the course is also very enjoyable and well linked to practical sessions”

Mark Burton – Development Centre Captain “The educational and classroom work is ideal and the football is tied up well within the timetable during each day to enable students chance to improve on both levels”.

Garath McCleary – Nottingham Forest FC

“The course as a whole helped me throughout the three years both in the classroom and on the pitch. It was a great springboard to help me get where I am today and I thank everybody involved for their professionalism and help they gave me during my time and would recommend it to anybody who is serious about their football and education”.

Contact Information

We hope you have found this booklet helpful in deciding your best academic choice for the future. Application forms and further information are available from: Website: www.ocvc.ac.uk Email: football@ocvc.ac.uk dbuckingham@ocvc.ac.uk rpeirson@ocvc.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 550799 or 01865 551015 We look forward to receiving your application form and welcoming you on our exciting and well run courses based solely within a Football Club environment at Oxford City. Kind regards,

Des Buckingham

Des Buckingham | Football Development Centre Oxford & Cherwell Valley College Cuddesdon Way | Oxford | OX4 6HN T +44 (0) 1865 550799 | M 07870 609530 dbuckingham@ocvc.ac.uk | www.ocvc.ac.uk