Disability Sports Academy
Bradford College working in partnership with Bradford Disability Sport & Leisure launched the Bradford College Disability Sports Academy in January 2009 - a major breakthrough for disability sport and people with disabilities.
Since the launch of the Academy in 2009 – it has gone from strength to strength with many high profile sporting professional using the world class facilities, including the England Wheelchair Tag Rugby League World Cup Squad who went on to win the Inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Sydney, Australia!
As a student, you will take part in a variety of sporting programmes in multi-sport, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, indoor athletics to name but a few. Gifted and talented athletes will be offered further opportunities to train for the Special Olympics and Paralympics programmes in their chosen sport, attending regional competitions or athlete assessment centres.
Sessions are open to those with disabilities aged over 15. Parents and/or carers are more than welcome to assist in sessions. Transport for the Disability Academy is free to students in the Bradford City centre area. You will be offered Disability Awareness Training and other training courses to support your coaching development profile.
You will also be offered the opportunity to coach and work with Bradford Sport professionals. Dependent on your experience you may be offered casual paid coaching during weekends or holidays.
Course Information
Your vocational study programme is approximately 15 hours per week in your chosen career path. This can be any vocational course from our Further Education Prospectus, such as Construction, Public Services, Beauty Therapy etc. Sports Academy students who wish to choose a Sport course will have the choice of the following vocational sports courses:
- City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Sport & Leisure
- BTEC First Certificate in Sport Level 2
- BTEC National Diploma in Sport Level 3
The level of course will be chosen in consultation with your tutors, depending on your GCSE performance. Our Sports Academies cater for all abilities and all programmes include a study of Key Skills, to enhance your employment potential.
Entry Requirements
Students are appointed on a competitive basis and to be successful you will need to demonstrate your sports skills, fitness, motivation and commitment to the sport.
You Must:
- Be committed and enthusiastic to academic and practical aspects
- Be prepared to attend every session
- Undertake course work and homework
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Take responsibility for your own development with the help of the lecturing and training staff
When are the Disability Sports Academy Coaching Sessions?
You will undertake two hour coaching sessions each Monday afternoon at Bradford College’s Trinity Green Campus. Specialist coaches will provide 6 week rotational programmes in sport, such as multi-sport, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball and indoor athletics.
What Next?
The Academy will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to either continue with your sporting career, progress through Further and Higher Education courses or gain employment in such fields as: Sport Coaching, Sports Administration, Fitness and Leisure Industry, Sports Management and Teaching. The College provides Foundation Degrees in Health-Related Exercise and Fitness, Sports Coaching and Sports Science to help you plan your progression routes in the sports and leisure industries.