STUDENTS are now learning the skills and qualities needed to coach would-be sporting heroes and heroines of the future to become top of their game, with the help of the Exeter College Coach Academy.

Based within the College’s Sports, Leisure and Tourism faculty, with the backing of the Youth Sports Trust through the Exeter Schools Sports Partnership, it was initially established by Melanie Jones (pictured) during her time as the College’s Further Education Sports Coordinator. The elite group comprises of 18 initial Coach Academy members.

Melanie says: “Those selected were already coaching in their chosen sport on a voluntary basis several hours a week. Through the Coach Academy, they can gain a national governing body-accredited qualification in recognition of their work as volunteers within the community. This is an excellent way of improving their existing skills and boosting their coaching CV at the same time.”

The Academy boasts eight females and 10 males, all aged 16 to 19 with previous experience of coaching and playing sport, taking part and specialising in a broad mixture of sports, ranging from football, rugby and netball to gymnastics and trampolining.

Meanwhile, their Sports Coach UK workshops focus on subjects as diverse as safeguarding and protecting children, coaching disabled performers and first aid. Combined with the 50 hours of voluntary work as a sports coach they must undertake, this will lead to them achieving either a Level 1 or Level 2 coaching qualification in their chosen sport.

Somer Manley, who is today responsible for the day-to-day running of the Coach Academy, adds: “The Coach Academy is a massive opportunity for any student interested in coaching and who has a passion to teach and support sport – whether as a future career or as a hobby.

“The South-West has a shortage of coaches in certain sports. To be able to gain an award in one of these could lead to an exciting future in sports development. It also enables students to gain more experience in coaching and to demonstrate their enthusiasm for it at a young age. It is proof of their commitment, which is a real plus for any future employer.

“We feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to pilot this scheme. With the school sports partnerships running academies for 11-16 year-olds, it seems a natural process for this to be the next step for these students, with local contacts to help them along the way. In return, through their volunteering, it is nice to think that they are giving something back to the community.”

Kieran Guppy (pictured), aged 17, of Whipton, is a member of the Coach Academy. Currently studying for his CYQ Level 2 Diploma in Exercise and Fitness Instructing, he is hoping to make it into the College’s ACES Academy next year.

Already playing volleyball for the South West Under 17s team, his own Exeter College coach, Arthur Moseley, is living proof of how far Kieran could go; now aged 66, he captained the British Volleyball Team between 1967 and 1969, played for England until 1971, and gained 51 international caps.

Kieran says: “I don’t think I’m thinking about reaching Arthur’s level just yet, but I’d love to follow in his footsteps because he’s an inspiration. I joined the Coach Academy because I think it’s a good opportunity to gain an additional qualification. It means I will now have the option of becoming either a fitness instructor or a coach in future.

“The workshops are really useful. Even if you are already aware of some of the important issues in coaching, such as safeguarding and working with children with disabilities, it refreshes your memory. It is also really good being able to teach others what you’ve learnt.”