POST 16

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

At Saints Southwest, we are proud to be able to offer numerous programmes, opportunities and roles to many young people aged 16-21. This supports the educational needs, career aspirations and personal development stages of young people during the crucial adolescence period.

As the leading coaching and education services organisation in the South West, we are renowned for developing sustainable, strong and fruitful relationships with all local communities. Having the right workforce in place is crucial to our success. We have a clear pathway for anyone wanting to work and develop themselves within the coaching and education industry.

We organically recruit through proven methods which identify those who have the specific characteristics required to represent Saints Southwest.

Once recruited, we develop individuals and teams of staff who are enthusiastic, creative, passionate and responsible. This forms a mutual and solid foundation in being able to support career and integral aspirations.

This process then naturally promotes and pushes the boundaries in being able to support many young people, schools and families through our Community, Education and Football Development programmes.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Develop competence in younger people
Promote and increase personal development
Provide professional avenues for young people to flourish
Develop well-rounded people
Develop Potential for ALL.

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FULL TIME FOOTBALL & EDUCATION (DEVON)

Saints Southwest have a unique working relationship with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust in South Devon, providing outstanding opportunities for Year 11 school leavers to move into a full-time football and education programme.

Young people aged 16-18 can apply to study on our Football Education Programmes based at Devon FA HQ in Newton Abbot. The programmes provide talented and enthusiastic youngsters with the opportunity to train and play as football scholars in tandem with their academic studies. The programme sees the students work towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A Levels) vocational academic qualification, alongside a comprehensive football scholarship – all entirely staffed by Plymouth Argyle Football Club. The programme is designed to give young people ownership of their personal development both on and off of the pitch to support their future goals, whether that be progressing on to UK-based universities, overseas education scholarships, employment, sports industry apprenticeships/internships or by progressing into the professional game as a player.

The programmes benefit from UEFA-qualified coaches across all teams plus guidance and support from ex-professionals, including Lee Hodges, Gary Sawyer and Jamie Day.

The academic aspect of the programme is delivered by qualified teachers (PGCE, QTLS), all whom also have UEFA coaching licences to blend the on-pitch and classroom learning together to bring the learning to life and provide industry-relevant experiences to help the learners understand the opportunities available to them in the future.

Players typically receive up to ten hours of training each week, including technical, tactical and strength and conditioning-specific training, as well as futsal sessions and planned recovery sessions to maximise development.

All players represent Plymouth Argyle FC in competitive leagues. The Plymouth-based programme competes in the National Youth Football League (NYFL), and the Cornwall-based programme competes in the EFL Community & Football Alliance League (CEFA). This involves playing against clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Watford, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Swindon Town, Exeter City and many more across the Country.

To express your interest in any of our programmes and/or to gain further information, please complete an application form by clicking HERE.

VOLUNTEER & WORK
PLACEMENTS

Saints Southwest recognise that entering a career or thinking about a career change can be daunting.

At Saints Southwest, we are fully equipped to aid a future career in sports, coaching and education with many roles to choose from.

These include coaching at various levels, PE, academy coaching, sports development, administration, mentoring, business management, events, marketing, community and many more...

TRAINEESHIPS

At the Saints Southwest, our traineeship programme runs across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. This provides fantastic opportunities to gain vital work experience, as well as the chance to learn and develop key skills needed in the coaching and education industry. The main objective of the traineeship programme is to put every trainee in an employable position.

Traineeships are delivered over a 12-week period and are open to 16 to 24-year-olds wanting to learn more about a career in sport, football, coaching and education.

Across the 12-week period, you will complete more than 100 hours of work experience in the industry of your choice, undertake Functional Skills (Maths and English) and participate in educational workshops based on employability skills. Traineeship opportunities include...

Community Coaching
Football Development Coaching (including Academy)
Physical Education
Marketing & Communications
Performance Analysis
Sports/Football Development
Fundraising and Events
Administration
Business Management

OUR POST 16 PROVISIONS

APPRENTICESHIPS

At the Saints Southwest, our apprenticeship programme runs across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, providing fantastic opportunities to gain employment – learning and developing key skills with and 'hands-on' job method. The main objective of the apprenticeship programme is to maximise education alongside gaining valuable experience in your chosen field to promote and enhance career aspirations.

The apprenticeship programme can be delivered over one, two or three years, adding depth to the individual's qualifications and experience. Apprenticeships are open to everyone of all ages and backgrounds, in fields such as:

Community Coaching
Football Development coaching (including Academy)
Physical Education
Marketing & Communications
Performance Analysis
Sports/Football Development
Fundraising and Events
Administration
Business Management

INTERNSHIPS

At Saints Southwest we understand how hard it can be as a post-graduate – leaving a life of full-time education, studying for your future and seeking the perfect job in your chosen field.

We have had many successes over the years in providing professional and meaningful work placements to those with the relevant qualifications, providing opportunities to earn a kind salary, and gaining key skills and experience in their chosen field.

Internship employment typically lasts 12 months, with the scope to carry on in your chosen field in full-time employment.

At Saints Southwest we pride ourselves as a team and organisation on 'Developing Potential for ALL'. If you have any aspirations to pursue a role within the sports, football, coaching and education industry, we'd love to hear from you.