Cameron joined us as a second year FE student at our Football Academy provision at Cobdown near Aylesford. Cameron was a keen footballer and football coach who wanted to continue his football and coaching development whilst studying for a sports-based qualification full-time with us.

Cameron embraced the playing aspects of the programme but also displayed a strong keenness to sports based coaching. During his three academic years with us, he completed the core education which was the NCFE L3 in Sport, 1st4Sport L1 Activator, FA Playmaker qualifications as well as playing his part in the U19 Football Academy as part of the enrichment activities, conducted coaching work experience on the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme during the school holidays enabling a holistic approach to Camerons interests.

During his time with us, Cameron was a regular within the U19 Tactic League squad playing at Cobdown and enjoyed positive success within this enrichment element of the programme. Cameron also displayed a real success within sports coaching, in particular supporting the HAF programme and plying his trade in leading sessions to young children in the school holidays delivering lots of positive multi-sports sessions.

Cameron did ofte

n find a traditional learning setting a challenge, often looking to more practical based learning opportunities as more favorable to his interests. This sparked conversation amongst the staff in meeting his need and supporting him as best as possible through his academic journey. The inclusion team c

onducted further diagnosis and considered it important to pursue a EHCP to further enhance the opportunities to support Camerons needs. Evidence was collated and a initiation to obtaining a EHCP for Cameron was a success and further support from the staff team was initiated.

Cameron then transitioned onto a bespoke Coach Development Programme with th

e core studies being the 1st4Sport L2 Certificate In Coaching. Cameron had the opportunity to be involved in a hybrid programme working across multiple sites focused on sports-based coaching, whilst continuing to coach at a primary school within the local community and at a local football club during the evening.

Camersons official journey with Sports Connect ended as Cameron obtained a full-time job at Premier League Football Club, Crystal Palace as First Team Club Kit Assistant. We are immensely proud to be able to have supported Camerons development in him obtaining a full-time job working within a premier league football club environment, what a great achievement!

Cameron said: “I loved my time with Sports Connect , especially the second season of football I played, we had such a good time and a very close group that got far , the football we played wasn’t nice to watch but certainly enjoyable , nearly beating Readings Academy or winning at home vs Brighton, scoring 2 goals in a matter of minutes , great game , had a great time and will always remember the staff and my time there”

Adam Lawrence, Director goes onto say: “It was a pleasure to support Cam in our programme. From his first day with us, he showed real enthusiasm for learning, always asking questions, keen to understand the why’s behind what he was learning. His driven attitude and early clarity in his targets enabled Cam to take advantage of the programme and its full offer of work experience. I am delighted to see that Cam has quickly progressed into his new role, and we hope he will come back to speak with our students about his journey so far.