College of Rugby League Open Day review

The Castleford Tigers College of Rugby League Development Academy programme Open Day took place on 12th February and included an explanation of the course syllabus and timetable from Danny Evans and Virtual Learning UK.

The educational curriculum and qualification are delivered by Virtual Learning UK who provide and employ all teaching staff and work in partnership with Castleford Tigers.

Additonally prospective students received an explanation of the pastoral care and support they will receive from Airedale Academy as well as a tour of the facilities, and even small taster session of the sports practical sessions led by current students to give an insight into the active side of the course.

The programme is open to boys and girls aged 16+ and can offer a pathway to university whilst letting students discover the world of rugby league and sport in general. Students will receive a fully-recognised level 3 National Extended Diploma, equivalent to 3 A-levels and during the course, can be offered the chance to progress onto Tigers' rugby pathways and develop with the help of club coaches and facilities. 

Speaking at the event, Airedale Academy Head of 6th Form Liz Harrop believes the programme can help cater to students who want to make their interest in sport into an academic or professional career.
“It’s a growing industry is leisure, so to come out with the equivalent of 3 A-Levels in Sport puts the students in a really strong position to apply to universities or to go straight into a coaching position or something along those lines.”

Course lecturer Adam Powell from Virtual Learning UK was also there to guide visitors through the course content and how it can translate to specific career pathways.
“With the programme itself, we offer units comprised of anatomy and physiology, from sports coaching to performance analysis. The range of subjects that we offer is crucial in terms of what the learners can go on to in their career pathways, so they can go into careers in university where they can go on to become professional sports coaches, or equally, work in clubs where they can train up to do physiotherapy.”

For more information, please email Pathway Leader Danny Evans via: danny@castigers.com.

Applications for the Development Academy programme will open later this year, but those aged 11-16 who want to develop their rugby skills should look to sign up to the Tigers Talent Pathway Programme here.