Combine learning with playing
Pompey in the Community offers a unique alternative to the traditional college environment.
The charitable arm of the football club provide a full-time futsal scholarship to students (aged 16-18), combining a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport with an intensive futsal programme.
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced, small-sided game that is played across the world and officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.
It places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format.
Futsal has helped produce some of the world’s best players, including Philippe Coutinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi.
Students will receive dedicated futsal training with experienced FA and UEFA qualified coaches.
Sessions are planned to meet the needs of the students and are flexible depending on the requirement of the players.
Training sessions aim to meet the demands of the sport, where dedicated time is focused on ball mastery, technical competence, tactical skills and gameplay.
Furthermore, students undergo strength and conditioning sessions at Fitness First to maintain their fitness.
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is the equivalent of three A levels. Throughout the course, assessment for both practical and theory units are undertaken using a variety of assessment methods and styles.
The learning environment at the Pompey Study Centre in Anson Road includes four computer suites, equipped with laptops and Apple Mac computers.
The Study Centre provides a secure, high-speed network which allows students to save their work on a personalised login.
As of September, the Study Centre is extending its facilities and will include a Pompey-themed learning environment with a purpose built classroom and interactive learning suite equipped with iPads.
Futsal students take part in an exciting games programme, competing in the National Football League Trust (FLT) Futsal League on Wednesdays at Swindon Futsal Arena.
As well as vying for regional honours in the south-west division, winners and runners-up qualify for the national finals, where the FLT National Futsal Champions are crowned.
The scholars also get the chance to represent Pompey in the annual Soccer AM cup at Birmingham Futsal Arena. The competition gives students the opportunity to see themselves competing on the popular Saturday morning TV show.
The BTEC qualifications in sport have been developed to meet employment opportunities in the sport and active leisure sector and to give full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in this sector or to progress to higher education.
In particular, the course prepares students for employment or further education in sports coaching, physical education, fitness instruction, sports development leisure management, and sport and exercise science.
Progression onto higher education in sports-related degrees is an extremely common pathway for sports students.
The course makes full use of its connection with Pompey by hosting guest speakers to talk about their experiences within the football industry.
The course also caters for students who are willing to work in the industry by offering an extensive work experience programme.
Dan Williamson, a current second year scholar, said: “The scholarship has been fantastic. It has given me a chance to develop as a futsal player but, more importantly, I’ve been able to undergo work experience with the Pompey in the Community staff at local schools, which has given me an insight into a potential coaching career.”
Dan is planning to make full use of his qualification and is attending Portsmouth University in September to study Sports Coaching.
Students have the opportunity to take part in team-building opportunities throughout the year. Pompey in the Community’s commitment to ensure student satisfaction has provided memorable and valuable experiences for scholars.
Social activities have included stadium tours at England’s best stadia, Sky experience days, bowling and outdoor adventure, to name but a few.
The scholarship is open to boys who possess the willingness to learn and develop. All students must attain a minimum of four A*-C GCSE grades or equivalent, including Maths and English, while at the same time demonstrating the appropriate core futsal/football abilities.
Free futsal taster sessions are ongoing on Friday evenings at Admiral Lord Nelson School from 5pm-6pm for any interested students.
There is limited availability but places still remain on the scholarship. If you are interested or require any further information, please email dan.rook@pompeyitc.org.uk or call (023) 9272 8899.