Sports Connect
Case Study
Sports Connect works with young people aged 16–24, including a high proportion of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), to support their transition into employment, education and meaningful community engagement through sport.
By embedding 1st4sport coaching qualifications into its post‑16 education model, Sports Connect has created clear, accessible pathways that develop confidence, employability and a skilled future coaching workforce.
The Challenge
Many learners joining Sports Connect have struggled in traditional education settings and have limited experience of gaining formal qualifications. For students with SEND in particular, barriers such as academic confidence, accessibility and a lack of vocational relevance can restrict progression into work or further study.
Sports Connect needed:
- Tangible, achievable qualifications that built confidence
- Flexible learning aligned with real‑world experience
- Clear progression routes from entry‑level learning to employment
The Approach
Sports Connect partnered with 1st4sport to integrate nationally recognised coaching qualifications as “bolt‑ons” to core academic programmes, ensuring learning remained practical, inclusive and employment-focused.
Key elements included:
- Introducing the 1st4sport Level 1 Award for Activators (Multi‑Skills) as an accessible entry point
- Embedding community coaching placements alongside classroom learning
- Providing progression through Level 2 and Level 3 1st4sport coaching qualifications
- Aligning work experience directly with qualification outcomes
Traditional education settings often posed challenges for these learners, and many had not previously attained formal qualifications. The Level 1 Activator qualification, which can be completed in one day or two half-days, has become an integral part of our community offer. It aligns perfectly with the company’s vision and values of developing an inspired, educated, and motivated workforce. - Simon Hodge, Sports Connect Director
Learner Journey: From Education to Employment
One learner, Josh, progressed through the full 1st4sport pathway — from Level 1 Activator to Level 3 Sports Coaching and Performance. What began as an accessible entry‑level qualification became a long‑term development journey, leading to Josh securing a role as a learning support assistant and sports coach within Sports Connect.
This progression demonstrated how structured qualifications, combined with purposeful work experience, can reshape aspirations and open doors to further education and employment.
"These varied experiences have honed his ability to adapt and thrive in different contexts, making him an invaluable asset to the Sports Connect team," says director Martin Hodge. "By supporting younger students in the classroom and on match days, he has become a positive role model."
The impact
Increased learner confidence, self‑worth and motivation
Improved employability through recognised qualifications
Created clear pathways from education to paid coaching
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