Sport
The sport science, coaching and fitness industry is a fast‑paced, dynamic and thriving area with an ever‑increasing demand for qualified, motivated and professional staff.
The College has a long‑standing reputation for sporting success, with many former students gaining international honours in a wide variety of sports, including Ben Davies, Adam Beard, Nichola Cooke (James) and Lowri Norkett. We are proud of our excellent results, on and off the sports field, and the high‑quality teaching that fuels our success. Coupled with excellent pastoral care, the College’s sports department epitomises our strapline, more than just an education.
Many of the sports staff have experience of playing and coaching at the highest level of sport, which is invaluable in developing students’ sporting abilities. Current staff with senior international honours include: Helen Case‑Jones (Welsh Netball); Rhiannon Simms (Welsh Hockey Masters); Andrew Davies (Welsh and GB Marathon Runner); Sophie Evans (Pick) Welsh Heptathlon.
What will I do?
You can develop a wide variety of personal and vocational skills that will ensure that you can progress towards pathways in either employment or a suitable university course.
Through our many partnerships, including Ospreys in the Community, the Urdd, Challenger Sports, and councils’ Physical Activity and Sport Services, students can achieve a wide range of coaching qualifications along with numerous opportunities to develop those skills at coaching festivals and sporting events.
Llandarcy Academy of Sport
Llandarcy Academy of Sport has an international sports hall, climbing wall, strength and conditioning room, indoor multi‑sport facility, 4G pitch and teaching rooms with up‑to‑the‑minute digital technology.
If you’re serious about sport, as part of the Sports Academy, you will benefit from:
- A structured training programme overseen by experienced coaches, with personal performance monitored regularly.
- Training sessions that are lectures are planned to avoid unnecessary clashes.
- The opportunity to compete in the successful College sporting teams.
- Opportunities to be part of national coaching schemes for your chosen sport.
Newtown College
The Newtown College Football Academy trains and plays home matches at the 3G pitch at Latham Park. Additional facilities are used at Maldwyn Leisure Centre, including the sports hall, astroturf pitch, fitness studio and fitness suite.
All football coaching is delivered by FAW A Licence-qualified staff. Gareth Watkins is not only an active football coach within the community but also coaches the FAW Elite Boys Regional squad, whilst Andrew Davies is a current Wales and GB athlete.
Strong partnerships with local businesses and sports clubs provide opportunities that match courses to future careers, both locally and further afield.
Brecon Beacons College
The Sports Academy at Brecon Beacons College uses the facilities of Brecon Leisure Centre, which include an athletics track, astroturf pitch, sports hall, tennis and netball courts and a swimming pool.
The Sports Academy has its own training pitch and strength and conditioning centre, which has benefited the development of many athletes over the years.
Career Opportunities
The wide range of courses offered can lead to careers including:
- Sports coach
- PE teacher
- Disability sports officer
- Sports therapist
- Sports analyst
- Sports nutritionist
- Gym instructor
- Sports development officer
Academic progression includes higher education at the College or another institution. Some elite sportspeople may gain scholarships to study abroad.
Newtown AFC Scholarship Programme
A Newtown AFC Scholarship programme is available for talented 16–18‑year‑old football players. The free programme, in partnership with Newtown College, provides players with the opportunity to study an NCFE Sports Science programme equivalent to three A Levels (or an alternative course of choice) and train full‑time at the football club.
Alongside competing in the English Colleges Football League, the programme provides the most deserving players with the opportunity to earn international honours at both Welsh Schoolboys and Welsh Colleges level. The academy is thriving and forms a vital part of the player development pathway.
Public Services
The Uniformed Public Services sector comprises many professions that protect and serve the population worldwide. From rescuing climbers as part of a mountain rescue team, being deployed in the army as a medic or attending a crash site as a paramedic, police officer or firefighter, these highly trained professionals are ready for active service in any emergency.
Many of the Public Services lecturers on our course have been on active duty, sharing their expert knowledge to guide students on their chosen career path. Our course will offer you the opportunity to participate in a range of outdoor and adventurous activities such as mountain walking, camping, cycling, gorge walking, indoor climbing and expedition skills. This will help prepare you for a career in Public Services. Additional opportunities include international and UK-based trips.
What will I do?
On our Public Services courses, you will study full-time, completing your main course through a range of interactive and practical assessments. Educational visits and trips are run to utilise the natural beauty of the area, from leadership sessions to team building and outdoor educational trips. You will participate in visits to local emergency services, criminal and civil courts, universities, and historical sites of relevance to the course. You will also engage with a wide range of activities across the campuses to support your personal development. These activities will strengthen your knowledge and confidence, which will assist you in your future career.
Our Campuses and Facilities
Public Services courses are delivered across a range of campuses, offering specialist environments, facilities and learning opportunities that support both personal development and career progression.
Public Services students benefit from access to the sector-leading facilities, including those at Llandarcy Academy of Sport. These include an international-standard sports hall, climbing wall, strength and conditioning suite, indoor multi-sport barn, 4G pitch, and modern teaching rooms equipped with the latest digital technology.
You also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of enrichment activities, including competitive sports teams and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping you build valuable skills and enhance your future progression opportunities. Working alongside our sports students, you can develop the physical fitness, resilience, and teamwork required for careers in the Uniformed Public Services.
Career Opportunities
- Army
- Coastguard
- Fire Service
- Navy
- Paramedic
- Police Officer
- Prison Service
- RAF
