BTEC Diploma in Sports with Franklin College

Five young men pose in matching sports kits. Three wear orange and red kits, and two wear black and white striped kits.

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sports (Shadow Scholarship)

Partnership with Franklin Sixth Form College

Grimsby Town Foundation has worked in partnership with Franklin Sixth Form College since 2016 as part of a subcontract agreement.

The collaboration comprises of Grimsby Town Foundation’s U19 Shadow side using the facilities at the College site during the academic year. The College allows the programme use of the gym, training and match day pitches, classrooms and other learning areas such as the new state of the art library ‘The Bridge’- built in 2023.

The teaching and coaching staff work collaboratively with the management team at Franklin Sixth Form College and all qualification and professional development are aligned with the College expectations.

The program was part of the “Outstanding” rated Ofsted inspection in 2024.

Students on the Shadow Program receive the same support as other Franklin College learners including financial provisions, career development mentors and access to safeguarding support.

Grimsby Town Foundation also runs it’s midweek junior futsal leagues from Franklin College.

BTEC Level 3 (Extended Diploma) in Sports Coaching and Development Overview:

  • The Grimsby Town Foundation Level 3 Shadow Program offers young sports people (16-19 years) the chance to develop in a professional sports program whilst studying for a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development (worth up to 3 A-Levels).
    UCAS points: Up to 168.
  • The Football Shadow Scholarship resembles a youth team football apprenticeship with scholars training three times a week and competing against other professional club’s shadow U19 teams in EFL Community Education Football Alliance (CEFA) competitions.
  • The unique aspect of the course is that the scholars get the chance to apply their knowledge from their BTEC Sport qualification to enhancing their development as an athlete.
  • Students will also be given an advanced football coaching work experience using the Foundations community links.

Education

Lessons take place at Franklin Sixth Form College.

Your Assessment

A mixture of internal assessment and work experience.

Your Opportunities

Students progress onto University or onto a career in the sports industry.

Course Content

  • Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
  • Health and well-being in sport
  • Sports Development
  • Developing & Applied Coaching Skills (including work experience)
  • Research methods in sport
  • Nutrition in Sport
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Research in Sport
  • Rules, Regulations and Officiating Sport
  • Organising Events in Sport
  • Fitness Training

Football Details:

Grimsby Town Foundation has two Shadow Football sides that compete in U19 EFL CEFA competitions. Both teams compete in regional a league format running from September to May against other shadow squads such as Doncaster Rovers, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Lincoln, Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Barnsley, Stoke City and Sheffield United. Both sides also compete in the EFL U19 National Cup which is an FA Cup style competition where you can play any side from across the country in a knock style format. Players will train 3 times a week with a UEFA B’ qualified coach and a Level 2 goalkeeper coach. Players will also complete individual strength and condition plans in Franklin Sixth Form College’s gym. Team’s play in the official match day strip of Grimsby Town FC and have Umbro training kit and tracksuits.

Since entering CEFA in 2021, the club has won 3 league titles and reached as far as the semi-final in the National Cup.

Our Entry Requirements

Five GCSES grades 4-9 or equivalent including Maths GCSE or English GCSE. Also subject to a football trial.

How to apply/ trial dates

Between October and June there will be open events and trials/tasters- these usually take place during term breaks.
Taster/trials- All applicants will be asked to attend a taster/trial event- these will be released before October half term via social media platforms.
Here applicants will get a feel for the program and it will allow coaches to assess the practical capabilities of the players.
Open events- These will allow the opportunity for parents/students to come and understand the course in more detail.

Lead contact details

Scott Drury (Education Lead)- Scott.Drury@franklin.ac.uk 07814 916430
Mark Westerby (Lead Coach)- Mark.Westerby@franklin.ac.uk 07595 279365
Robbie Aldrich (Assistant/Goalkeeper Coach)- Robbie@GrimsbyTownFoundation.co.uk
Office- 01472 696481

Useful information

Successful applicants will be asked to purchase a kit package for around £200. This will usually include;
X2 Training T-Shirts & shorts, Training jumper, Tracksuit top and bottoms, x2 training socks, a bag, a wet coat and a polo t-shirt.
Students can use the Franklin College buses to transport to and from college each day.
Financial bursaries are available from the college to support students with costs.
Mini buses to transport to fixtures.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the scholarship and applying, click here