Congratulations to the first ever student cohorts to complete their BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (Coaching Development and Fitness) at Glamorgan Cricket.
For the past two years, the Club, together with Fitzalan High School and TVS Education have joined forces to offer this unique sports studies qualification in a world-class setting. The students (aged 16-18) have been taught and coached at Glamorgan Cricket’s headquarters at Sophia Gardens by one of Glamorgan’s former players Adam Harrison and coached by Glamorgan’s own staff.
The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport is a specialist work-related course developed to cover the core elements of sporting performance and excellence. These topics include Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Fitness Testing, Coaching, Analysis, Sports Development and many more.
'It's incredibly rewarding'
Students also get unique opportunities for work experience alongside Glamorgan’s staff, besides gaining first-hand knowledge of how an international sports stadium operates throughout the year. Adam Harrison heads up the teaching of the course and is proud of the class of 2018.
"It's incredibly rewarding seeing these guys all doing well," said Harrison. "You get an intake of students in the beginning who are often quite shy, and then come out of it at the end totally different people.
"The group have been able to scope out everything that goes on here from catering to groundstaff and seeing the first team training and have even had the opportunity to bowl at the international teams before games, a unique experience for the learners that I'm not sure you would get elsewhere.
"What we've seen from this first cohort is that through hard work and enjoying themselves in this unique environment, the next step seems very attainable on the back of this programme."
Michael Clayden is one of the coaches at Glamorgan who has been involved with the coaching element of the course and feels there is more room to improve the experience for the students on what has proved to be a successful year for the course.
"We've been spoilt with the first group of students to come through," says Clayden. "They have been a credit to themselves and as individuals they have been great to work with. We've enjoyed some of the feedback because we are trying to make this the best experience we can for them and we're also learning as we go along.
"The icing on the cake for us is that it's fantastic to see them all going on to bigger and better things with plenty embarking on respected degree courses."
From a student perspective
Jack Wright, a member of the course, is now going on to study BSc Hons Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation and massage at Cardiff metropolitan University and feels the past two years have been a worthwhile experience.
"It's been a great opportunity and just privileged that we've been able to experience it. We're essentially representing Glamorgan so it's a great opportunity to learn and see first-hand how people conduct themselves and respect the values of the club."
Tamsyn Gregory, another member of the course, will further her studies at University of South Wales as she begins a degree in BSc Hons Sports Development and Coaching.
"You aren’t just doing work, it isn't a tedious classroom environment like maybe it would've been otherwise. A lot of us are progressing on to sports degrees at university, so the opportunity to work with different age-group schools has allowed us first-hand experience and take on important knowledge going forward."
Roman Walker is a member of the Glamorgan Pathway System and has combined his studies while playing for the county's Second XI. The 17-year-old believes the communication between his teachers and coaches has been beneficial in balancing both his cricket and education.
"It's been an enjoyable two years," said Walker. "At Glamorgan you have a controlled setup where you complete all of your work but are aware of what needs to be done and have the support there at all times.
"The teachers have communicated well with my coaches especially when my work clashes with playing for the 2nd XI and that has helped me an awful lot," added Walker. "You meet a lot of people around the facilities and behind the scenes. It broadens your view and you begin to realise the inner workings of the club and appreciate the work that goes on around you.
"Thanks to the guys teaching here like Adam, you feel comfortable in the decisions you make and for myself whether that be to progress my cricket here at Glamorgan, going to university or venturing into coaching I’ll feel good about what I decide to do next."
Congratulations once again to everyone on completing the course and the very best of luck on the next step in their studies and life!
Ryan Avery - Will be studying BSc Hons Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation and massage at Cardiff metropolitan University
David Clarke - Will be spending the winter playing for Tasman CC in Port Lincoln Adelaide
Tamsyn Gregory - Will be studying BSc Hons Sports Development and Coaching at University of South Wales
Sam Harris – Will be studying BSc Hons Performance Analysis at Cardiff Metropolitan University
Lewys Jones – Currently employed but seeking further progression
Charlie Stewart – Will be studying BSc Hons Performance Analysis at Cardiff Metropolitan University
Osama Subhan - Will be studying BSc Hons Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation and massage at University of South Wales
James Watkins – Employed by Blaenau Gwent
Roman Walker - Will continue his studies whilst playing for Glamorgan County Cricket Club
Jack Wright - Will be studying BSc Hons Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation and massage at Cardiff metropolitan University