In September, King James I Academy will be launching the brand new "Stadium Sports Academy' in partnership with SAFC Foundation of Light and Bishop Juniors FC.

The new Sports Academy offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 16-17, who aspire to a career in the lucrative Sports and Leisure Industries. Not only will they be able to access elite training with highly experienced UEFA B coaches and gain advanced Level 3 qualifications to secure their progression, but they will also enjoy practical work experience opportunities on one of three personalised pathways; Football, Coaching or Fitness.

The launch of Stadium Sports Academy is another step in a rapidly unfolding long-term plan developed by Head Teacher, Nick Grieveson and Governors at King James. Mr Grieveson said, "The Sports and Leisure industries are booming at both a national and global level and every day we are seeing an increase in the number of young people who aspire to take up roles within the sector. Stadium Sports Academy will provide its members with an excellent foundation for a successful future in careers from coaching, physiotherapy and personal training to working as a professional athlete. It will take sports education to the next level, focusing on building professional industry skills in a professional environment, and our new partnership with SAFC Foundation of Light means our students really can expect the best."

Stadium Sports Academy launches officially in September as part of the Academy Sixth Form options. The course itself, the Cambridge Technical Level 3 in Sport and Physical Activity, which is equivalent to three A-levels, is studied over four mornings each week with the exception of Wednesday. The qualification is delivered by fully qualified PE Teachers from King James with a reputation for outstanding results, and graduates will be able to attend University with this qualification.

Students also have the choice to study one of three pathways during afternoon sessions and all day on a Wednesday:

Pathway 1 - Football Scholarship

Students will work with UEFA B Football Coaches from the Foundation of Light and those choosing this option will train four afternoons each week and then play a competitive fixture on a Wednesday afternoon. They will also have the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through a Level 1 Football coaching qualification.

Pathway 2 - Coaching

Students will work closely with their own mentor from the Foundation of Light on various coaching skills and as part of the course they will gain different Level 1 coaching qualifications in different sports. They will also work in local primary schools with their mentor gaining hands on experience.

Pathway 3 - Fitness Instruction

Students choosing this route will undergo a Level 2 Gym Instructor course, which will enable them to work in any fitness gym. They will also have the opportunity to gain add-ons to the Level 2 qualification such as Exercise to Music and Circuit Training whilst working in a gym to gain practical experience.

All Stadium Sports Academy students will have their own personal uniform with the King James I Academy and Foundation of Light Logo and access to the full range of state-of-the-art sports facilities and classrooms.

Applications are already flooding in for September, even before the open event, which takes place on Tuesday 4th April at King James; this reflects the growth of the industry and the need for an elite facility of this kind in our local area. Potential candidates are welcome to email p.jarps@foundationoflight.co.uk; k.o_connor200@durhamlearning.net or d.shearer100@durhamlearning.net for more information or an application form.