New Basketball qualification scheme

Students studying for their 'GCSE's and 'A' Levels at Stratford-upon-Avon High School have the opportunity to qualify as Basketball Coaches next week. It is part of a scheme to offer high school students extra curricular sporting provision from January 2006.

The aim of the scheme, which Stratford-on-Avon District Council is helping to run, is to provide more after-school clubs that the students help to manage and deliver themselves. In return, pupils attend coach education courses in sports such as athletics, basketball and football, providing them with qualifications - Level 1 Basketball Coaching Qualification in this case - which could be the first step to a career in coaching or sports development.

The scheme will not only improve sporting opportunities and sporting ability within the school,  but could also provide older students with a definite career path which they can choose to follow once they have left education.

Unlike most school leavers, the students who take part in this scheme will already have relevant qualifications and experience in their chosen sphere which could enhance their employment prospects.

The scheme is being run jointly by Stratford District Council, Stratford High School, Stratford Town Trust, and The National Lottery, through Sport England's Community Sports Coach Scheme.