A NEW sports academy has been launched by a Basingstoke college.

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) officially launched the academy at the Powerleague pitches in Brighton Hill.

It will offer two options to potential students – the sports, performance and coaching academy and the sport and fitness academy, which will be available to students joining level three sports courses at the Worting Road college from September this year.

Gareth Yeomans, head of sport at BCoT, said: “As sport becomes an increasingly professional career choice, we felt it was important to ensure our courses reflect that skill level and professionalism. Our football and rugby academies have been very popular and students joining the new academy will still have the option to specialise in either sport alongside their qualifications.

“However, we have created the new sports academy routes to reflect the technical nature of what a career in sport today really means.”

Alongside the level three BTEC extended diploma in sport and exercise sciences, which is a three-A Level equivalent qualification, BCoT students will also get to complete two additional industry recognised qualifications in coaching or fitness instructing.

BCoT students are already practising their coaching skills by working with pupils from Brighton Hill Community School.

Dan Du-heaume, head of year at Brighton Hill and a PE teacher, said: “The team of academy coaches from BCoT have been a revelation this year, providing high-quality and professionally run football coaching sessions for our Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Our students have enjoyed the sessions and are looking forward to next year.”

For information about the academies visit bcot.ac.uk, or attend the open day on May 18.