FITC’s newest course is a post-16 Futsal BTEC education course...
The course is already proving to be extremely successful and is available to girls and boys, with the latest cohort starting in September.
Futsal is a fast-paced, technical and highly skilled 5-a-side game that is becoming more popular in the UK and is a key part of the FA’s plans to improve skill levels within English football. The course is run in partnership with the Football League Trust and TVS Education and is available for 16 to 18 year olds, male and female, who aim to work in the sports industry.
Learners could be selected to represent Notts County FC in The Football League Trust’s National Futsal League, whilst gaining qualifications in a BTEC Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Extended Diploma, worth three A Levels. A number of students who have taken the course are moving on to University this September, having secured grades equivalent to three A*s at A Level.
Uniquely, the Education team at FITC consists of a number of ex-professional and semi-professional football players, as well as Notts County FC Academy Coaches who specialise in sports and education.
Their coaching has ensured a successful 2014 season with Notts County FC’s futsal team qualified for the semi-final of the Soccer AM Cup and being ranked in the top eight teams nationally. In its first year, two Notts County FC players were called up to play for the England Under-20s Futsal Team.
This season, FITC hope to attract more girls to follow in the footsteps of the success of the boys’ team.
The course is delivered at FITC’s Portland Centre, five minutes’ walk from Meadow Lane.
The Centre is currently undergoing a £1.2 million pound refurbishment as part of the charity’s takeover. Facilities include a sports hall, gym and studio for players to use as part of their training. Portland Centre is also having five new classrooms and a Creative Suite built, which will be used by learners.
Futsal is becoming more popular in the UK with Notts County FC making a significant impact at a national level. As Nottingham waits to hear if its bid to become England’s City of Football has been successful, this is an exciting time locally for grassroots football and FITC are heavily involved in this work.
For young people who are interested in finding out about Futsal, more information on course syllabuses is available for learners who want to start in September.
To apply, visit www.nottscountyfitc.org.uk/futsal or call Martin Carruthers on 0115 955 7215.