Centre of Excellence

About Hull FC Centre of Excellence

Hull FC Sports College was set up in 2010 to engage post-16 learners in Hull and the surrounding areas in education through the catalyst of sport. Expanding at an impressive rate, adding to our ranks with a team of fully qualified teachers and an impressive academy coaching team all based at Hull FC’s Bonus Youth Performance Centre.

Our unique curriculum has been designed to give learners the opportunity to develop their employment pathways within the sporting field. Students have the chance to develop their skills and knowledge through a curriculum built up of both vocational and academic qualifications. Additional training and qualifications are provided to accelerate the personal development of our students.

We have an underlying curriculum designed to increase confidence and aspirations in those we teach, with a culture of ‘growing our own’ which now sees 5 graduates now employed by the Foundation in full-time positions. Our pathways mean our students are able to study right up to degree level.

As a community focused college, we feel we approach education and learning differently to others. We are an ethical provider, putting our learners at the forefront of all we do with a genuine affirmation for their wellbeing and maturation. Our focus as a College is to provide positive experiences for our learners and to provide the best education, we are able to give.

Why study at Hull FC Centre of Excellence?

Learn

With the appropriate GCSE Grades, you can choose between our Level 2 and Level 3 courses in Sport. You can study all aspects of the game including Sports Coaching, Gym Instructing, Performance, Officiating, Sports Injuries and Event Management, leading into careers as a PE Teacher, Sports Coach, Strength & Conditioner, Personal Trainer, Sports Massage Therapist, Sports Development Manager etc.

Work

On all courses you will gain work experience with one of the most successful sports clubs in the world which is a fantastic addition to your CV. Depending on your chosen qualification you will gain work experience in Coaching, Instructing, Officiating, Sports Science, Video Analysis, Sport Development plus many more career pathways.

Train

Take part in regular training sessions to develop your fitness and technical ability. You will be supported by some key staff from the Hull FC Centre of Excellence. Don’t worry if you are not a Rugby League Player – the training will support your physical fitness and is transferable to a wide range of other sports.

Play

You will get the opportunity to play for Hull FC Development Academy in the Elite Category 3 Colleges League with specialist training and support from performance coaching staff. Our College Rugby Academy provides a perfect platform for unsigned players to showcase their talents with the aim of progressing onto the elite U19’s academy set up.

What can you study?

We offer a number of courses that can help get you on your way to a career in sport. The routes will depend on your predicted or current GCSE grades. Please use our guide below to help understand which level you need to apply for.

Course content

Areas of study include:

Anatomy and physiology
Practical sport
Fitness testing training
Sports coaching
Sports injuries
Health and wellbeing

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

Level 3 qualifications within sport
Vocational qualifications e.g. gym instructing and personal training
Apprenticeships within the sport and leisure industry
Employment within the sport and leisure industry

How will I learn?

Combination of both theory and practical work e.g. coaching and practical instruction

How will I be assessed?

Continuous on-going assessment takes place through the course to develop a portfolio of evidence. Types of assessment include:

Practical
Role play
Group work
Professional discussion
Presentation
Written report

Course Content

The course is delivered as two one-year programmes:

Year 1 – Diploma

Year 2 – Extended Diploma

Students are expected to satisfactorily complete the Diploma programme in order to progress onto the Extended Diploma in the second year

Areas of study include:

Anatomy and physiology
Sports coaching
Practical sport
Sports injuries
Fitness testing and training
Exercise, health and lifestyle
Psychology for sports performance
Organising sports events

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

Higher Education courses within sport, which lead onto a wide range of future careers e.g. Sports Therapist, Lecturer, Teacher, Sports Management, Sports Coach, Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training, Sports Analyst, Sports Nutritionist, Sports Psychologist
Vocational qualifications e.g. gym instructing and personal training
Apprenticeships within the sport and leisure industry
Employment within the sport and leisure industry

How will I learn?

Combination of both theory and practical work e.g. coaching and practical instruction.

How will I be assessed?

Continuous on-going assessment takes place through the course to develop a portfolio of evidence. Types of assessment include:

Practical
Role play
Group work
Professional discussion
Presentation
Written report

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport & Exercise Science offers an introduction to the subject area. The course will include a range of activities to support your learning, using the outdoor pitches, sports hall and gym. This course will effectively build underpinning core skills while preparing you for progression to further study at Level 5 or employment in the field. You should gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained during research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. On the HNC you will be taught to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Sport & Exercise Science. You will learn to communicate accurately and appropriately and will have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. You will develop a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. You will need to show adaptability and flexibility in your approach to Sport & Exercise Science, show resilience under pressure, and to show the capability to meet challenging targets within a given resource.

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science is ideal for those who aspire to work in the fitness or coaching industry. The program provides learners with the opportunity to study a broad range of modules aimed at providing you with the knowledge and scientific understanding to help you succeed in your chosen profession. The course will be delivered by a blend of experienced lecturing staff that have a range of qualifications and vocational knowledge and experience. These include NGB sports coaching certificates, professional qualifications, PGCE’s, and experience of working with elite sport performers. On completion of this course, you could progress onto the final year of a BA or BSC programme to convert your HND into a full honours degree.

Whatever your career aspirations you will need qualifications in Maths and English. To ensure that you have the best possible chance, Hull FC Sports College have specialist tutors who are committed to helping you gain English and Maths qualification if you have not done so already.

Coaching Team

Danny Wilson

Danny is a Level 4 licensed coach and has been a coach educator for a number of years. Danny has developed coaches within Hull for both the amateur and professional game. Danny brings a wealth of experience from his roles with England Youth, Hull FC Academy and formerly City of Hull Academy. Danny has a passion for coaching and developing players which are both very evident from his recent involvement within the college.

Ryan Langton

Ryan has worked within the education department of Hull FC Foundation for 6 years. Making his way through every role within the department before more recently heading up the program. Ryan was a Hull FC Academy and England youth representative before suffering an injury which put his aspirations of professional sport to the back of his priorities. Since then Ryan has progressed through an academic pathway where he has graduated both as a sports scientist and a teacher. Post academic success Ryan returned his focus to his goal of playing professional sport and has joined the Coventry Bears for the 2020 season.

Rob Wilson

Rob is a Level 3 licensed coach and has been a coach within the amateur and professional game for a long time. Rob took over the college team in September 2019 and since then the team has gone from strength to strength. Rob has a keen eye for talent and for the progression of the college students which has been evident this year with 4 of the college students already reaping the rewards of this program with an academy debut.

Matty Faulkner

Matty is a graduate of the University of Hull graduating with a BSC Honours degree in Sports Coaching and Performance as well as being a Level 2 certified RFL coach. Matty is now working with England Women as their Performance Analyst alongside his role with Hull FC as the Player Performance Manager. Matty’s passion for Rugby League is clear with his constant commitment to recruitment and youth development; Matty has a keen eye for sporting talent leading on the talent transfer program through support of local schools.

Kieran Smith

Kieran is a Level 2 licensed coach and has a BA Honours degree in Sports, Health and Exercise Science. Kieran joined our program from Student Rugby League as a long serving member of the England Students pathway. Kieran has a great understanding of both Rugby League and educational progression pathways. Kieran is currently a part of the league 1 side Coventry Bears. Kieran is the lead tutor on our Higher National Diploma.

Additional Benefits

Learners at the Hull FC Sports College will also have the opportunity to take part in the following…

Hull FC Education Academy – Up to 10 hours training sessions per week plus fixtures.
Match day ball boy duties.
10 volunteer/work experience hours.
Enrichment activities (Multi-sports inc; cricket, golf, ultimate frisbee, gym instruction, rugby, football etc.)
Media training (e.g match day analysis, video and photography)
English & Math’s study and GCSE re-sits (if applicable).
Additional Qualifications – Referee’s Course, Level 1 RFL Qualification.
All students will receive Hull FC match day tickets.
Free student hooded top.
Free transport.
Government Bursary.
Specialist extra-curricular rugby training Player visits / training sessions.
Reduced training kit package.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hull FC Centre of Excellence has a bespoke offer which combines an education pathway with an elite sports programme. Centre of Excellence students have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts from the entire sports sector obtaining industry experience which cannot be replicated by any other education industry in the city.

On completion of our NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity learners are presented a variety of progression routes. Learners can opt to stay within the Centre of Excellence registering onto a Level 2 in Fitness Instruction and a Level 3 in Personal Training to become fully qualified Personal Trainers. Learners also have the option to stay within the Centre of Excellence through our Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Sports Science (Coaching Science). Finally, the third exit route available is University, learners will have accumulated enough UCAS points to exit the Centre of Excellence at this stage to attend University.

Hull FC Centre of Excellence is host to a variety of students who are following a varied set of interests. Learners within the Centre of Excellence are pursuing careers in Professional Sport, Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Sports Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning. Learners throughout our cohorts have varied sporting interest from Rugby League, Rugby Union, Football and Netball.

Yes, we like to keep parents and guardian’s up to date and send out quarterly student reports to update you on issues attendance, punctuality, attainment and behaviour, and are also willing to chat with any issues via telephone or face-to-face should parents wish.