APPLICATIONS have reopened for a popular HNC Soccer Academy Coaching Programme.

The programme, which is delivered by New College Lanarkshire in partnership with Rangers Football Club, launched in August 2021 and gives students the knowledge to work as professionals within football or in sports development and coaching. 

The programme will also pave the way for further study at HND or Degree level. 

In its first year, the programme saw 20 students take their places on the course which is based at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld. 

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The students have been on work placements within Rangers Soccer Academy where they have shadowed Rangers coaching staff, joined monthly coach development webinars and had access to the Rangers Online Academy. 

The HNC also includes an industry-recognised Professional Development Award in Sports Coaching at SCQF Level 7, which is jointly certified by SportScotland and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). 

Todd Lumsden, curriculum and quality leader for Sport and Fitness and New College Lanarkshire said: "When we launched the programme last year, we knew it would be very popular, so I am delighted to be able to offer the programme again for a second year and would advise anyone interested to apply early as we expect huge demand again.

"You will learn all the theory with NCL, and then Rangers Soccer Academy will give you the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice with a top-flight football club.

"It’s a unique chance to boost your employment prospects either within football or sports coaching, or to take the first step towards an HND or Degree."

Ryan Smith, a current student on the programme, said: "I decided to go back to education at the age of 29 to pursue a passion in football coaching.

"The course mixes class time with home learning and most importantly, pitch time.

"Getting out coaching with the Rangers Soccer Academy has been excellent too, being able to learn from other coaches but also picking up different coaching styles.

"A personal highlight was being invited to the Rangers Training Centre to watch a session from an academy coach.

"I feel this programme is expanding my coaching knowledge but also helping me grow as a person, and I look forward to continuing to develop and hopefully gain employment with the Rangers Soccer Academy."

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Fellow student Sharon Knox added: "Going back to college as a mature student was the most daunting thought, especially going into a course like this one at Rangers Soccer Academy, where I felt it would be male-dominated.

"I have got to say though that all my worries and fears have been eliminated and I am absolutely loving college life and the work we do through Rangers.

"This has given me a clear vision of the path I hope to take.

"If I pass my HNC I would like to go forward and do an HND, and hopefully further education after that.

"I would love to land a job at Rangers, or with a sports development set-up at another football club.

"I would advise any mature students to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and to follow their passion, this definitely has been one of the best decisions I have ever made."

For more information on the Rangers Soccer Academy Coaching Programme, click HERE