Bristol Sport Foundation (BSF) has partnered with Coach Core to offer 12-18 month Community Coach Activator Level 2 Apprenticeships. The charity is looking for individuals who have a passion for sport and want to make a real, positive difference to people’s lives through community sport delivery.

As part of the Coach Core offer, all apprentices will have a dedicated tutor helping you to put your learning into practice at work. The tutor will deliver a weekly group education session allowing you to learn and share ideas from a range of different coaching environments. BSF will also provide you with a mentor for day-to-day training, supporting you to grow in the role.

Chris Wade, BSF Project Development Officer & Head Coach says: “BSF is an exciting place to complete your apprenticeship. Our open plan office at Ashton Gate Stadium is right at the heart of Bristol Sport. You get complimentary match tickets to see Bristol Bears and Bristol City, regular team building, social events, on the job and external Continuing Professional Development opportunities, BSF clothing and the opportunity for future career prospects within the wider organisation.”

Robin Kirk, 20, has just been appointed as an Assistant Coach at BSF after successfully completing his Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship with Weston College. Robin, who was the first on the course to complete his qualification says:

“I’m really excited for the next steps, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve developed. Getting an assistant coach role with BSF is amazing and I can’t wait to continue. I’m delighted to be over the line and it feels great that all the hard work has paid off.”

Lara Short, BSF People and Culture Lead & Head Coach, has been mentoring Robin throughout his apprenticeship, she says:

“I am incredibly proud of Robin. Robin has maintained an excellent level of focus, drive, and enthusiasm towards completing his apprenticeship. He has fully emersed himself in the experience and absorbed a tremendous amount of knowledge from his co-coaches.

“BSF have provided him with the tools, guidance, and support to develop as a coach, whilst also encouraging Robin to become independent throughout his apprenticeship.Mentoring Robin has given me a massive sense of fulfilment. BSF were thrilled to offer Robin a contract as an Assistant Coach, and I look forward to having the opportunity to witness Robin further develop as a sports coach.”

Robin, who grew up locally near Westbury-on-Trym, has always been a big sports fan. He says:

“Growing up I used to play cricket, tennis and football for clubs and my favourite subject at school was PE. Working with children and making them fall in love with sport is amazing. As I was so sporty growing up it’s always been a passion for me and has inspired me to get others into sport through coaching. It has been a long but exciting journey, from starting off with very little coaching experience to now having more qualifications and experience under my belt.

“Working with a range of different coaches during my time at BSF has been a real highlight. Everyone I’ve worked with has been so supportive and helped me progress and develop. My confidence when I started was not the best, I was shy and would often take a step back in delivering sessions. But now I can see for myself how much my confidence has grown, as well as other coaches giving me the same positive feedback. I am now able to consistently lead full sessions on a regular basis and I am really proud of my personal and professional development.”

Before his apprenticeship with BSF, Robin completed a college sports course with Bristol City Robins Foundation, who are one of our partner charities also based at Ashton Gate Stadium.

“After college I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I was looking at apprenticeships within sport and I’d heard of Bristol Sport Foundation, so when I saw the advert I didn’t hesitate to apply. BSF have been incredibly supportive, providing lots of feedback, team building and giving me the opportunity to plan, lead and deliver sessions. They’ve also never forced anything on me and always want me to feel comfortable before doing something. I was given extra support whilst doing my college work, allowing me enough time to complete coursework and tasks.

“Anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship with BSF should go for it! BSF provide a lot of opportunities to gain new qualifications and experiences, and overall it’s a great organisation to be involved with. The team are welcoming, easy to get on with and really hardworking. Everyone cares about making a positive impact in the community.

“Inspiring children at a young age to get into sport can have a huge impact on their future and can help them to stay active, healthy and happy throughout their lifetime. In my future at BSF I hope to work towards more of my coaching badges and become better-qualified. This will hopefully help lead me onto my dream career within football coaching at a high level.”

Apprenticeship details

As an apprentice with Bristol Sport Foundation, you will be studying towards a 12-18 month Community Coach Activator Level 2 Apprenticeship.

If you are successful with your application, your role will involve:

  • Helping to inspire your community to develop and lead an active, healthy, happy lifestyle.
  • Working alongside experienced coaches to support various activities.
  • Assisting with the planning and delivery of lessons, taking the lead with small groups as directed.
  • Supporting the head coach with reporting on participant progress and development.
  • Assisting with the wider activities of Bristol Sport Foundation, which may include administration tasks, social media, marketing, and events.
  • Maintaining the health and safety of those involved in your sessions.
    Sharing knowledge and ideas with other Coach Core apprentices, to help improve coaching delivery.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, or would like to find out more, please get in touch with Chris Wade via chris.wade@bristol-sport.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information on Coach Core, please contact Stephanie Duru on stephanie.duru@coachcore.org.uk.

Visit the Coach Core website about other apprenticeships opportunities on offer.