This year sees the Southend United Community Foundation Education Department enter its 10th year of educating young people in the local community.
Southend United Community Foundation recognises the positive role it can play within the community, so it created a unique sporting academic programme with the aim of tackling the education inequality that exists within the City of Southend. Through its continual growth in strength and capacity over the last 10 years, the education department has the appropriate support structure to enable learners to develop life skills, maximise career choices and opportunities through carefully designed qualifications, support and activities, no matter what their academic or practical level. Such a structure sees the department annually attract and accept a diverse range of students onto its exciting programmes, ranging from BTEC Level 2, BTEC Level 3 Diploma, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and Foundation Degree (USW).
The Education Department consists of Education Tutors who deliver the curriculum alongside our coaching team, which consists of UEFA qualified coaches including ex SUFC captain and academy players. The team have high expectations and standards, working tirelessly to develop and maximise success, both in the classroom and within the football programme and are extremely proud of our success and achievements over the years.
With courses based at Garon Park Recreational Ground and other fit for purpose facilities, the trusts culture of valuing education with practical industry experiences is bolstered by the learning environment and partnerships. Our unique educational courses offer students the opportunity to combine academic studies with a competitive sporting environment, enabling students to play and represent the football club in a national football league, the Community and Education Football Alliance (CEFA). Our teams play against professional football clubs such as Chelsea, Fulham, Colchester United, Brentford, Norwich and many more. Our students have also had the opportunity to progress into our academy or advance into the first team, representing Southend United Football Club.
Students on our courses are given the chance to travel and thrive outside of Southend by visiting some of the country’s sporting and non-sporting organisations and facilities. These include educational trips to professional football stadiums, sporting arenas and universities. This year, students had the opportunity to engage in educational trips within the department, to experience playing and coaching in a different environment. All the above factors contribute to what is a fantastic and unique educational experience for students looking to kickstart their career within the sport and leisure industry. Our education department has continuously developed and grown since it’s conception back in 2013 and we are looking forward to the next chapter.
The Community Foundation are proud to see the young people maximise their potential and support them on their journeys and look forward to an exciting future.
