ROTHERHAM United Community Trust has highlighted the ”life changing” opportunities benefiting hundreds of young people in the borough through business support for its Sports College.

Funding from Rotherham-based AESSEAL covers the cost of the building that houses the college, enabling young people to access high-quality education and practical experience in sport, creating pathways into employment and higher education.

The Sports College offers a blend of academic study and hands-on training, delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales.

Students can progress from Level 3 BTEC qualifications through to degree-level study, while gaining real-world experience through volunteering and paid roles within RUCT.

STUDY AND TRAINING: The Sports College is a 'hub for growth'

placeholder image — STUDY AND TRAINING: The Sports College is a 'hub for growth'

Examples of local successes include Alfie Bakes, who joined the college in 2020 and progressed from student to full-time sports tutor after completing his degree in Sports Coaching and Development.

His journey included volunteering, evening work, and international football trips to Spain and Italy, which helped him build confidence and technical expertise.

Meanwhile Hannah Jones has been a key contributor to female development programmes. After two years of volunteering across inclusion, education and health projects, she is now employed as an assistant coach and plans to complete a PGCE to teach sport in schools.

And Bailey Finney, who began as a participant in football camps and later studied at the Sports College, has since secured a permanent coaching role with RUCT.

Dan Wilson, CEO of Rotherham United Community Trust, said: “AESSEAL’s commitment allows us to provide opportunities that change lives.

“The Sports College is a hub for personal growth, career development and community engagement which in turn helps to grow the local economy.

“Young people are developed through a quality education and elite-level football enrichment, giving them the diverse tools they need to succeed in a range of sectors and roles.”

AESSEAL communications manager Andrew Mosley said: “It is always good to hear about the positive effect our support can have on the wider community.

“The work that the Sports College carries out benefits youngsters, gets them involved in careers they may not have thought possible, encourages them to stay in the area, and as a result benefits the local economy and Rotherham as a whole.”