The Lowestoft Town Scholarship Programme continues to thrive and evolve, providing an incredible opportunity for students to grow both academically and athletically. Currently, 45 students are actively engaged in the programme, benefiting from a carefully structured blend of education, sporting development, and personal growth. At the core of the programme, Lowestoft Town FC remains the football partner, offering students unparalleled access to professional coaching, training, and match experience, while Access Sport plays a key role in supporting the educational side of the programme. This partnership ensures that students receive a comprehensive experience, combining high-level football training with strong academic and personal development, all within a supportive environment. As we approach the Easter break and the end of the football season, this marks an excellent time to reflect on the progress of the scholarship programme and give a detailed overview of the students’ development over the past months.

EDUCATION UPDATE
Our students are currently immersed in the comprehensive and dynamic curriculum of their BTEC Level 3 Foundation and Extended Diplomas in Sport, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare for careers in the sports industry. For the first-year students, they have begun diving into the concept of Self-Employment in Sport. This module challenges them to create a detailed business plan for a sport-related venture, which requires them to not only be creative but also to think critically about market analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. They will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experts, simulating a real-world process where they will receive feedback and gain valuable insights into the industry. Alongside this, they are also tackling the Practical Sports Application module, which blends both performance and analysis. Students are actively engaged in performing both individual and team sports, evaluating their own performance and that of others. This hands-on approach enables them to develop skills in performance analysis, helping them understand key areas of improvement for athletes at various levels. Finally, the first-year cohort is studying Sports Development, where the focus is on increasing participation in sports and developing strategies to engage target groups. In this module, students critically assess the barriers to participation in different demographics and work to design programmes that foster growth in community sports, with an emphasis on accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability.

The second-year students are in the final stretch of their studies, with only three more units to complete their qualifications. They have embarked on the Organising Sports Events module, which provides a thorough exploration of event management. Students are learning the different ways of organising a successful event, including selecting suitable venues, managing logistics such as equipment and registration, and implementing risk management strategies. They are also gaining a theoretical understanding of event planning principles, preparing them for a career in event coordination or management. Another critical area they are studying is Sporting Injuries, where students will analyse a wide range of sports-related injuries, understanding their causes and effects. They will then use this knowledge to create tailored rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from common injuries, ensuring that they are well-equipped to promote safe recovery and performance enhancement. Lastly, the second-year students are engaging with Fitness Testing, which involves a deep dive into the science of physical fitness. They are learning how to assess various components of fitness—such as strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health—using both field-based and laboratory testing methods. In addition to performing these assessments, students are evaluating the validity and reliability of different tests, ensuring they understand how to apply them in real-world sports settings. These modules are designed not only to give students a strong foundation in sports theory and practice but also to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for the diverse challenges and opportunities in the sports industry.

FOOTBALL UPDATE
The college currently runs three teams, providing a clear development pathway for players of all skill levels. The Lowestoft Town U19 team has been enjoying a fantastic season so far. Currently sitting second in the National Youth Alliance U19 league, they had been at the top for the past month. With 14 out of 18 league games played, they've won 9, drawn 3, and only lost twice, earning 30 points. They remain unbeaten at home, and with four games left in the season, they still have a strong chance of securing the division title. To break the record for the most points in a Youth Alliance season since 2017/18, they need to pick up 6 more points from their remaining fixtures. After a couple of weeks without a league match, they hosted Gorleston U18s in a friendly last week, winning 9-1. Their next league game is on April 9th, where they'll face fourth-placed Chelmsford City U19s at home. The Access Sport AOC team competes in the ECFA East Men's League A, where they currently sit in second place. They've played seven games so far, winning three, drawing two, and losing two. With a few matches remaining, they are focused on maintaining their position and holding on to second place, while Access Sport Norwich aims to secure the league title. Lastly, the Access Sport Development team participates in showcase fixtures throughout the season, often competing against Norwich City CSF and Access Sport Norwich teams. Their latest result was an impressive 6-2 victory at home against Norwich City CSF. They have a couple more fixtures scheduled before the end of the football season

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to their impressive achievements in both education and football, our students also actively engage in a variety of industry opportunities that significantly contribute to their personal and professional development. These experiences help them build valuable skills and gain hands-on knowledge that will serve them well in their future careers. As part of their community involvement, all students have had the opportunity to collaborate with local primary and secondary schools, leading sports sessions for students of all ages, including those with special educational needs. These experiences help our students develop their teaching, leadership, and communication skills, while also providing a positive impact on the local community.

One of the most recent and exciting opportunities involved 10 of our second-year students visiting Beccles High School last week. They played a key role in running a Soccer Skill School, where primary schools from around the area were invited to take part. The students took charge of various football stations, ensuring that each activity was not only educational but also fun and engaging for all participants. It gave our students the chance to apply their football knowledge in a real-world setting, while enhancing their skills in event management and working with children. Looking ahead, the students will also be heavily involved in supporting and leading sporting events at the First Light Festival on Lowestoft beach this coming summer. This festival is a major community event, and our students will have the chance to run a variety of football activities. It's an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their abilities, interact with the public, and further develop their skills in event coordination. We encourage everyone to come down to the beach, participate in the activities, and see our students in action!

UPCOMING TOUR
On Tuesday, 27 of our students embarked on an exciting 11-day sporting educational tour to Cambrils, Spain. The tour is fully funded by the Turing Scheme, meaning the entire trip is completely free for the students. During the tour, the students will engage in a variety of cultural and educational experiences, which will enhance both their language skills and their understanding of Spanish culture. As part of their educational activities, they will participate in several Spanish language and culture lessons, where they will not only learn the basics of the language but also gain a deeper understanding of Spain's rich history, traditions, and lifestyle. They will also visit key landmarks in and around Barcelona, Cambrils, and Tarragona, exploring the local heritage, architecture, and cultural sites that are integral to the region's identity. In addition to the cultural aspect, the students will take part in a range of sporting activities that will expose them to new sports, techniques, and training philosophies. They will engage in football sessions and matches, where they’ll have the opportunity to learn from Spanish coaches and experience firsthand the Spanish football philosophy, which is renowned for its technical approach and emphasis on teamwork. Beyond football, the students will also play a variety of other sports, including handball, beach volleyball, padel, and even mixed martial arts. These activities will not only allow them to try new sports but also encourage teamwork, communication, and physical fitness in a fun and engaging environment.

A highlight of the tour will be the visit to Camp Nou, the iconic home of FC Barcelona, where the students will have the chance to take a stadium tour, learning about the history of one of the most successful football clubs in the world. This will be an unforgettable experience for any sports enthusiast and a great opportunity to learn about the culture and legacy of Barcelona FC. As part of the tour, the students will also visit PortAventura, one of Europe's most popular theme parks, which includes Ferrari Land, offering thrilling rides and an adrenaline-packed experience for all. This exciting day out will give the students a well-deserved break and a chance to enjoy some leisure time. We are confident that this trip will be an enriching and unforgettable experience for all the students involved. They will return with new skills, memories, and a deeper appreciation for both Spanish culture and sports. We wish them the very best on their journey and know they will make the most of this incredible opportunity!

LIMITED SPACES REMAIN FOR 2025
There is still time to apply to join Access Sport College, powered by Lowestoft Town FC, this September. If you're passionate about sports and looking for a college that offers both high-quality education and the opportunity to develop your footballing/sporting skills, this is the perfect place for you. The college offers a range of sporting qualifications that will help you progress in your career and further your education. You can choose from Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC Sport Qualifications, which are designed to provide a solid foundation in the theory and practical aspects of sports, fitness, and coaching. These qualifications are ideal for those who wish to pursue careers in coaching, sports management, fitness training, or other sports-related fields. In addition, we also offer a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport, which is a more advanced qualification that can open doors to further study or career opportunities in areas such as sports development, performance analysis, and sports science. This qualification is perfect for students who have completed their Level 3 BTEC/A-Levels and are looking to take their education to the next level.

Whether you are currently in Year 11 and ready to take your first step into the world of sports education or you're looking to further your current BTEC/A-Level qualifications, Access Sport College provides the right environment to help you succeed. Our experienced staff and strong partnership with Lowestoft Town FC ensure that you’ll receive top-quality support both academically and in your sporting development. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a college that is dedicated to helping you grow as a student and an athlete. If you're ready to take the next step in your education and sporting journey, make sure to register your interest today.

Take the first step towards an exciting future in sport!