Donegal ETB and Finn Valley College have a long-established track record in running a QQI Level 5 Sports, Recreation & Exercise course and other Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses in Business and Childcare. From September, this one-year full-time offering will have the added benefit of being endorsed and supported by the Football Association of Ireland in association with Donegal’s Senior League of Ireland team Finn Harps. This re-structured course will allow learners to gain a Major award in Sports, Recreation & Exercise while they continue to work on developing their game in an educational setting.
In keeping with Finn Valley College’s ethos and vision in striving for excellence in education Finn Valley College principal Séan Mc Fadden welcomed this new partnership and outlined the benefits of such a programme to the North West region, particularly to the Finn Valley area steeped in sporting tradition. “In Finn Valley College we aspire to provide greater opportunities and experiences for our learners and our sports PLC course offers students a unique opportunity to explore their passion for sports while also gaining valuable academic qualifications. This course is more than just about sports development, it is also about developing well-rounded individuals with strong character and leadership skills. I am delighted to have highly qualified and experienced individuals on our staff working with various community sports clubs and the Finn Harps Football Club to offer such a course to learners from Donegal and further afield.”
The Finn Valley region serves as the primary sports hub within the county, offering significant advantages to our program. We have access to top-notch school facilities and we also collaborate with local organisations in the area, such as the Finn Valley Centre, Finn Valley Leisure Centre, and Finn Park, to provide even more opportunities.
The course will allow learners to develop their football coaching and playing ability in a holistic environment. Upon completion of the course, as well as the internationally recognised QQI Level 5 award, learners can also gain work experience in their chosen field and have made a start along their coaching badge journey. Learners can opt to carry out their Work Experience across a variety of placements within the wider Sport and Recreation industry. Common options include
PE departments in Primary and Secondary schools, in Leisure Centres and Gyms or through coaching with their local teams. Placements can be flexible meaning that learners can fulfill their hours in mornings, evenings or weekends depending on the nature of the role.
Senior Finn Valley College PE teacher, course tutor and Head of Finn Harps Women, Paddy McDaid, said that ‘The sports-themed modules will prepare attendees for third level sports degree courses, should this be their ambition. It’s a safe and challenging environment for people to excel in their football ambitions, both playing and coaching. Coaching in the Soccer Coaching Module will be provided by highly qualified FAI accredited and UEFA licenced coach developers. Exercise and Fitness, Sports and Recreation Studies, Personal Effectiveness, Nutrition and Communications are some of the other modules in this Post-Leaving Certificate Course’.
The course also provides excellent pathways into third level education for those students who wish to proceed further with their studies. Finn Valley College Guidance Counsellor and Finn Harps Secretary, Rory White said that the progression routes from the course were excellent. ‘There are literally hundreds of third level courses that students can progress onto using this award. Common options for graduates are Physical Education teaching, Sports Science & Performance, Recreation & Leisure Management and many others in related fields. We have also had many students gain employment directly after their course as lifeguards and leisure managers’.
Director of Further Education and Training in the Donegal ETB Ciaran O Brien commented that ‘this course is a fantastic addition and complements the existing Further Education and Training provision in Stranorlar. The course opens pathways for both male and female participants to pursue their sporting goals while also building key transversal skills. I would like to congratulate the management and teaching staff at Finn Valley College for their hard work in bringing this course to fruition.’
This was echoed by the FAI Football and Education Manager Michael McCarthy who also praised the work done to start this programme: “Excellent to see the hard work of Paddy McDaid at Finn Valley College come to fruition along with Rory White and all at Finn Harps FC. Programmes like these have been running around the country for many years and to see Donegal establish their own project can give huge encouragement to other clubs around Ireland to do the same. In the coming years, the FAI sees links between education and football to be of paramount importance, and we look forward to providing assistance where needed, and watching this course develop year on year.”
Regional Manager with the FAI, Trevor Scanlon welcomed the partnership saying “The player development course provides an opportunity for students to create their own pathway to higher education, not just in Donegal but across the whole region.”
Finn Harps Chairperson Ian Harkin added that “historically players from Ireland left our communities and headed to England as young as 14 years of age in pursuit of a career in Football. A lot of the players prioritised football over education and with only a small percentage making it to the highest grade and forging a career out of it lots of kids were left disillusioned by the sport and returned home and gave up sport entirely. We believe it’s extremely important to have a dual approach, two years ago we signed a formal agreement with The Atlantic Technological University Donegal which encompasses scholarships and use of their facilities. We are continuously looking at how we can further develop our players and ensure there is a dual approach towards education and spending more contact hours to enhance the development of the players. The partnership with Donegal ETB and Finn Valley College is another massive step in our plan and we are extremely excited to partner with both them and the FAI in this project.”
Kevin Mc Hugh Head of Finn Harps Academy stated that “this is another brilliant initiative that is fantastic for the club to be associated with. Player pathways and the wider holistic development of our young people is central to what we are looking to build on at the club. Having a strong academic focus will be very beneficial for our young players alongside their football development. We are delighted to support this unique partnership offering learners a real football focused environment as they work towards achieving the QQI Level 5 award”.
Finn Valley College and Donegal ETB are looking forward with anticipation for the start of this fantastic course in September 2024
How to apply
Visit www.fetchcourses.ie and create an account. Search in the Coursefinder for the course and follow the instructions. Applications are currently being accepted and places are limited so apply early.
