Sunderland College student Callum Dobson has been offered a coaching role with one of the region’s leading sports charities after impressing during a placement.
Callum, from Sunderland, joined South Shields FC on a work experience programme as part of his course to support the club’s weekly football courses.
The Sports Coaching and Development student’s enthusiasm, leadership skills, willingness to learn and positive attitude shown during his six weeks has led to part-time employment with the Mariners’ community foundation where he will assist with the design and delivery of its Futures programme and holiday sports camps.
Callum said: “I am excited to have been given this opportunity with the South Shields FC Foundation. Although I was a little nervous at the start, I quickly found my stride and grew in confidence, leading sessions with young people from the local community.
“Being offered paid employment because of my course at Sunderland College is something I’m very thankful for and I look forward to developing my leadership and coaching skills and providing the best experience for participants while maintaining the outstanding reputation South Shields FC Foundation has in the community.”
Sunderland College works with employers and organisations such as South Shields FC to offer industry placement and work experience opportunities as part of its careers focused curriculum to help students gain job-specific skills, vital practical experience and knowledge alongside their classroom learning.
Carl Jones, Sports Coaching and Development Programme Lead, said: “What an outstanding achievement from Callum. He is a remarkable student, an inspiring and resilient young person with an exemplary attitude, who has show leadership skills beyond his years.
“During his time with South Shields FC he has gone from strength to strength where he has taken the lead in co-designing and co-delivering programmes to provide outstanding learning and sport opportunities for his participants.
“Our partnership with local employers and leading experts has provided a clear pathway and exit routes and we look forward to developing more young coaches and sports leaders ready for industry.”
South Shields FC Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of people living in some of the most deprived areas of the North East, harnessing the club’s brand and reputation in the local community to make a positive difference to people’s lives through its wide-ranging sport and education provision.
Nathan Kew, Head of South Shields FC’s community programmes, added: “We are absolutely delighted Callum has joined us at the foundation to support our delivery and help design our community engagement programmes.
“He has shown outstanding enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, a real positive attitude and stellar leadership throughout the 5-12 years community programme we run.
“We look forward to continuing to support his journey as a young leader, providing him with the tools for success.”
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98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
