The University of Wolverhampton has kicked off a new football programme at schools in Staffordshire as a way of getting young people to think about their future goals. ‘Kick-Off - Explore Your Future’ is a new programme which is running over five weeks and using football to engage 13 and 14 year old pupils.  It involves 90 students from 5 different schools; Holy Trinity Academy, De Ferrers Academy, Sundorne Sports College, Staffordshire University Academy and Telford Priory School.   

The programme, which aims to show students a number of higher education and career opportunities available in sport, involves regular football coaching sessions delivered by University of Wolverhampton sports students and a visit to the University’s Walsall Campus where pupils can use the University’s specialist sporting facilities.

The pupils will also take part in a number of interactive sessions run by the Institute of Sport, such as fitness testing. The project will end with a family fun day which includes a football tournament held at the Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Academy on Saturday 15th October 2016.  

Ian Hart, Head of Access and Outreach at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University of Wolverhampton works with schools locally, regionally and nationally to give pupils and parents/carers a real taste of what the University can offer them and what career opportunities are available they are older.

“This exciting new project enables pupils to be inspired by the wide range of sports-related careers that are available in the industry including coaching, fitness and sports science.”

Last year the Outreach team participated in nearly 1,000 events with schools and colleges and engaged with 300 schools.