Since 2012, Coach Core Foundation have worked with over 300 employers and have transformed the lives of 1,000 marginalised young people across the UK through a community sports coaching apprenticeship programme. In return, that apprenticeship has given those young people formal qualifications, employment and the chance to become role models in their communities by delivering sport and physical activity to 13.5 million people.

We want to know that every young person can access meaningful education and employment opportunities without barriers and discrimination.

Project 1500 – our 2024-27 strategy – will help tackle the decline in entry-level apprenticeships and rising levels of youth unemployment by turbo-charging our community sports apprenticeship programme over the next three years, giving life-changing opportunities to marginalised young people to deliver sport and physical activity in their communities.

We are committing to:

• Providing 500 new life-changing community sports apprenticeships for young people to deliver sport and physical activity to 8.5 million people.
• Increasing the number of Coach Core Foundation apprentices from ethnic minority backgrounds from 21% to 30% by 2027 (16% higher than the national average for apprenticeships).
• Increasing the number of Coach Core Foundation apprentices from top 30% most deprived areas of the UK from 43% to 50% by 2027 (30% higher than the national average for apprenticeships).
• Increasing the number of apprentices with Additional Learning Needs from 22% to 40% by 2027 (30% higher than the national average for apprenticeships).
• Increasing the number of apprenticeship achievers from 70% to 80% by 2027 (27% higher than the national average for apprenticeships).

What does success look like?

For the apprentices – the chance to graduate with meaningful qualifications, an impactful C.V. and a set of skills and experiences that enable them to make a career choice right for themselves. We hope they will also engage with our ever growing graduate network so that they can grow and develop beyond the life of their programme, and we can continue to provide opportunities and support long term too.

For the employers – a quality employee that has added true value to the organisation in a number of ways, and an understanding on the benefits of recruiting this diverse talent for the future.

For the local area – a powerful ripple effect of positive sport and physical activity delivered by these inspiring young role models that ultimately creates happier and healthier communities.

Ahsan’s Story

Ahsan embodies everything Coach Core stands for. Overcoming significant disabilities, Ahsan was bullied at school and had real confidence issues. He found the Mixed Ability Rugby scheme was the perfect outlet and under the wing of coach, Phil ‘Cookie’ Wilson, he was persuaded to lead sessions and eventually undertake his apprenticeship with White Rose Rugby. “I was a bit scared when I started and a bit shy and nervous, but I got better and better. I loved learning a different skill, having fun and being with the kids every day”

He was progressing well but when lockdown hit again, the team were concerned about Ahsan’s general health and whether he would continue on the programme. But with the support of his employers and the Coach Core team, he remained engaged and began to lead coaching sessions over Zoom for the kids in his group.

The apprenticeship saw him gain confidence in all areas of his role, but especially in public speaking and coaching.

In 2023, Ahsan was awarded the Coach Core Graduate of the Year, and he continues to inspire other young people, with or without disabilities, in his local community.

Our previous strategies

If you have any thoughts, questions, feedback or interest in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: info@coachcore.org.uk