“It means we get an education whilst being athletic” - CITC’S BTEC programme | OneFootball

City in the Community is excited to welcome applications for its 2026/2027 BTEC cohorts.

In partnership with three sixth forms and colleges across Greater Manchester, the programme provides an opportunity for students who are passionate about football and their education to combine the two as part of this course.

The team currently delivers the two-year course in Oldham College, Ashton Sixth Form and Connell College.

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Qualifications on offer at each setting:•    Ashton Sixth Form College •    BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport•    Connell College•    Sports Coaching and Development BTEC Sport & Exercise Science.•    Oldham College•    BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Level 2 Sports

Students have the opportunity to take part in weekly fixtures, exclusive Manchester City and CITC activations, undertake volunteer opportunities and trips, all whilst receiving high quality education.

A former BTEC student, Grace, who now works as a Community Coach with CITC, spoke about how the course enabled them to go onto further education or employment.

“I first started the BTEC in 2019, which created incredible opportunities for me to volunteer on the 93:20 and Young Leaders programmes,” she said.

“The BTEC programme inspired me and provided me with the information to take the next step into my coaching career and gave me value insight into community coaching, that I used daily.

“Through completing my degree and BTEC course led to full-time employment with the Early Years team, turning my passion into a career.”

The curriculum provides students with an insight into what life would be like coaching in an academy session, through the way in which CITC staff deliver sessions, as well as receiving education around health and nutrition and pathways to further education.

Alice, a current BTEC student said: “The BTEC course has had a really big impact on my life. It’s given a clear idea of what I would like to do when I leave college.

“It’s open the door to so many opportunities, that wouldn’t have been possible without this course, and I’ve been able to improve both my football skills as well as gaining valuable life skills.”

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One Co-op Connell College student commented on the course saying: “We all signed up for the course because we’re all interested in sports and specifically football coaching. It means we get an education whilst also being athletic and keeping fit."

During their 2024/2025 reporting year CITC delivered 779 BTEC sessions, across over 1814 hours to 198 unique participants.

84% of those participants said the course improved their physical and mental wellbeing.

Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the course aims to be totally inclusive, offering places to both male and female participants without trials.

Coaches are able to adapt their approach, the content and physical activity sessions in order to best meet the requirements of the college/group that they are working with, providing unique experiences for each individual student and setting.

If you are in year 10 and exploring your future; you can register your interest to CITC’s BTEC course here: https://tr.ee/zZvpTw

City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.

To find out more, visit https://www.mancity.com/btec or follow @citcmancity on social media.