This unique course which launched in September 2012 brings education and sport together, allowing participants to develop their Gaelic Games abilities as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification, coaching certificates and the opportunity to participate in outreach work in local schools. This initiative is the first of its kind in Ulster and allows individuals between the ages of 16-19 to gain invaluable education in areas such as sports therapy, physiology and sports psychology, in addition to developing practical and coaching skills by working alongside the Derry GAA Coaching and Games Development Team.
Achieving students, Shea Murphy and Ryan Bell, former students of St. Pius X College are both interested in pursuing a career in Coaching now that they have this qualification secured. Fellow classmate Martin McLaughin, a former student of St. Mary’s Clady, is looking forward to taking up his place at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown to study an Honours Degree in Sport, Exercise & Science, along with Aodhan Bradley.
Opting for options across the water are Sports Students Jake Taylor who is attending Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, which is a specialist soccer college whilst Sean McIlvenny is heading stateside to study at Duchess Community College in New York.
Graduates from the NRC sports courses are valued by employers and job opportunities are available in Sports Centres, Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities Centres with this stand alone qualification. Those that wish to go to higher education can take a Foundation Degree in Sport at the NRC or take a degree in Sports Studies, Leisure Management, Coaching, Recreation Management and Teacher Training as some of their options.
Further information on sports courses at NRC is available on the NRC website www.nrc.ac.uk
