Ystrad Mynach College students now have the opportunity to develop their budding football coaching skills across the pond in the USA.
The coaching scheme – called Challenger Sports – allows students to travel to different areas of America to build on their coachingskills in a variety of soccer camps.
The scheme was introduced to the college by Sport Co-ordinator, Neil Smothers, who coached football in the States himself, as a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Students will travel to a variety of States across the US, including California, Chicago, Atlanta, Colorado and North Carolina.
Neil said: “The scheme gives the students an opportunity to boost their coaching skills in a different soccer culture, where the game is played completely differently.
“It will also help them build on their independence and confidence skills, when meeting new people and developing their portfolio of contacts.”
Daniel Morgan, a student taking part in the scheme, added: “I’ve been playing soccer since I can remember and I find coaching youngsters so rewarding.
“It’s so exciting when you see young people working hard and improving, as I know how important sport is to young people, and I love putting the work in to help them get better.
“I’m excited and a little bit scared to go, as I’ve never been away from home for more than a week and I’m going to be spending the whole summer in Denver – but I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience.”
Bryn Davies, Principal of The College Ystrad Mynach, said: “It’s fantastic that our students now have the opportunity to develop their skill-set by travelling to a different country and experiencing a different culture of sport.
“We pride ourselves on giving our students the best opportunities to progress with their studies and their lives, and this scheme will certainly be of benefit to those taking part.”