A college group and football club's relationship has been taken to another level through a new university level qualification.

Nelson and Colne College Group’s and Burnley FC in the Community have announced the launch of a new Certificate of Higher Education in Sport Coaching and Performance for adult students from September 2021 as part of the college’s new collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University.

The level 4 course can be achieved as a standalone qualification, enabling a first step into the field but can equally lead on to the full BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Performance degree offered by the University Centre.

Charlotte Scheffmann, Dean of Higher Education at Nelson and Colne College Group University Centre said: “Our partnership is already renowned for its outstanding quality and results, and a development into the world of Higher Education was a natural step for its expansion.

“The qualification we are offering is a fantastic blend of academic study with real-world experience, and this will support the progression of people into careers in a strong sector that contributes almost £24bn to the UK economy and supports almost one million jobs.”

Wide-ranging active work experience with Burnley FC in the Community will be offered as part of the qualification including shadowing coaches in projects and community activities including disability sport, walking football, health provision, the community kitchen and school provision.

Learners will also complete an additional qualification of Level 1 FA coaching award as part of their studies.