Elite cycling professionals have teamed up with The Trafford College Group to offer rising sports stars the chance to gain qualifications while they train.
The Manchester Cycling Academy partnership gives post 16-year-olds and mature entrants the chance to study one of the few Sport Cycling and Performance Development BTECs in the UK.
The new qualification, equivalent to two A Levels, will equip learners with the skills they need to succeed on and off the bike in areas such as physiotherapy, nutrition and strength and conditioning, when it begins at Altrincham Campus in September 2021.The course will cater for all disciplines of cycling including road, track, mountain biking, BMX and Cyclo Cross, taking advantage of the world class cycling facilities and expertise in the region.
The Trafford College Group Head of Studies for Sport Damian Harris said: “We already work with a number of leading sports academies in the region, including Academy 92 and Salford City FC, so we were delighted to be able to extend our knowledge, skills and expertise to Manchester Cycling Academy. We can’t wait to enrol the Academy’s new intake of students in September and get them on the road to success in the fantastic field of cycling.”
During the programme of study, cycle training will take place in the morning before class-based studies in the afternoon to learn units ranging from sport performance to business and leadership.
Trainees will receive unique coaching and mentoring from experienced Team GB international triathlete and cyclist Richard Bott, Danielle Riley who has inspired hundreds of women in her role as ride leader, bikeability instructor, road, time trial and track cycling coach, the former head of education and coaching at British Cycling Dr Vinny Webb and Stefan Hopewell, who has more than 20 years of experience of working with sports teams, coaches and sports brands.
Stefan Hopewell, Director of Manchester Cycling Academy, said: “I am thrilled to be able to announce this partnership with The Trafford College Group. The Trafford College Group were a natural fit for us as they share the same passion and enthusiasm for sport as we do and we are looking forward to welcoming the riders to the course in September.”
“Manchester Cycling Academy will see the best up and coming riders from across the region and working with The Trafford College Group will allow the riders to have the very best academic support which will allow them to prosper both on and off the bike,” he added.
During the two-year course, Manchester Cycling Academy students will also be able to take part in overseas training camps, designed to develop competitive riding in challenging foreign conditions.
The Trafford College Group is inviting applications for the 2021/2022 academic year via the websites of Trafford College www.trafford.ac.uk and Stockport College www.stockport.ac.uk.
