AT THE STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE

Club Community Foundation’s education arm.

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When Alex learned he could take BTEC sport qualifications at Cardiff City FC’s Community Foundation post-16 education programme at the House of Sport behind the Bluebirds’ stadium, he decided to give it a go.

Alex enjoys sport and was boxing in the evening in Caerau Ely ABC, but didn’t have high hopes for joining a course.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation post-16 education programme offers BTEC qualifications in sport as well as degree courses. Those on BTEC courses count as Cardiff and Vale College students, while the degree courses are run and taught on-site at the House of Sport by the University of South Wales.

In September 2022 Alex took the plunge and enrolled on the BTEC Level 2 qualification in sport. His teachers there knew he had “issues with engagement and attendance” but urged him to take the opportunity they were offering.

Alex wasn’t convinced, but decided to try. He enjoys the optional daily futsal games that are offered to those on the courses and believes the physical exericse helps him keep on track.

“I thought this would be the exact same as school. But they give you more respect than teachers at school and there is a lot of physical exercise.

“I always turn up. I met people here I clicked with and made friends. The teachers here explain what you need to do and it was not embarrassing to ask.”

Alex also prefers the smaller classes with 15 to 20 people, where he donesn’t feel intimidated asking for help or admitting he doesn’t understand.

“At school it felt they just chucked everything at you, but I could see the relevance of work here. I am way happier in myself now.