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Sporting Excellence

The Sporting Excellence programme offered by The Harefield Academy is designed to:

• Provide young sportsmen and women with the opportunity to continue to develop their sporting ability to an elite level within their chosen sport.
• Provide opportunities for training alongside their chosen academic studies.
• Provide additional support and guidance to enhance their sporting performance in terms of nutrition, sports therapy, sports psychology, fitness and conditioning.

To this end the courses offered are:
Year 1: Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence)
Equivalent to 1 ‘A’ level

Leading to:
Year 2: Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence)
Equivalent to a further ‘A’ level
Year 3: Depending on the progress and achievement made both academically and in terms of         practical ability a 3^rd ‘A’ level is available.

In addition to the specific courses outlined above, The Academy offers a range of AS and A level courses throughout the two years, which can be studied alongside the vocationally based BTEC Diplomas.  The majority of sports students generally opt for the BTEC Diploma course and often select an additional A level course to supplement their point score in preparation for a university place.

The courses offered are accessible to students developing ANY SPORT, as training schedules will be devised on an individual basis for those whose focus is not catered for by the specific sporting academies outlined below.

The Football Academy
Students selected for this academy will train and play as Watford FC Development Centre players.  The partnership between The Harefield Academy and Watford FC provides opportunities to be trained by professional coaches and play matches against Watford FC’s Youth team.  In addition, first team players are entered into the League & Cup and English Schools’ National Cup.  Non-first team players are entered into the English Colleges Football Association League & Cup and Middlesex County Cup.

The Basketball Academy
Students selected for this academy will benefit from the partnership between The Harefield Academy and London United Basketball Club.  Training is provided by professional coaches and programmes are individually tailored to enhance specific skills required for the game.  Representing London United – Harefield Academy, players will play in the U18 National League and in addition have the opportunity to play in the Men’s EBL Division 2 League.

The Gymnastics Academy
For those students with a passion for acro gymnastics, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching from Harefield Gymnastics Club will provide the opportunity to complete the amount and intensity of training required to reach an elite level within this sport.   Gymnasts will not only work towards national competitions but also strive towards national representation in European and World Championships.

The Cricket Academy
Applicable to both male and female sports students, The Academy’s partnerships with Harefield Cricket Club and Middlesex Ladies Cricket Club provide ample opportunities to develop prowess within this sport.  Coaching from international players is a feature of this programme and the facilities provided at The Harefield Academy allow for extensive winter training prior to the summer match season.  Opportunities to play in the Home Counties and Thames Valley leagues are available through Harefield Cricket Club and for senior ladies; the Liverpool Victoria County Championships provide the competition.

The Golf Academy
Batchworth Park Golf Club is the venue utilised by The Harefield Academy golfing students to improve their game.  The partnership with this golf club provides junior membership and thus, invaluable access to a high quality golf course which, in turn, supports the demand for practice time required to reach an elite level within the sport.  Expert coaching is also available through the club and students are encouraged to play at an appropriate competitive level.

Entry Requirements for the Sporting Excellence Scheme
Students should:

• Attain 6 GCSEs A* - C grades including English and Maths.
• Attend a practical assessment/trial
• Provide evidence of levels already achieved within his/her focus sport
• Attend a formal interview