Colchester United FCACP and Thurstable Elite Football Programme
The Football Programme
CUCST primarily prioritises the education of players and will allow the football programme to evolve from the framework of the education timetable. A minimum of ten hours per week will be football focused, which will include blocks of time devoted to the following activities, and these eight hours will be split into three ‘blocks’ of time during the course of the student’s week:
- Football coaching programme – Delivered by a coach possessing the minimum of an FA Level 3 (UEFA ‘B’) Coaching Licence, the programme is structured to improve all aspects of the students’ playing game with particular focus upon the development of ‘game understanding’ and tactical awareness. This takes place at Thurstable School, making use of their third generation Astroturf pitch and excellent grass pitch provision.
- Fixture programme – Registered within the British Colleges League fulfilling a comprehensive fixture programme against a variety of different opponents.
- FA Football Coaching Awards / Sports Leadership qualifications – In the first year all students will complete the FA Level 1 Coaching Certificate. The second year will see all students take the FA Level 2 Coaching Certificate and/or the Community Sports Leaders Award (CSLA).
The constitution of the students’ football activities will alter from week to week. The frequency of fixtures, specific preparation for games, the content of the coaching programme, duration of coach education courses and educational commitments will define each week’s programme, although the target is to deliver a minimum of eight hours training (not necessarily practical – could be theory-based) per week.
The programme of activities will be timetabled annually ensuring that a necessary structure is implemented.
The Educational Programme
Thurstable School Sports College and Sixth Form provide the education provision for all players. Each player can enrol on their own individual education plan ranging from BTEC courses, ‘A’ levels and GCSE re-sits. However players will have to meet the required education guidelines and pre-requisite to be accepted onto any course. Players on the programme will be treated as any other sixth former and will be encouraged to get involved in sixth form life at Thurstable School.
Mission Statement
“It is our aim as a community and through the two way partnership of home and school:
To offer all students the opportunity to achieve their potential,
To work in an environment, which fosters both mutual respect and cooperation,
To provide staff experience and understanding that will guide students towards the future fulfillment of their ambitions and the full development of their talents.”
Over the last few years there has been consistent progress in our results, placing our students’ achievements in the top 30% of all students.
Extra-curricular activities meet the individual needs of our students and we continue to strive to increase our provision.
Guidance regarding Further and Higher Education is continually revised to meet the requirements of institutions and the needs of our students.
The Sixth Form Council is briefed to assist with the organisation of regular social events for all members of the Sixth Form.
A designated study area with ICT provision is made available for all students.
Using a very strong team of Senior Students the opportunities for responsibility within both the Sixth Form and the school as a whole are vast. Roles of responsibility continue to grow, including prefects, coordination of Sixth Form sport and employment as Midday Assistants.
Thurstable School
www.thurstable.essex.sch.uk / 01621 816526
