First ever Ice Hockey Academy launched in Warrington

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WARRINGTON Collegiate has formed a unique partnership with Widnes Wild Ice Hockey team to launch an exciting new qualification, the BTEC Level 3 in Ice Hockey.
Warrington Collegiate is the first ever FE college in the UK to offer the course.
Demand for a course exists in the local area following an influx of young skaters practicing ice hockey from beginner level at Silver Blades Ice Rink Widnes on a weekly basis. Silver Blades Ice Rink is committed to offering dynamic “learn to” courses, and it is a delight to bring together Widnes Wild and Warrington Collegiate to deliver a qualification in the Olympic winter sport of ice hockey at an FE level. Widnes Wild players will be an integral part of the course contributing practically and offering their knowledge for non practical work too.
Widnes Wild have played a successful second season, competing both nationwide and out of home rink Silver Blades Ice Rink Widnes. Finishing 4th in the Laidler Conference, Widnes Wild have secured their place at the play offs in April 2015. Widnes Wild will play Whiltey Warriors for promotion.
The course boasts dual expertise. The academic content of the course, aimed at 16 year olds, starting in September, is delivered by Lecturers in Sport at Warrington Collegiate. Students will be based at Warrington Collegiate’s new ‘state of the art’ facilities within the new £30million Orford Jubilee Park, a sports, leisure, health and education centre, the only Olympic legacy outside London in the North West.
Students will also be transported across to the newly built Silver Blades Ice Rink in Widnes for the practical sessions which will include interactive learning of disciplines and skills required to learn about game play, coaching, training and rules and regulations. The rink is home to Widnes Wild ice hockey team, team GB women’s ice hockey team and boasts a full sized pad with a capacity of up to 360 spectators. Silver Blades has extensive disabled facilities catering for on and off the ice use. Silver Blades Ice Rink Widnes aim to deliver a diverse number of winter sports to the surrounding areas and are proud to be a part of such an original, exciting opportunity for school leavers in the area and beyond.
Work experience is also an integral nature of the course and for many students this could include a fully funded international work placement in Europe.
With progression routes to university or entry into the industry this qualification is flexible and can be adapted to suit students individual requirements. Students will also have the opportunity to progress onto university level courses, HNC/Ds at Warrington Collegiate, staying local and benefiting from lower tuition fees, smaller class sizes, excellent pass rates and high level access to tutors and academic support.
Graham Murphy, Curriculum Manager for Sport at Warrington Collegiate said: “This unique and exciting partnership between Warrington Collegiate and Widnes Wild Ice Hockey club means that students can be assured they will be accessing outstanding teaching, specialist coaching with a vocational application and outstanding facilities to maximise the student-athletes academic and performance potential.”


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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