Increasing numbers of pupils are pursuing their dream of working in professional sport thanks to a unique college course based at Edgbaston Stadium.

The Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme offers BTEC and coaching courses aimed at boys and girls considering roles in sports coaching, marketing, psychology, nutrition, and a range of other professions. 

The programme – a collaboration between Warwickshire Cricket Foundation and Sandwell College – was launched in 2021.

It offers BTEC Level 3 qualifications in both Sports Development & Coaching and Sports & Exercise Science, plus ECB-accredited courses, First Aid classes, training at Edgbaston’s Indoor Cricket Centre, plus summer and winter matches.

Just 13 students were in that first intake but around 50 teenagers are now studying across the two year groups.

Lead programme tutor, Thomas Hayward, said: “We’re helping people who want to get into professional sport, not just playing but maybe as an analyst, physio, or in marketing. The course has opened pupils’ eyes to the rage of opportunities.

“Students will come out of the course with a recogised coaching qualification, alongside BTECs, which means they can get paid work and run coaching sessions. Some graduates have gone to coach in Australia and the USA.

“Other students have used it as a stepping stone to further sports related study at university.

“Studying at Edgbaston, where our classrooms are based, is also pretty cool.

“During the day you’ll have people like Chris Woakes and Jacob Bethell in the nets and they are always happy to chat to the pupils and offer advice. There’s no better place to study. “

Sandwell College is offering a programme taster session on Friday 13 December and there will be more open days throughout 2025. Details can be found HERE.

Bears Women batter Davina Perrin is a former student on the programme having graduated from Sandwell College last summer.

She said: “It’s a great programme; I really enjoyed my time there. Pupils can be part of a professional environment while in education, and rub shoulders with professionals.

“I got my Level One coaching badge through the college and, who knows, in the future coaching is something I may want to pursue.

“It’s nice to see increasing numbers of girls joining the course. It’s exciting to see and with the expansion of the women’s game there is only going to be more opportunities for women in cricket in the future.”

Click here for more information on the Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme.