Latest News
Date:
15/7/2026
Posted By:
Alex
Category:
Education
Harlem’s Journey: How our West Notts College Partnership Prepares Aspiring Coaches
One student whose journey highlights the personal development available on the Nottingham Forest Community Trust Coaching programme is Harlem. As Vision West Notts College looks towards the 2026/27 academic year, his progress shows how the course helps students develop confidence alongside professional skills.
While the course covers sports theory, it focuses heavily on building workplace confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Moving away from textbook learning and into real schools and community settings was a key part of Harlem’s development.
“My communication skills have gotten so much better,” Harlem shares. “I’m not as shy to talk to new people now, and my confidence has grown in the exact same aspect. Doing real-world coaching throughout the year makes me feel a lot more heard when I’m giving instructions.”
For Harlem, the combination of community placements and industry-recognised certifications has helped him map out a clearer path for the future.
“Getting these qualifications out in the real world has been so good for me. It’s helped me with my future and what I want to do,” Harlem explains. “It’s given me the platform to push through to further education and higher qualifications, which is very important to me.”
The structured environment supported by the West Notts College and Nottingham Forest Community Trust coaches aims to help every student develop their communication and leadership skills over the year.
Why Choose West Notts College & Nottingham Forest Community Trust for 26/27?
Kick-start your career in sports coaching with this hands-on, industry-focused course designed to prepare you for employment in primary school and community coaching roles. This CIMSPA-accredited course offers a unique blend of academic study and practical experience, ensuring you leave the course work-ready. You’ll gain real-world coaching experience in both school and community settings in Nottingham City and across Nottinghamshire, developing the skills to deliver inclusive, high-quality sessions for diverse groups.
Students on this course gain practical insight into the industry, finishing the year with:
• Official Qualifications: Premier League Coaching and refereeing certifications.
• Real-World Experience: Delivering sessions in schools and working with a Premier League club trust.
• Industry Networking: Trips to the Premier League Head Office and working directly with the public on matchdays.
