A new strategic partnership between The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Academy of Sport and Pembrokeshire College Sports Academy will provide a pathway for students to combine their academic and sporting aspirations through Further and Higher Education.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) has led the development of a framework to enable collaboration with other institutions within the region including earlier this year the launch of the formation of a network of Technical University Institutes bringing together higher and further education with both institutions a part of this development. In fact, Pembrokeshire College and UWTSD have already collaborated on key academic decisions for almost a decade and this partnership further strengthens the relationship.
The learner is central to both Pembrokeshire College and the UWTSD Group with the commitment to providing an excellent learning experience being at the heart of activities. Both Sporting Academies aim to support students involved in high-performance sports while they study.
Students can access professional-level coaching and strength and conditioning training, as well as advice on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle. They’ll also gain access to sports facilities across both institutions, opportunities which provide the environment for students to compete in the Welsh Colleges and British Colleges Sport Competitions at Further Education and the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) leagues, events, and championships at Higher Education.
Lee Tregoning, Head of the UWTSD Academy of Sport said: “We are enhancing the linkages between further and higher education to create this unique pathway for academic excellence and high-performance sport that will be for the benefit of our learners. We welcome the opportunities this creates for greater alignment between the two sporting academies. We aim to develop and enhance our partnership and to maximise further, higher education and progression opportunities for learners in both academia and sport.”
Elaine Rees, Head of Specialist Vocational Education at Pembrokeshire College added: “This partnership strengthens the opportunity for students to continue their education and sporting journey in West Wales. The services that both Academies provide gives a typical student a five-year pathway where they can train and play at the highest level in College and University Sport while also achieving their academic goals.”
