Sport
The Centre of Excellence in Sport is dedicated to providing exceptional training programmes for aspiring sporting minds. Located within Leigh Sports Village at Leigh Campus, we’ve got world-class facilities taking our students to the next level.
We’ve got links with the people and places our students want to connect to, whether that’s stakeholders in the local community, elite athletes or top-level universities. Our teachers are award-winning skilled industry experts, happy to share their knowledge and contacts.
We help our students get qualifications and experience to stand out, from Sports Leaders Accreditation and working with professional clubs to overseas trips and competitions. We have successful academies for football and rugby, leading employer links and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
Join us, for A Winning Future
Inspiring Connections
Our strong links with Higher Educational Institutions such as Edge Hill University and the local community stands us out when considering the next steps.
Our links include:
- Leigh Leopards
- Manchester United Women’s Academy
- Premier Education.
Through these collaborations, students get the chance to engage with stakeholders, gain expert faculty knowledge and valuable networking opportunities.
Our academic partnerships ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in sport management, coaching and much more.
Our connections with companies locally, nationally and internationally provide students with mentoring and placement opportunities, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
The Springboard to Success
As a student here, you’ll have access to state-of–the-art facilities for both your physical and mental education. We achieved the gold award for the School Mark Games Gold Award for two years running, and are a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) accredited college, which helps us support athletes with a dual career.
Located within Leigh Sports Village, which is a site for elite athletes who play for the likes of the Manchester United Women’s team and the Men’s U21s as well as the Leigh Leopards Rugby League team, our training centre is equipped with the latest fitness facilities, professional-grade pitches, and excellent staff to guide you into your chosen career.
Our facilities include:
4G AstroTurf pitches
swimming pool
Indoor Cycling
Gymnasium
athletics stadium
indoor sports hall
Training Brilliance
Being only one of eight Sport & Leadership Academies in the northwest, our student success leads the way, with 100% pass rates on all Level 3 courses. From day one, you’ll be introduced to our tutors and coaches who will be a key part in your college experience.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitive events and networking opportunities with industry professionals. We offer specialised coaching, leadership and officiating qualifications, and we have sporting academies in Football, Rugby and Sports Leadership.
You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on one of our course-related trips, designed to enhance your learning. Whether that be through professional training from elite coaches at the famous Portuguese club, Benfica, or a trip to sunny Malta to discover various other sports on offer.
Achieve in Sport
Ella Toone
Ella is a former Level 3 Sports Science student and World Cup finalist. Ella shot to fame when she scored the first goal of the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 to later take the championship over Germany.
Ella played for Manchester United as a student at Leigh Campus, where she benefitted from a flexible approach to studies alongside her sporting commitments.
She said: “I learned a lot about the body on the sport science course, which has helped me with my football career. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at college and had loads of support, so that I could keep up with my football commitments as well as my studies.”
Thomas Morrissey
Level 3 Sports Science student Tom has been cycling on the Olympic development squad this season and made his winning international Team GB debut at Apeldoorn, Netherlands last January.
He said: “I started cycling when I was about nine. It was only about two years ago when I started to see some success and thought, well, maybe it is possible. You start to be able to shape the dream as you grow up a little bit into the sport.”
Tom balances 15 hours of training per week, with his studies on Leigh Campus. He said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience. I’m lucky enough to be part of TASS, so I get access to really good resources.”
Teachers – In Focus
Gareth Hayes
Gareth is the Head of the Department of Sport & Public Services and has worked at the college for 18 years. He is an experienced lecturer with a history of working in the education management industry.
After studying a BSc in Sports Rehabilitation, he more recently completed a Masters in Sports Medicine at University of Lancashire.
Alongside this, Gareth has played semi-professional rugby league for Oldham, Swinton and Rochdale after coming through the academy at Salford Reds.
Gareth has also worked in physio clinics during his role in the Wigan area, so is skilled in Soft Tissue Injuries, Sports Injuries, and Sports Massage.
Hayley Vincent
Hayley has a Masters in Research, focused on biomechanics in netball players. Her industry experience has included working on a cruise ship for four years as a sports staff/supervisor, where she delivered a range of sports and leisure activities all over the world.
She has also taught fitness and yoga whilst completing her PGCE at another education provider. She said: “I enjoy sharing my education and range of industry experience within the BTEC and higher education programmes.”
Kieron Purtill
Kieron serves as Head of Rugby at the college and Head Coach of Youth & Women’s Rugby at Leigh Leopards, strengthening the connection between the college and the professional rugby league team.
Reflecting on the partnership, now in its second year, Kieron said: “It’s been a fantastic year for rugby achievements. The interaction between the club and college has been outstanding. We’ve excelled in nines tournaments and cup competitions, with strong participation and engagement throughout.
“This partnership focuses on long-term development, blending education with pathways into professional sport. My role bridges the college and club to create these opportunities.”
Leigh Leopards’ recent elite academy status further enhances this pathway, offering learners both development and elite opportunities. “Around 6-8 learners have joined the Leopard’s Under-18 team, and Kieran Cooke, a college graduate, recently debuted for the reserve team against Hull KR. It’s a clear sign the pathway is working,” Kieron added.
