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The Royal National College for the Blind
Sports Academy Prospectus, a guide to our specialist physical
education for students aged 16+
Welcome to the Royal National College for the Blind from Mark Fisher,
principal:
“Welcome to the RNC, a college that is as unique as you are. We aim to
empower you with the skills and confidence to independently live the life
you have dreamed for yourself. RNC is a friendly campus, offering an
environment of encouragement, safety and fun. Here you will be
provided with resources, support and opportunities to enjoy new learning
experiences, while receiving an individual and specialist learning
experience tailored just for you.”
Our aim:
To establish RNC as a centre of sporting excellence in the UK
Our mission:
To provide sporting opportunities at every level for those who are blind
or partially sighted, enabling them to achieve their full potential and be
the best they can be
Our partners:
British Blind Sport, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, England Golf,
Goalball UK, British Judo and the Football Association.
Quote from Danny Mills, former England footballer:
“It’s about being the best you can be”
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Our ambassadors:
David Clarke
Academy Patron. Former GB Blind Football Captain and England’s
greatest goal scorer
Tony Larkin
Honorary President. Former GB Blind Football Coach, former
professional footballer
Des Kelly
Sports Broadcaster and Journalist
Danny Mills
BBC and BT Sport Commentator and Pundit, former England, Leeds
United and Manchester City player
Laura Perry
GB Women’s Goalballer, former RNC student
Dan English
England and GB Blind Footballer, former RNC student
Academy Memberships to suit you
Full Sports Academy Member:
As a full member of the Sports Academy you can enjoy up to eight hours
a week of training dedicated to all aspects of your sport. This is designed
to help you achieve your ambitions at elite level and could lead to you
competing in international tournaments.
In addition to skills based coaching, you will study a sports focused
course at a level specifically chosen to meet your needs.
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Enrichment programme:
If you love sport but are interested in studying other subjects, this
programme is perfect for you. The RNC Academy enrichment
programme will allow you to progress up to elite level in your chosen
sport, including timetabled sports sessions, whilst studying the subjects
of your choice.
Aspire programme:
Created for our students on the ASPIRE Study Programme, this
membership is designed to help you gain practical experience and learn
key life skills such as communication, mobility and teamwork through
sport. You will leave RNC with a full range of skills to help you achieve
your goals. For more information on ASPIRE please read our main
prospectus.
Sport alongside your studies:
As part of the RNC Sports Academy you can study either one or a
combination of sports on an individual programme tailored to your
needs. The main sports on offer are B1 and partially sighted football,
goalball, golf and judo. A wide variety of other sports are also available,
including Boccia, cricket, athletics, netball, and tennis.
Coaching Sport:
RNC offers NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness
and NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. Study alongside your
sport and learn the key coaching skills you will need to succeed. Strong
partnerships with The FA and Goalball UK provide opportunities to gain
FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching and Football and Level 1 Coaching
Blind Footballers, both of which offer lots of opportunities for
progression.
Talent identification days:
If you are keen to progress your sport and show clear potential in
training, the RNC Sports Academy will support you in attending talent
identification days where scouts from the national teams will assess your
potential.
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Our Coaches
We work with you to ensure you reach your full potential in your sport.
There are no limits, just opportunities to train with expert coaches and
players from the GB squads to improve your skills and unlock your
individual talents.
We provide a variety of opportunities to experience new sports and are
at the forefront of development for visually impaired sports in the UK,
working with the national governing bodies in sport, including The FA,
IBSA, Goalball UK, England Golf, British Judo Association and British
Blind Sport.
Aaron Ford:
Performance Manager and Lead Performance Coach – GB Women’s
Goalball Squad and RNC Sports Academy Teacher and Coach.
An enthusiastic sportsman and qualified teacher and coach, Aaron has
been competing in both team and individual sports since the age of six.
Having worked with young people who are blind or partially sighted for
over eight years, Aaron chose to specialise in Goalball.
Aaron’s passion for talent development led to his selection as
performance coach for the national GB women’s Goalball squad and he
is developing pathways at the Academy for students to progress from
grass roots through to a professional level in both the men’s and
women’s national squads.
Adam Bendall:
B1 Senior Assistant Coach - The Football Association and RNC Sports
Academy Coach - Lead Co-ordinator football and golf.
Adam showed a flair for sport from a young age and was scouted by a
range of Premier League clubs at the age of 11, choosing Cardiff due to
his Welsh heritage.
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After representing his country six times, and winning the Victory Shield
for Wales, serious injury forced Adam to reconsider his sporting career.
He joined Hereford United FC as their Disability Officer, achieving his
Level 2 football badge and the UEFA B qualification. Adam plays a key
role in developing students for B1 and B2/B3 football leagues and
national squads, such is his passion for the game.
Dixie Dean:
RNC Sports Academy Coach – football
With a passion for football, Dixie is a former FA Coach and youth
worker. In 1997 he combined these two aspects of his life and began
coaching B1 and B2/B3 football at RNC.
Between 1999 and 2007, he was a sighted goalkeeper for the England
Blind Football team and also coached the squad. Dixie continues to work
as part of the College’s residential team and joined the Sports Academy
as a coach in 2014.
John Pugh:
Head Coach – England and Great Britain Blind Football – The Football
Association
At 17, John was selected as sighted goalkeeper for the England and GB
Blind Football team and won over 100 caps. He is motivated by helping
young people at all levels of ability to reach their full potential.
John proudly continues to work with the RNC Sports Academy,
developing pathways for both regional and national competitions. As
Head Coach for England and GB Blind Football, he is in an ideal position
to do so.
John Lynch:
RNC Sports Academy Assistant Coach
Mark Fisher:
RNC Bulldogs VI cricket
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Football
Blind Football is based on traditional 5-a-side Futsal, but the pitch is
surrounded by boards and the ball contains ball bearings to allow
players to locate it by sound.
The first international blind football competitions took place in the late
1980s. Under the leadership of Tony Larkin, the first head coach of the
blind and partially sighted team, RNC has been building on the last 25
years of experience to master training and development for the next
generation of blind and visually impaired players.
Footballers at all levels are welcome at the RNC Sports Academy, in B1
to B2/B3 categories. Coaches will work with you to develop an
understanding of spatial awareness, orientation and communication
skills before supporting you out on the pitch. All of the basic principles of
football are covered, including control, passing, dribbling and shooting,
as instructors help you to develop your unique, personalised training
programme.
There are opportunities to play in national leagues and our partnership
with Shrewsbury Town Football Club gives you the opportunity to work
with coaches from a professional team.
Brandon Coleman’s Story:
“I played 11-a-side football in Plymouth until I lost my sight at the age of
17 due to a condition called Leber’s Optic Neuropathy. I am left with only
seeing a pixelated blur and distinguishing light and shade. There was no
local option to play blind football, but once I started at RNC I got
something back in my life from when I could see.
“My previous manager had no real belief in me, but here Adam has
shown that he does have belief in my skills and abilities and has put a lot
of effort into training me. I repay that by putting my commitment into
football and it provides me with something to focus on outside of my
other lessons.
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“The possibility of training with England was something I never would
have had in sighted football and I thrive off the idea of playing for my
country one day. I went to St George’s Park to train with them in
September 2015 for the first time – the feeling was unreal! My aim is to
get my first cap playing for England.”
“From the set up at RNC to being surrounded by the England Team, I
can now look forward to a promising future and up my game further.”
Goalball:
Goalball is one of the only sports with no sighted version. It was
originally developed as rehabilitation for visually impaired World War II
veterans.
The game is played by two teams of three players, male and female. All
players wear eyeshades and the ball contains bells to help players
locate it. The object of the game is to score by bowling the ball along the
floor, crossing the goal line of the other team.
As one of the highest representing clubs in the UK, RNC Goalball
players currently compete at all three levels in the national league:
novice, intermediate and elite. Players train five days a week for at least
an hour in each session.
RNC has strong links with Goalball UK, hosting talent camps and
international tournaments to help drive the sport and increase
participation. Members of the GB male and female squads mentor RNC
Sports Academy students, using their own first-hand experience to build
confidence and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.
David Scott’s story:
“I always knew that RNC would help me to develop and provide more
opportunities, but I can honestly say that it is a once in a lifetime chance
that I have been given. It is not just me; this is being proven each year
with more success stories and learners from RNC progressing at elite
level in a range of individual and team sports.
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“I believe what is equally as important and impressive is how this
Academy encourages learners to develop in other ways. I have seen
huge improvements in learners developing their social skills and
confidence, which are great skills to have, especially if you are visually
impaired.
“The Academy provides me with a very professional and competitive
environment. The goal for me now is to work hard, setting an example
and the bar high to inspire others who get the opportunity to join this
Academy and be the best we can be.”
David has been selected to represent the GB Men’s Goalball squad in
international competition. He has competed in, and won, an international
youth tournament and was also picked to attend a tournament in Madrid
in December 2014 with the senior squad.
He says “My chances for success in the future are far greater now that I
am a member of this Academy, and training alongside the Great Britain
squad has boosted my ability so much.”
Golf:
Golf is a sport for all and can be played by people with all levels of visual
impairment. You can play individually or with a group of up to four
players for a round.
Those with a more profound visual impairment may require a guide to
help position them in order to take the shot. Guides advise on the
distance to the hole but it is the player who chooses the club they wish
to use and makes the swing. RNC is working together with the England
Golf Partnership to enable you to have the opportunity to play golf both
at RNC and back in your home area. This link also helps us to compete
in national competitions and we are working with England Golf to
develop more national pathways for the sport. We have a golf simulator
on campus and our links with Burghill Valley Golf Club in Hereford help
us to give you the best golfing experience, both on and off the golf
course and driving range.
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Matt Spellar’s story:
Matt studied NVQ Level 2 Business Administration and braille while
developing his golf skills. He continues to play in competitions with both
sighted and visually impaired players. On leaving RNC he took up a
position in a Golf Club Pro Shop.
“I’m enjoying using my knowledge of golf, together with the business
skills I learnt at the RNC. Give it your all at the College and the support
and advice you will receive is second to none.”
Judo:
Quote from Carol Leverton, registered Level 3 Coach for the British Judo
Association:
“I have been teaching Judo for SEN and VI students for 35 years and
am a referee too. There’s something very special and rewarding here
and I have utter admiration for people who can’t see that are being
thrown around. The encouragement of the class at RNC is unbelievable
and I look forward to this fantastic hour of teaching every week.”
Connor Anders’ story:
“Everything I do now is based around training and Judo. I first started
Judo at Worcester Judo Club but trained harder and more intensely at
RNC. As part of the RNC Sports Academy it was amazing to be around
people who remain focused. Their dedication to sport is brilliant and it
was great to have my choice of training partners.
“From being in such a high achieving environment, I was approached by
British Judo who offered me an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting
Excellence, and an opportunity to train with the British Judo VI team in
Walsall. I aim to make the squad and compete in the Olympics in Tokyo,
Japan in 2020; my goal is to come back with a medal. The atmosphere
at RNC is one of success and now I have the opportunity to reach my
personal goal.”
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Courses
To help you achieve your ambitions of working in sport, as a full member
of the RNC Sports Academy you can study NVQ Level 2 Diploma in
Instructing Exercise and Fitness and NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal
Training.
NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Instructing, Exercise and Fitness
A basic entry qualification for instructors, at the end of the course you
will be able to:
 Demonstrate knowledge of the body’s systems and the effect of
exercise on them
 Screen participants medically and refer to appropriate authorities
where necessary
 Demonstrate relevant health and safety considerations
 Prescribe exercise for participants without special considerations
 Have basic knowledge of exercise constraints for participants with
special considerations
 Design safe and effective exercise schedules
 Perform safe and effective exercise instruction
 Set up and take down sport and recreation equipment
 Prepare and instruct gym based fitness sessions
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NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training.
This course is considered an advanced entry qualification for the
industry. In addition to skills learnt at Level 2, at the end of the course
students will be able to:
 Have enhanced knowledge of exercise constraints for participants
with special considerations
 Apply the principles of nutrition to personal training programmes
 Plan and deliver safe and effective physical activity and exercise
Programmes
 Perform safe and effective physical activity and exercise
instruction
 Review, evaluate and analyse instruction of physical activity and
exercise programmes
On both courses you will enjoy excellent opportunities for the
development of work based practical skills through evening fitness
classes. You will assist under supervision in a state of the art leisure
facility where all equipment is Inclusive Fitness Initiative accredited.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in, and ultimately
instruct, a series of fitness classes that are open to local community
users, other students and staff in thePoint4, a working fitness suite.
On successful completion of the course you will receive certification
which entitles you to practice within the industry.
More information on entry requirements can be found at www.rnc.ac.uk
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Education, Health and Care plans
Information for students in England
Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) are replacing Statements of
Special Educational Needs and Learning Difficulty Assessments. The
EHCP is designed to last from the age of 0 to 25 but can be requested at
any point during this time. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure it is up
to date.
You can request an EHCP or it can be requested on your behalf. Your
local authority will consider whether to agree to the request. It can take
up to 20 weeks from this to the EHCP being finalised.
The key points are:
 Your views and ambitions should be at the heart of the EHCP
 It should cover your full education, health and care needs
 It should emphasise outcomes, making sure you have what you
need to achieve what you want
 It should be written in a way that you can easily understand
You should be able to name your preferred further education college in
your EHCP. If this is agreed the local authority and the college will work
together to make sure that all of your needs will be met there.
Your local authority must publish a ‘Local Offer’ which makes it easy to
find information on every college you could potentially attend. By law this
list must include specialist national colleges like RNC. You should be
able to name RNC in your EHCP if you choose. There are only very
limited grounds on which the local authority can refuse to name your
preferred college.
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You also have the right to independent advice and guidance about your
EHCP and the Local Offer. Your local authority should signpost you to
this. If you struggle to find advice you can contact us on 01432 376 621
or email info@rnc.ac.uk.
Developing you
At RNC we understand that no two students are the same. Our
commitment is to offer you a personalised package, with the choice and
flexibility you require.
Everything we do is designed to develop your self-confidence. Building
self-esteem and gaining practical experience will help you as you
progress towards employment, self-employment or further/higher
education and independent living.
 class sizes are small and supportive
 staff specialise in teaching people with visual impairments as well
as being experts in their chosen field
 learning materials are readily available in your preferred format
 you have access to the latest in assistive technology and software
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Your RNC journey starts here!
1. Start looking ahead and explore your options
2. Contact your local Connexions or Careers Adviser
3. Visit RNC for an informal tour
4. Discuss your options and seek advice
5. Apply to RNC
6. Pre-Entry Assessment
7. New Student Conference
8. Start your programme!
“Members of staff have high expectations of students and are ambitious
for them, ensuring that they are engaged, interested and enthusiastic
about their college work.” (Ofsted 2013)
Halls of Residence provide a range of accommodation including single
en-suite study bedrooms, shared kitchens and lounges. Halls have 24/7
support that is matched to your individual needs and goals. There is a
prayer/mediation room on campus plus a visiting College Chaplain
serves our diverse student population.
Fresh, healthy and delicious food is served daily in the Bistro. To ensure
that your time at RNC is both healthy and happy, we have a team of
health specialists (nurses, counsellor, wellbeing officers) who offer
advice, support and discretion.
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Get in touch and ‘Have a Go’
Contact us…
You will have lots of questions but please don’t be afraid to get in touch;
we are here to help you. For further information, please contact our
Student Enquiries team on 01432 376 621, email info@rnc.ac.uk or visit
our website at www.rnc.ac.uk
We also have active social media channels:
facebook.com/RNCHereford
twitter.com/RNC_official
twitter.com/RNC_Sport
youtube.com/use/RNCHereford
Try us…
Twice a year we offer free residential experience weekends aimed at
young people aged 13 to 17. We put together a programme of activities
that allow you to ‘have a go’ at college life first-hand, including an
overnight stay in our Halls of Residence for both you and a parent or
guardian.
Where we are…
Situated in the West Midlands, just 15 miles from the border with Wales
and within easy reach of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester.
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You will find us at:
The Royal National College for the Blind
Venns Lane
HEREFORD
HR1 1DT
And finally…
If you take just one thing away from this prospectus, please remember
that only one person can change your future and take control of where
you want to be: you. Here at RNC, we encourage you to take
responsibility for your own learning and will work with you to ensure you
have the confidence, knowledge and skills you need for your future.
Support us…
As well as a centre of further education, RNC is a registered charity. The
help of alumni, parents, businesses and other supporters is essential to
running the College. Please consider helping us to help future
generations by leaving a legacy, holding a fundraising event or making a
regular donation. However you get involved, every penny will help to
support our work. Please call the Fundraising team on 01432 376 371 or
email fundraising@rnc.ac.uk for further information.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at RNC
RNC welcomes a diverse population of students and staff. We aim to
ensure that our college environment is free from prejudice and
harassment. In all aspects of delivery and employment, no individual or
group will be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, marital
status, gender reassignment, age, disability, race, religion and belief or
sexual orientation.
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In 2015, RNC was recognised with an Investors in Diversity award.
For further information on our policies on Equal Opportunities and
Diversity, please contact us or visit our website: www.rnc.ac.uk
This prospectus is available in other formats. Please contact our
Student Enquiries line on 01432 376 621
Company limited by guarantee no. 2367626 Registered charity no.
1000388
The information provided is correct at the time of going to print.
RNC Copyright 2015