CITC BTEC students celebrate graduation | OneFootball

Local teenagers have celebrated completing a further education course at the Joie Stadium with Manchester City’s charity.

City in the Community (CITC) brought together 45 students from three sixth forms and colleges for a special City BTEC celebration.

Staff and students were treated to food and drinks before participating in an award ceremony and presentation, looking back on their two years with CITC and commemorating all they have achieved.

Speaking about their time on the course, one Connell Co-op College student said: "I enjoyed the social aspect of the course the most. Getting to speak and bond with like-minded people, we all get along."

Another Connell student commented on their time on the course saying: "We all signed up for the course because we’re all interested in sports and specifically football coaching. It means we’ve been able to get an education whilst also being athletic and keeping fit.”

CITC 11+ Education Officer, Laura Woodcock commented on the event, saying:

“Our CITC BTEC Celebration Event is an opportunity for us to recognise the achievements of our participants. It's really important to us that we celebrate them all individually for their hard work and commitment and thank them for choosing to allow us to be part of their educational pathway.”

Sitting under CITC’s Healthy Futures pillar, the BTEC programme provides an opportunity for students who are passionate about football and their education, to combine the two as part of this course.

The curriculum provides students with an insight into what life would be like coaching in an academy session, through the way in which CITC staff deliver sessions.

Looking ahead, the team will deliver in three sixth form and colleges: Oldham College, Ashton Sixth Form and Connell Co-op College from the start of the 2025/2026 academic year.

Coaches are able to adapt their approach, the content and physical activity sessions in order to best meet the requirements of the college or group that they are working with.

For more information on CITC's BTEC, click here.

City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football with city youth. To find out more information, click here or follow @citcmancity on social media.

Thank you to Lola Walker for photographing the evening.