Former rugby league professional now owns his own business after completing an Apprenticeship with Premier Sport
Anthony Doyle, 27, used to represent Salford and Leigh before deciding to focus on his first love – coaching.
He was offered the level 2 Apprenticeship in Activity Leadership with Premier Sport, which provides high quality community, extended school and holiday coaching activities, in 2010 after completing a work placement with the company on the Future Jobs Fund project.
Developed by SkillsActive, the project provided 5000 young unemployed people with six months training and work experience in the sport and active leisure sector.
Anthony says: “The Apprenticeship suited me down to the ground. I loved being able to get into schools and do what I was good at –interacting with staff and students – from day one, while also learning on the job.”
During his year-long Apprenticeship, Anthony learned to plan and deliver activity sessions for children before, during and after school as well as on holiday programmes. He also gained relevant qualifications such as NGB coaching badges in Basketball, Gymnastics and Fencing
Anthony now manages the Warrington franchise of Premier Sport after being handpicked by senior management at Premier Sport.
He is also completing a level 3 Apprenticeship in Management.
Premier Sport’s national education and training development officer, Andy Heald, said Antony is one of many apprentices at Premier Sport who will take the business into the future.
“Apprenticeships are a cost effective way to recruit enthusiastic people, give them the qualifications and experience to make them outstanding coaches and, in turn, improve and develop our business.
“I’d advise any business considering taking on an apprentice to go for it –you’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”