Meet Amar. Amar is one of our Ignite Programme apprentices, undertaking a year working with Access Sport whilst completing an NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership. The Ignite programme works to empower young disabled people through sport, improving their health, life and employability prospects.

Before working with Access Sport, Amar had an interest in sport and studied for a BTEC Award in Sport & Activity Leisure at his local college, as he didn’t excel in more classroom/academic based subjects. He gained a volunteering job at a local youth centre in Ilford before moving on to working within coaching in schools.

However, shortly after, Amar found himself out of work...that's when he came across Community Links in Newham. Community Links worked closely with Amar to improve his interview skills, presentation skills, his CV and assisted him in finding local apprenticeships - which is where he connected with Access Sport’s Ignite Programme.

Whilst working with Access Sport, Amar has learnt work related skills from his office based learning, including how to use emails effectively, communicating with partners and learning how to conduct a professional meeting.

• “I’ve learnt more from completing my apprenticeship in an actual office environment than I did in theory lessons at school. Access Sport have helped me complete extra learning courses and taught me how to network with schools and clubs. My apprenticeship has gained me so much experience, which is what employers are now looking for!”

Amar has completed numerous qualifications since starting his apprenticeship including: EFDS disability training workshop; a basketball activator course; a multi-skills activator course and an England Hockey sessional coach qualification, just to name a few.

Most notably during his time at Access Sport, Amar has found his love for coaching young disabled people.

• “It’s such a rewarding challenge. After working with Access Sport’s experienced Ignite coaches, I’ve learnt so much about adaptability and communication; how to alter your session to suit everyone and how to make sure everyone understands. I now want to be a disability sports coach supporting young people with physical difficulties or special educational needs.
  
  "I want these youngsters to know that if you have a disability that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want to achieve and I want to inspire these young disabled kids to be the best they can be.”