Meet the apprentice: Adrian Connelly
In his own words, Adrian describes his journey, saying:
*I started attending Falcons Rugby Camps at Kingston Park when I was 12 years old. I loved it! After my first camp, I attended pretty much every camp at Kingston Park. All the coaches were fab. I loved the kicking camps too, and I have a drawer full of Falcons camp T-Shirts.*
*When I was in Year 10 I saw a flyer about a rugby excellence B-TEC course at Kingston Park Stadium, and I knew it was the right course for me. Dan Simpson, community development officer, along with college tutor Ben Pollock supported me with my application, and I was accepted onto the course.*
*I travelled each day from North Yorkshire by train and met a group of great lads who were passionate about rugby too. Friends for life.*
*In my first year, I won ‘Student of the Term’ and then ‘Student Athlete of the Year’. Second year commenced, so many opportunities planned. I was fortunate to be awarded Falcons Foundation Champion at their 15th Anniversary of the Foundation.*
*I was so excited to be given the opportunity to play at the 7s competition at Rosslyn Park, but sadly COVID 19 put a stop to this. I was gutted. I so wanted to play, and I know it would be my last chance due to my age.*
*In my third year, I worked with Niall and Drew who run Falcons Community College programme. They have been brilliant. They have developed me as a player and a coach. All the coaches at Falcons Community and TyneMet have supported me in my development in sport. I cannot thank these guys enough.*
*Autumn 2021. Wow! I have been given an apprenticeship with the Falcons Foundation. I am so grateful and honoured. Thank you to Darren Greco and Gavin Beasley who are given me this opportunity in the world of coaching sport in different environments. This is developing me as a coach, a player and a person. Thank you to everyone at the Newcastle Rugby Foundation.*
*- Adrian Connelly.*
Adrian’s sports apprenticeship pathway has been assisted by the Coach Core scheme. Coach Core is an employment and education charity that uses a community sports apprenticeship to target young adults not in employment, education or training (NEET). This scheme can change futures and have a positive influence on young people’s lives. For more information about Coach Core, please head to [**coachcore.org.uk**][1] .
[1]: https://coachcore.org.uk/
