MOOC Football: More than a game

Many adults are considering re-engaging with their education but due to a history of negative experiences in the classroom are reluctant to take the first steps.  Football more than a game introduces various curriculum areas that at first may seem irrelevant to the learners, but told through the lens of football, it brings relevancy and interest to them – and can then lead to a further pathway of learning should they wish. As a pre-access course, Football More than a Game facilitates the first step back into education via a safe and familiar environment through inclusive pedagogical practice.

Football: More Than A Game is a fully-funded seven-week face to face taught programme at SCQF level 7, with associated credit. It is taught in local football stadia, in the heart of working class communities.  It works with the community foundations of professional football teams with Hibernian FC being the first club to become a partner. The course content delivers a taste of interdisciplinary learning in a number of different subject areas such as, data literacy, history, physical & mental wellbeing and political economy for example.  In order to pass the course and receive the relevant credits, students submit a final written piece of work. The course will be expanding to other clubs over the coming year.

The Academy of Sport, Widening Participation and the Centre for Open Learning collaborate to deliver the course in partnership with the Hibernian FC Community Foundation.  There is also an online version of course, part of the University’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offerings – which delivers the same content through a similar rationale globally.  The online version is delivered in partnership between the Academy of Sport and Widening Participation.