NXGEN is Sporting Communities CIC’s youth work-led Alternative Provision programme, helping young people re-engage with learning, build confidence and develop skills for their next steps.
Our approach is practical, supportive and relationship-based, combining youth work, leadership, physical activity, community projects, social action and personal development.
Learners are supported to build:
- Confidence and resilience
- Communication and teamwork
- Leadership and organisation
- Positive relationships
- Employability and life skills
- Independence and responsibility
- Skills for education, training and employment
NXGEN is particularly suited to young people who may be disengaged from mainstream education or who benefit from a smaller, more practical learning environment.
What You May Be Doing With Us:
Activities are adapted to each learner’s needs, interests and goals and may include:
- Sports and youth leadership
- Community projects and social action
- Team challenges and problem-solving
- Employability and career development
- Mentoring and personal development
- Health and wellbeing activities
- Volunteering and practical life skills
As learners develop confidence and skills, they can progress from taking part to planning activities, leading others, volunteering and exploring future education, training or employment.
Alongside qualifications, NXGEN provides learners with practical experiences that help prepare them for education, training and employment.
Learners will have opportunities to take part in:
- Employability workshops and activities – developing CV writing, interview skills, communication, teamwork, workplace expectations and career awareness.
- Youth work experience – opportunities to experience youth and community work in practice, support activities and develop skills alongside experienced practitioners.
- Social action projects – working together to identify issues that matter to young people and their communities, before planning and delivering projects that create positive change.
These experiences give learners opportunities to put their skills into practice in real-world situations. They can help young people build confidence, independence, leadership and communication skills while developing a stronger understanding of the workplace and their own future aspirations.
Learners can also build a portfolio of practical experiences and achievements that demonstrates what they have accomplished during their time with NXGEN and supports their progression into further education, training, volunteering or employment.
What Should I Wear?
There is no formal uniform at NXGEN. Learners should attend wearing comfortable, casual and appropriate clothing suitable for both learning and practical activities.
Trainers or other suitable footwear are recommended as sessions may involve sport, physical activity, or community-based activities.
Clothing should not display offensive or inappropriate images, language or slogans.
If a particular activity requires different clothing or equipment, learners and parents/carers will be informed beforehand. Specialist PPE is not normally required.
Qualifications & Outcomes
Depending on the learner’s age, individual programme, placement duration and suitability, young people may have opportunities to work towards recognised qualifications.
Leadership Skills Foundation
Potential qualifications include:
- Level 1 Qualification in Sports Leadership
- Level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership
- Level 3 Qualification in Sports Leadership
These qualifications combine practical and theory-based learning and help young people develop leadership, communication, organisation, teamwork, and activity-delivery skills.
Youth Work
Learners may also undertake An Introduction to Youth Work
A Sporting Communities programme endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), worth 10 CIMSPA CPD points.
Learners are introduced to areas including:
-
- Youth work principles
- Communication
- Building positive relationships
- Safeguarding awareness
- Community engagement
- Professional practice
Useful Resources & Links
Information about Sports Leadership qualifications and leadership pathways.
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
Information about professional development, qualifications and careers across sport and physical activity.
