Prince Harry celebrates the nationwide expansion of the Coach Core programme

The Coach Core apprenticeship scheme was designed by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to take young people aged 16-24 with limited opportunities, and train them to be sports coaches and positive role models and mentors in their communities.

The apprentices learn technical sport skills alongside an inclusive and holistic approach to coaching, with an emphasis on employability and mentoring skills. Coach Core is proud to have transformed the lives of its apprentices with 98% of its graduates now being in full time employment or education, and 80% retain strong ties with their employers and continue to engage in community sport.

​Prince Harry met apprentices and coaches at the event at Lord's trying out some of their coaching exercises along the way.

​After successful pilots launched in London in 2012 and Glasgow in 2014, Coach Core has now expanded to work with 42 partners, with plans to reach 100 by Spring 2017. Coach Core is working closely with Non-Governmental Bodies, established sports clubs and charities to deliver the apprenticeships.

This new network based focus means apprentices on the programme get an enhanced learning experience and access to a wide range of qualifications and work experience across a varied selection of sports. It also provides excellent high-profile opportunities for potential future employment.