The chosen framework, Level 3 in Supporting School Sports and Physical Education is specific to teaching sports within a primary school setting. All of the apprentices were employed by a government endorsed ATA called Sporting Education Ltd., a locally-based social enterprise that specialises in placing apprentices into “host” schools. After 4 weeks of initial training the sports apprentices were either placed in local primary schools or at one of Let Me Play's very own sports education delivery sites.

The ATA "hosting" model, together with the support of sports specialist training provider, Let Me Play, created a life-changing set of opportunities for the young people.

Let Me Play went above and beyond in their delivery, throwing in additional training and qualifications where possible such as the FA Level 1 Coaching Award, the Level 1 Education in Finance (London Institute of Banking & Finance) and Digital Skills in a Social World.

So last week, just a year and a few weeks after starting, 18 out of the 20 Sports Apprentices were able to graduate. With 1 learner taking a small "break in learning", Let Me Play expect to graduate 19 out of 20, meaning an achievement rate of 95% - not bad for a first attempt!

Let Me Play have a further 70 Level 3 apprentices currently in training and anticipate taking on another 100 or so in the coming months. This number is then expected to increase exponentially when the apprenticeship levy comes into effect in April 2017.

Let Me Play Director, Matthew Lord says:

"I am delighted that we had such a strong first cohort of apprentices that have basically paved the way for future generations of apprentices. Each and every one of them is a role model in their own right, and together with the head office team at Let Me Play, I am very proud to have established such a programme. However, our work is not done; we have recently established a dedicated team to ensure that we keep in touch with all graduating apprentices and ensure that they go on bigger and better things."

After accepting a new job, graduating sports apprentice, Devontae Mighton recently wrote to Let Me Play to say thank you:

"I'd like to thank you all for getting me through this year. It’s been a real life-changing year because of all of you. I have learnt so much, not just about coaching but also about the real world, employment & working with new people."