Wigan and Leigh College will give thirty sports students the opportunity to undertake a two week football coaching work experience placement with Sporting Lisboa E Benfica, a Football Club in Lisbon, Portugal. Working with this partner will give the participants the opportunity to engage with an organisation operating in the highest echelon within their chosen field of study. This two week period fits in with the participants’ timetable so as not to disrupt further study and will take place in May 2016. The participants will be accompanied by three members of staff from the College. The main aim of the project is to provide participants with the opportunity to experience a different culture and gain relevant knowledge and skills for their chosen career. During their work experience they will have the opportunity to put these new skills into practice by delivering sessions to local children and assisting in competitive football matches. The experience gained by the students will assist them in completing their Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Sport. The industry the participants are looking to enter is highly competitive and the College is looking to give them every possible opportunity to gain an advantage to achieve and succeed. Having years of experience within this industry, the project leader has a full understanding of what is required in terms of personal strengths and the skills for this industry. This project will give the students every opportunity to develop these skills and implement their experiences into their personal and professional development and improve their employability. Having also gained experience working in Portugal, the project leader knows that the students will be tested in terms of their communication, leadership and organisational skills as they will be delivering to participants that will have a wide range of abilities, learning styles and knowledge of the sport. By gaining work experience in Portugal, participants will benefit from learning and implementing different philosophies and ways of coaching. This will improve their employability by giving them a competitive advantage when applying for jobs within the UK and abroad. Participants will also develop their interpersonal skills through cultural and language training prior to their visit and through interaction with the Portuguese during their placement, adding additional value to the project. The needs of individual participants will be assessed prior to their placement. If any support needs are identified, an action plan will be devised and the relevant mechanisms put in place. Participants will be supported throughout their placement by the staff at Sporting Clube de Portugal and the two accompanying members of college staff. Reviews will take place on a regular basis with any issues being addressed and resolved immediately. The objectives of the project are to: • provide students with an enhanced learning experience, allowing them to gain knowledge and skills to help them achieve their qualification and improve their employability. • enhance the existing vocational programme by providing an innovative opportunity for participants to experience a different culture and way of learning and working. • enable participants to experience an exciting and different pedagogical approach to learning and work experience, providing them with the relevant skills and knowledge sought by employers. It is expected that participants will return from their placement having gained valuable knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve their qualification and a wealth of experience to help them progress into their chosen career.