Students gain world's first bodybuilding qualification

10:06am Wednesday 28th February 2007

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STUDENTS at The Thorns Community College in Quarry Bank have become the first in the country to gain the world's first qualification in bodybuilding.

Against the odds the youngsters have managed to prove their worth in the classroom thanks to the new course run by sports training providers U-Phorm and NABBA (National Amateur Bodybuilders Association).

With top muscle-flexing tips from Mr Universe Steph Sinton and American bodybuilder Chris Rademacher, the students were put through their paces at Valley Road Youth and Community Centre and Jim's Gym in Lye in a ground-breaking eight-week programme designed to offer troubled kids the chance to develop vocational skills to gear them towards careers in sports and fitness.

Just a pilot at the moment, the ENROL-NABBA Career Advancement Programme introduced youngsters to the principles of bodybuilding covering nutrition, exercise and self-esteem - and culminated in a live bodybuilding, fitness and a fashion show on February 22, which the students themselves organised.

Project co-ordinator Chris Rademacher, from California, said: "The programme has highlighted some of the hidden talents that many of the students didn't realise they had.

"Although a little unconventional in its approach, using the bodybuilding healthy lifestyle values combined with the professional aspects of promoting and running a show has proven to be an excellent way for students with active minds and bodies to reach their greatest potential.

"Although the first pilot of its kind, Britain is realising the traditional classroom approach may actually be limiting those with a high level of emotional intelligence as part of the learning process. Vocational education and training has become the way of the future for schools like Thorns who are constantly re-evaluating what education means."

Kay Scampton, extended school manager at Thorns, said the pilot had been a great success and talks would be taking place to ensure the course continues enabling other youngsters to benefit and existing students to gain further fitness qualifications.

It could also be rolled out to schools nationally.