As many as 3,500 employers in the sport and leisure industry have been involved in the development of the diploma over the course of the past three years. A small number of these have been selected as employer champions, their role being to promote the diploma to their networks, represent the diploma at conferences, meetings and other events, and act as a spokesperson.

The Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure was developed by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning. The Government-backed organisation works to increase the demand for quality and the supply of skills provision for the industry.

Arsenal in the Community is the CSR arm of Arsenal Football Club and works to improve the standard of life for people living in the local area.

Stephen Studd, Chief Executive of SkillsActive says: “School and university leavers - even those with excellent grades - have frequently been criticised in the past for not being ‘workplace ready’. With the new diplomas we have been determined to involve employers all the way through the process to ensure learners completing the course have the best possible shot at going straight into employment. We are particularly indebted to employer champions such as Arsenal in the Community for the contribution they are making.”

Alan Sefton, Head of Arsenal in the Community, says: “It makes perfect sense for employers to get involved in education as we are the ones that will ultimately benefit. We are very proud to be an Employer Champion for the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure and firmly believe this is an important role and qualification which will make a real difference for young people wanting to work in our industry.”

For more information on the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure or on SkillsActive please contact: Tel: 0207 632 2000 www.skillsactive.com