Students from the Accrington Stanley Community Trust recently travelled to Italy to take part in a work experience placement.

Two members of staff and 13 students embarked on the all-expenses paid trip to Salerno in the south west of Italy, where they took part in a coaching placement at a local junior football club.

The students, who all study a full time college course at the Community Trust’s Stanley Sports Hub, had the chance to observe coaches at the club, as well as compare coaching styles and methodologies used, further underpinning the theory they have learnt on their college course.

Alongside their work experience placement, the students had time to immerse themselves in the local and national culture, including day trips to Naples, Pompeii and Rome, as well as an entertaining visit to watch local Serie A side U.S. Salernitana 1919.

A fantastic experience for the Community Trust students, they also got to attend a Q&A session with the local referee’s association.

Mark Whalley, Head of Education & Employability at the Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said: “This was an invaluable experience that our students will remember fondly for years to come. The experience they gained in Italy was fantastic and to observe and learn different coaching styles and methods will put them in good stead for the future. As well as the coaching experience, the trip was also a great life experience for these students and it was one they all embraced fully.”