SEEVIC is launching an athletic academy which aims to support teenagers looking to combine athletics and education.

Places are now available at Seevic’s new campus in Basildon to study an athletics-specific BTEC National Diploma in Sport.

The course will benefit from the use of Basildon Sporting Village, and strength and conditioning provision at both Basildon and Benfleet campuses.

Course director Kevin Hughes, a former Olympic pole vaulter Sydney Olympian, said: “Our aim is to support local athletes to stay involved in the sport.

“Our new campus in Basildon means we can provide opportunities that have not been available before now. “We have experienced staff that have competed at the highest level themselves, and can work with local club coaches to ensure that the athletes get the opportunity to excel.”

Athletes based at the Benfleet campus can also benefit from the Athletics Academy, where their timetable permits, and will be able to join the two warm weather trips per year.

In October 2012, the academy is spending a week in Gran Canaria where the focus is on athlete nutrition.

Anyone interested parties should contact course director Kevin Hughes at kevin.hughes@ seevic-college.ac.uk