Vassil Levski National Sports Academy

At a glance

Източник: Wikipedia: National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski"; Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална спортна академия; Official website: Vassil Levski National Sports Academy^1,2,3

History

The academy was established in 1942 by decree of Tsar Boris III as the Higher School for Physical Education. In 1953 it became the Higher Institute for Physical Education and Sport, known by the abbreviation VIF. A 1995 decision of the National Assembly renamed it the National Sports Academy „Vasil Levski“.^1,2

Faculties and programmes

The academy prepares students through bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. Study is available in full-time or part-time formats. A bachelor’s degree requires four years of study, eight semesters and at least 240 credits. Master’s study takes a further two to three semesters and requires at least 300 credits.^1,2

• Faculty of Pedagogy, which prepares physical education and sport teachers for primary and secondary schools.
• Faculty of Sport, which prepares coaches in around 60 sports.
• Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Tourism, which prepares kinesitherapists, nurses and sport animators.

Източник: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Национална спортна академия²

Professional preparation

The academy’s programmes and additional training support preparation for a range of occupations. Graduates work as coaches, physical education teachers and lecturers, kinesitherapists or physiotherapists, and fitness or spa instructors. Other professional paths include sport animation, sports psychology, sports management, journalism and commentary, and physical training in the Bulgarian ministries of interior and defence.¹

Its Centre for Postgraduate Qualification offers additional training and diplomas in areas including sports management, sports journalism and commentary, sports massage, adapted physical activity coaching, and combat-applied physical training for the armed forces and Ministry of Interior.²

Facilities and sport

In 1995, a modernly equipped educational building was established in the Student Town of Darvenica, alongside the creation of a high-mountain training base at Vitosha National Academy. The academy’s men’s basketball team won the Bulgarian Cup in 1964. In септември 2020, its ground was selected to host Bulgaria’s first official T20I cricket matches, against Malta.¹