Kickboxer turned Mixed Martial Artist Ayesha Dacunha has the chance to test herself against the world’s best when she travels to Rome for the Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Championships in August.
Club Doncaster Sports College hosted their annual sports awards evening on Friday to celebrate another year of success.
A variety of both sports and academic awards were presented to students at the Eco-Power Stadium, who enjoyed a two-course meal in the Legends Lounge, overlooking the recently relayed Eco-Power Stadium turf.
The evening celebrated the year 12, year 13 and higher education students, as well as the football and rugby academies, all of whom have finished their studies and training for the academic year.
Special guests, including WBC International Lightweight Champion, Terri Harper, boxing trainer and promoter Stefy Bull, boxing trainer Jimmy Harrington and professional boxer Jimmy Joe Flint, were on hand to present the awards to the students.
Sports College Principal, Adi Turnpenny, said: “The evening is a great opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements together after a year of hard work inside and outside of the classroom.
“Everyone enjoyed the evening and we are already looking forward to next year.”
With plenty of awards up for grabs, there was tough competition in every category. Ethan Hargreaves and Ryan Beal picked up the player of the year awards for the men’s academy first and second team respectively, whilst Tom Grinstead claimed the academy development player of the year.
First-year student and MMA fighter Ayesha Dacunha will go into the Youth MMA World Championships on the back of winning the sportswoman of the year, having excelled throughout the college year.
In the academic presentation, a total of six students were given special recognition awards upon completion of their Bachelor of Science degrees, which were achieved here at the Sports College.
Emily Medlock, Kyle Croft, Steven Swift, John Devnil and Louis Thwaites all received their 5-year recognition awards, whilst Brandon Burke picked up a 3-year recognition award.
Many of the students will progress onto positive pathways including: a second year of study with the Sports College, higher education, apprenticeships and full-time employment.
To round off proceedings, the academy second team were presented with their EFL CEFA North West Championship trophy after winning the league in the 2018/19 season.
For more information about Club Doncaster Sports College and how to apply for the different courses, visit the website: http://www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk.
From humble beginnings to record setting in a decade, the sports college is providing great opportunities for local youth.
Club Doncaster Sports College, based at the Eco-Power Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers FC and the Doncaster RLFC, has helped hundreds of youngsters in the community kickstart their careers since it opened in 2008.
Its unique curriculum has been designed to give learners the opportunity to develop their employability within sport, health, and fitness.
Principal Adi Turnpenny said: “We are a sports college based at the Eco-Power Stadium, we run sports courses for 16-18-year-olds at level two and three.
“We also run degree programmes where you can study for a degree right here at the Eco-Power Stadium.”
The college started very small with just one classroom in the stadium, however, now ten years on it now has 170 students.
Mr Turnpenny added: “We’re having a really positive impact on the young people of Doncaster, we’re helping them into jobs in the sports industry.”
“We’re not necessarily looking for the next Christiano Renaldo. We’re looking for the next PE teachers, physiotherapists, and gym instructors.”
The students go onto a wide variety of careers after their education. Many are employed by the Eco-Power Stadium themselves but others venture further afield.
One student is now a lecturer in American university Penn State.
“We’re offering great pathways for the young people of Doncaster,” said Mr Turnpenny.
The nationally recognised qualifications taught at the college have seen pass rates of 99.1 per cent and achievement rates of 92.6 per cent for academic year 17/18.
Impressive statistics include a 14.5 per cent above the national average in BTEC Diploma in Sport and a 9.1 per cent above the national average in BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport.
Founder of the college and current business development manager Jenna Scully said: “I am extremely proud of the college and all that our team has achieved over the last decade.
“From humble beginnings with a small cohort of just 15 learners taught in a spare room at the stadium, it is remarkable to see where we are now with over 170 learners studying in our impressive college facilities at the Eco-Power Stadium
“I’m sure our students and staff would all agree, the college really is a wonderful place to study and to work!”
Ben Howe, aged 18, from Kirksandall, is studying a BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sport and is planning at staying at the college and pursuing a degree alongside his passion for sport.
“The sports college has allowed me to take my rugby to the next level, I was given a chance to play with the Dons and now I’ve signed a contract with Castleford Tigers,” he said.
“I have a lot to thank the college for, it’s a really friendly environment.”
Chaneice Howson, 18, from Worksop, who is studying a BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sport said: “I’m currently a part of the women’s football team and it’s a great team to be a part of because all of the girls get along really well and we build each other’s confidence up.
“Being able to be in this facility in Doncaster has really made me be more aware of what I want to do in the future.
“The college here has helped me pursue what I want to do, and I’m hoping to take the next three years here and do my HE course.”
Stockport County football Szymon Czubik, who studied at the college, said: “My time at Club Doncaster Sport College was amazing.
“I gained lots of experience and skills during my two-year course.
“The college was professional yet fun, which made making friends easy. I’m still in touch with players and staff members who always helped me out. It’s a brilliant place to study and play. “
Club Doncaster Sports College are hosting a Football Training Camp, where we plan to show new students for the 2019/20 academic year what we have to offer in terms of academic and performance pathways in sport.
The day will be hosted by Deputy Principal Ben Thompson and Academy Coordinator Steve Hernandez and will also introduce students to the Football Academy on the new 4G pitches at the Eco-Power Stadium Soccer Centre.
The training camp will offer students the opportunity showcase their skills and get a real life feel of the coaching and facilities they’ll be able to enjoy at Club Doncaster Sports College.
Our courses are open to all footballing abilities and the day is aimed at helping students transition when they join us in September.
Cost: FREE
Date: Tuesday 23rd April 2019
Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Venue: Club Doncaster Sports College – Eco-Power Stadium – DN4 5JW
To confirm your attendance, please contact the college on 01302 764663 or alternatively, attend the event on our official Facebook page (facebook.com/ClubDoncasterSportsCollege/).
