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University Campus Doncaster proudly introduced a new Community Award at this year’s graduation ceremony, a tribute to local organisations making a profound impact on the campus and the Doncaster community. This award emphasises the essential role these organisations play in fostering a future filled with opportunity, unity, and growth, recognising those who have gone above and beyond to support students and the broader community.

Club Doncaster Sports College (CDSC) were a proud recipient of the award, highlighting the excellent opportunities which have been offered to young people in the area in the vocation of sport. Over the past 16 years, CDSC has become the area’s fastest-growing sports college, with a reputation for excellence in post-16 education. Known for its culture of “growing our own,” CDSC is dedicated to helping students excel both academically and personally. This mission has led to collaborations with DN Colleges Group, including the development of cutting-edge facilities like the High Performance Centre at the Eco-Power Stadium, which benefits elite sports clubs across Doncaster.

CDSC’s commitment to student growth extends internationally through the Turing Scheme, providing students with valuable European work experiences that foster both employability and cultural awareness. The college’s innovative curriculum is tailored to equip students for careers in sport, health, and fitness, yielding graduates who frequently secure full-time positions in their chosen fields.

This award is a testament to CDSC’s dedication to building an empowered, skilful student body ready to contribute to Doncaster’s vibrant future. Accepting the award on behalf of CDSC, Principal Adi Turnpenny and Vice Principal Jenna Scully expressed pride in their students’ achievements and CDSC’s commitment to excellence.

CDSC Principal Adi Turnpenny said “It’s an honour to be recognised for our ongoing commitment to the community and our partnership with DN Colleges Group, providing both further and higher education opportunities for Doncaster’s young people. We are proud to bring top-quality sports education to the region, helping students excel on and off the field and supporting their ambitions in sports, health, and beyond.”

We are excited to announce that applications for 2025/26 are open. Year 11’s can apply online via the Sports College website: clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply

Doncaster RLFC are delighted to announce the launch of a new U18s Development Academy in partnership with Club Doncaster Sports College. The partnership will provide an opportunity for young local athletes to train, play and study full time at Club Doncaster Sports College whilst representing Doncaster RLFC.

The programme will be open and available to both boys and girls in years 12 and 13. Alongside the playing opportunities, the Dons will provide work experience for students throughout their studies.

Dons head of development, Josh Riding said: ‘This is a really exciting time for the Dons and this is the next step in the club’s continued growth. The club can now provide an academy system for aspiring professional rugby league players, bridging the gap between junior and adult competitions. With this partnership, we now have a genuine pathway for local junior players to reach our first team squad’.

Club Doncaster Sports College offers courses at Level 2 and Level 3 in Sports Coaching for 16-18 year olds; last year achieving a 100% pass rate across these programmes.

The boys and girls rugby academy will join the football academy in enriching these programmes further.

Principal Adi Turnpenny said ‘We are looking forward to working with the Dons to provide both a top quality educational experience as part of their pathway. Our students are able to access fantastic experiences in rugby league through our partnership with the Dons and it will be great to grow this further.’

On July 5th, staff and students came together for the annual Sports College graduation evening at the Eco-Power Stadium, to celebrate another incredible academic year.

They celebrated the end of the 2023/24 academic year with a 2 course meal, a look back on the achievements from the year and concluded with an awards ceremony.

First up on the awards ceremony, were the awards for the player of the season within the academy teams. Jake Ellwood won the Development Squad Academy player of the season, with Harry Westron being named CDSC Men’s Academy player of the season for the first team.

Lauren Carr obtained the Women’s Academy player of the season, with Aarlan Kitching receiving the player of the season for the Men’s Academy second team.

Awards were also given out for student of the year for each form group and both English and Maths qualifications. Take a look at the list of winners below:

Student of the Year Awards 2024:

Year 12 Level 2 (Kyle’s Form) – Leighton Thorpe

Year 13 Level 2 (Will’s Form) – Troy Sharpe

GCSE English – Lauren Carr

GCSE Maths – Megan Irving

Year 12 Level 3 (Courtney’s Form) – Ruby Burke

Year 12 Level 3 (Emma’s Form) – Katie Rowney

Year 13 Level 3 (Joe’s Form) – Kitty Oxby

Year 13 Level 3 (Ben’s Form) – Aidan Cox

Alongside the academic learning, students enjoyed a range of experiences and trips throughout the year. From educational stadium tours at Manchester United and the National Football Museum, an amazing trip to Wembley Stadium to watch the League 1 Play-Off Final and pick up the Ladies EFL CEFA trophy to inspirational talks from Doncaster Rovers players & management and annual football events such as Varsity, Form Cup and Christmas Cup.

Not forgetting, the highly anticipated 2-week Turing Utrecht Sports Tour, which gave students the opportunity to play international friendlies, gain vital work experience coaching and officiating local Utrecht grassroots teams and get to experience and learn about the local culture in the Netherlands. The students also experienced an Eredivisie fixture and witnessed a last minute winner for FC Utrecht against Go Ahead Eagles.

Awards were also collected on the night for ‘European Tour Outstanding Performance’ for both Ladies and Men’s team. Katie Rowney, who was on the scoresheet several times, won the outstanding performance award for the Ladies, with Matthew Brayshaw securing the outstanding performance award for the Men, following his excellent leadership within the group.

Sports College principal, Adi Turnpenny, spoke about the academic year, saying “The students have represented Club Doncaster Sports College brilliantly this year and the staff are proud of them all.

“Alongside working hard on their qualifications, they have had some amazing experiences including a two week work experience in the Netherlands and a trophy presentation at Wembley.

“The Sports Dinner and Awards evening has been wonderful celebration of their achievements.”

Applications for the Sports College are now closed for the 2024/25 academic year, as they are now at full capacity. Applications for the 2025/26 academic year will be opening up later on this year. Keep an eye out on our social media channels for the announcement.

If you want to take a look at the courses that are on offer at the Sports College and take a look at the prospectus, you can visit www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk.

Club Doncaster Sports College hosted partners DN Colleges Group (Doncaster College and North Lindsey College) for their annual varsity day at the Eco Power Stadium yesterday in glorious sunshine.

The event, which gave 93 sports students the opportunity to ‘play on the pitch’ at the home of Doncaster Rovers FC. The Varsity comprises men’s and women’s matches between the two colleges, as well as a Club Doncaster Sports College in-house game.

Game 1 – Ladies Varsity

DN Colleges arrived at the Eco-Power Stadium as current Varsity champions and looking for back to back victories over the Sports College Ladies Academy. The game started at a frantic pace with both sides calving out good chances in the early stages, but after 20 minutes, the deadlock was broken when Chloe Anderson capitalised after a set-piece was only half cleared and the forward was on hand to slot the ball home. After the goal, Club Doncaster Sports College Ladies settled into the game and Anderson was on the scene again to claim her second and then spectacular third in a quick fire hattrick to make it 3:0. Another veteran, Mille Croft, then came into the game, matching Anderson with three unanswered goals, all of which were excellent finishes, leaving Cusworth in the DN Colleges net, little chance of preventing them. With the clock running down, DN Colleges claimed an audacious consolation goal which turned out to be the goal of the day and made the score 6:1. In a wonderful moment of footballing poetic licence, captain, record appearance holder and Sports College veteran, Ellie Mortimer, in the final minute of her final appearance for CDSC finished off a superb passage of play to claim the seventh and final goal for CDSC, who ran out 7:1 winners, claiming the Varsity title for 2023.

Darran Collington, Women’s Coach for DN Colleges said, “It was a fantastic pleasure to be involved in such a tremendous experience. The students had an experience of a lifetime, which has been an amazing reward for their behaviour and commitment throughout the season. Thank you so much for having us.”

Game 2 – Men’s Varsity

Club Doncaster Sports College Men’s 1st XI came into the Varsity game against DN Colleges with a perfect record of 5 wins out of 5, but knew they would face a stern test against a talented and experienced DN Colleges side. After a cagey opening, the Sports College scored a goal against the run of play through Graves, then a quick fire brace from Swaby, followed by a Holdcroft strike saw CDSC settle into the game. A 5th goal was scored by Graves, to complete his brace and soon after, Willard made it 6:0, and seemingly all over, however, DN Colleges had other ideas. A penalty for DN College just before half time offered some hope and this was followed by another penalty conversion just after half time and then a fine solo effort had the Sports College on its heels. The turning point in the second half came as DN Colleges hit the bar with a fantastic effort and Will Gomes from the Sports College popped up at the other end shortly after to slot home for 7:3. In the final 10 minutes, Ashton Jacques scored to make the lead unassailable and the Sports College retained the trophy for another year.

Danny Boast, Men’s Coach for DN Colleges said, “The varsity was a huge success again! Although the result didn’t go in our favour again, we closed the gap and gave the players memories they won’t forget! The club Doncaster staff have an amazing set up and we hope we can continue this amazing relationship moving forward!”

Game 3 – Inter-Sports College Varsity

Two squads of 15 Sports College students faced off against each other in a bid to claim the Patrick Queen Trophy. In a game played in a fantastic spirit, the Blues had an opportunity to go ahead via captain, Matthew Thompson, but his penalty was brilliantly saved by Ryan Roe. Shortly after the penalty miss, the Blues edged ahead with an astute finish from Harry Westron; this would prove to be the first of a hattrick for the first year marksman. A goal from Weston looked to have made the game safe for the Blues, but Nemet and Christie reduced the arrears, and but for a string of excellent saves from Aarlan Kitching, the score could have been very different. At the death, Liam Rouse scored a penalty in his final game for the college to seal the win and with it, the trophy. Final score at the Eco-Power, 5:2.

Adi Turnpenny, Principal of Club Doncaster Sports College, said: ‘The Varsity gave the students a once in a lifetime opportunity to play on the Eco-Power Stadium pitch and it was an event enjoyed by all.’ He added, ‘It was also a chance to celebrate the fantastic partnership between Club Doncaster Sports College and DN Group’.

Rebecca Pariff, DN Colleges Curriculum Lead for Sport and Animal Care, “I really enjoyed it on Wednesday, all our students and staff had an amazing day and it was such a great memorable experience. Thank you so much for organizing it all and allowing us to share it with Club Doncaster. To see all the dedicated women and men on the pitch was such a special occasion and one I hope to be involved in many more times in the future”.

Students had a matchday experience worthy of the first team including use of home and away changing rooms, lining up in the players tunnel, matchday media and even a matchday programme. The honours on the day belonged to Club Doncaster Sports College, winning the Men’s trophy and Ladies trophy but, more importantly, it was a day where lasting memories were made for all the students involved.

For more details about Club Doncaster Sports College, visit www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk or call 01302 764663.

Club Doncaster Sports College are pleased to announce Doncaster Rovers’, Luke Molyneux as Education Ambassador for the 22/23 season.

Alongside Luke; Adam Clayton, George Miller, Jon Taylor, Joseph Olowu, Kyle Hurst, Kyle Knoyle have all been chosen to represent the Foundation within different areas of work that they feel best suits them.

Luke will work with the Sports College on various projects, in supporting and promoting throughout the course of the season.

Having Luke as an ambassador will allow students the opportunity to engage with one of their favourite players off of the pitch, and to showcase the activities that are delivered on a weekly basis.

CEO of the Foundation, John Davis, commented “We are delighted to welcome our new player ambassadors for the 22/23 season. The connection between our players and our communities is an integral part of what we do at the Foundation on a daily basis, so to have the players support is vital.

“Together we’ll be able to help more people and improve lives across Doncaster.”

Club Doncaster Foundation are proud to support our local community in various outreach projects. To find out more about our projects, please contact 01302 764663.

Over 40 sports college students got a once in a lifetime opportunity to be ball crew for the Rugby League World Cup fixtures held at the Eco-Power Stadium last month. 

The Eco-Power Stadium saw a number of international teams take to the pitch over the course of a couple of weeks. France took on Greece on October 17, Samoa were victorious in a comfortable win against Greece on October 23, with the final game taking place between PNG and Wales on October 31.

The students were ball crew for all three games, on hand to distribute rugby balls throughout each game, allowing for smooth transitions and minimal breaks in play. In addition, they were also flag bearers for all the nations in the opening ceremony parade.

One student, who volunteered their time, Ben Barton, currently a BTEC Level 3 Year 13 student, said, “It was a real buzz to be part of the Ball Crew for the Rugby League World Cup. 

“As a huge fan of rugby league, to be so close to the benches and the on-field action was amazing. I was literally yards from Samoa performing the Siva Tau, which was definitely a highlight.”

Ben Thompson, Deputy Principal of Club Doncaster Sports College, spoke of having students from the College on hand to support the world cup, “At the Sports College, we were delighted that our students were able to experience and play such a big part in three world class events here at the stadium.

“Our students being Ball Crew, highlights the excellent links we have with professional rugby league in the Doncaster area and exhibits our commitment to offering meaningful, tangible work experience opportunities in sport for our learners. 

“We’d like to say a huge ‘well done’ to everyone who volunteered for the games and allowed them to flow seamlessly.”

Want to be part of the Sports College and get to experience opportunities like this? Applications are now open for 23/24 academic year. Visit https://clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/ or 01302 764663 for more info.

Club Doncaster Sports College students are celebrating an outstanding set of results after achieving a 100% pass rate across all sport qualifications for this past year.

102 students, aged 16-19, contributed to the results which capped another remarkable year for the Sports College based at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Five students attained D*D*D* on the level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development qualification – the highest possible grade – amongst many fine achievements.

All first-year level 2 students attained qualified Gym Instructor status and all second-year students have become accredited Personal Trainers as part of their courses.

Principal, Adi Turnpenny said “We are absolutely delighted with the results which reward the hard work of the students who have performed fantastically both inside and outside of the classroom all year.

“This is another year in which the College has achieved an outstanding set of results of which our incredible staff are extremely proud.

“I’d like to wish all graduates the best of luck in the future and we look forward to welcoming our new students and those returning to us for a second year in September.”

Many of the level 3 BTEC graduates will continue their studies by progressing into higher education with the College, studying specialist sports degrees run in partnership with Doncaster College.”

Student Ellie Mortimer, who achieved D*D*D*, said, “I am delighted with my results and am grateful for the support I have received from staff. I am looking forward to staying on and studying the degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching in September.”

Club Doncaster Sports College also contributed to the recent OFSTED of DN Colleges Group which saw the college achieve an overall grade of ‘good’ with four areas graded ‘outstanding.’

Alongside all academic programmes, students have the opportunity to represent Doncaster Rovers FC and Doncaster Rovers Belles FC in approved EFL Leagues, gain experiences with the Dons RLFC, and enjoy a host of other sports.

The College has a waiting list open for this September and is also taking applications for academic year 23/24.

To apply or find out more details about Club Doncaster Sports College, visit www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk or call 01302 764663

Sports College student, Bobby Faulkner has recently signed a new two-year deal with Doncaster Rovers, after signing his first pro contract last November through progressing within Doncaster Rovers Academy.

Bobby is in his final year with the Sports College and is due to complete his BTEC Level 3 in Sport, this July. During his time at the college, Bobby has taken part in numerous foundation activities, including the annual Varsity cup and the NCS programme.

Throughout this academic year, Bobby has spent large amounts of time within the professional football environment but has continued to work hard with his academic work with the Sports College, providing continued updates on his coursework and utilising the help of the tutors when needed.

He has continued to attend college to ensure his work is up to date and completed to the highest standard, in the time when professional footballers are relaxing after the end of the season, prior to next seasons preparations.

Club Doncaster Sports College lecturer, Nathan Fawley said, “Bobby has continued to remain dedicated to his studies throughout this year, even when he’s had two big plates to spin with his professional football and academic studies.”

“Bobby is a popular student and works well with his classmates. There is a real buzz from his classmates with the news of his new contract.”

“Lot’s of our students have played with or against Bobby in their time at college. It’s been great to see the support that he has had from all.”

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to teach Bobby and play a small part in his journey. His attitude and story serves as inspiration to current and future students of the Sports College.”

Speaking of the Sports College’ support, Faulkner said, “Since signing for Doncaster Rovers, Club Doncaster Sports College have been very flexible and fully supportive of my progression into professional football.”

“I can only thank them for their understanding of my career and allowing me to adapt my college work and study around my footballing schedule.”

For more information on the Sports College and courses on offer, please visit the Sports College website: www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk