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Ben Howe, former Sports College student and current Club Doncaster Foundation community coach, gained his first start for the Dons in 2022 last weekend, in their first victory since the start of the Betfred League One campaign. Alongside starting, Ben also scored his first professional try and was awarded the man of the match for his impressive performance.

Ben has been a part of the Club Doncaster group for a number of years, partaking in a range of courses through the Sports College, before signing a professional contract with the Dons. Alongside the Dons, Ben is currently enrolled as a current student with University Centre – Doncaster, based at the Eco-Power Stadium, while also delivering sports sessions at schools within the local area, for Club Doncaster Foundation.

Deputy Principal, Head of Further Education, Ben Thompson spoke about his delight of seeing the remarkable achievement of Ben; “The Sports College staff are delighted to see the hard work Ben is putting in, off the pitch, translating on the pitch.

“His attitude within the classroom around the other students is always fantastic. Before signing for his pro contract, he played a pinnacle part for the Dons Academy team and was named the academy captain.

“His achievements highlight the direct link that the Sports College has with the professional clubs here at Club Doncaster and sets a precedent for other students to hopefully gain the opportunity to build their own pathway into professional sports too.’

Speaking of the vital link between the Sports College and the Dons, CEO Carl Hall commented, “Everyone at the Don’s is thrilled for Ben being named man of the match on his first start in 2022.

“Ben signed for the Dons as a result of his performances within the Club Doncaster Sports College rugby league academy, as a student. Having the pathway available for local young people to progress into a professional setting is essential, and Ben’s story shows how this is possible and what can be achieved with the right work ethic and attitude.”

Club Doncaster Sports College students are celebrating another incredible year of success with a 100% pass rate across all qualifications. 

127 students contributed to the fantastic results which capped another remarkable year for Club Doncaster Sports College since it was established in 2008 at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Principal, Adi Turnpenny, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with the results and, in this most challenging of years, that students have completed all courses with the skills and knowledge to progress.

“The results are a credit to the adaptability, resilience and hard work of the students and the incredible staff that support them.

“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. 

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

Student Ellie Midgley said: “Club Doncaster Sports College has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream career in sport as a physiotherapist.  Achieving D* D* D after all the hard work was 100% worth it. I would highly recommend the college to anyone looking for a career in sport.”

Alongside all academic programmes, students have the opportunity to represent the badge of Doncaster Rovers FC, Doncaster Rovers Belles FC, and the Dons RLFC in EFL/RFL National College leagues, as well as experiencing a host of other sports. 

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

‘Resilient’ Club Doncaster Sports College students celebrate end of challenging academic year with sports dinner and awards ceremony.  

 Students at Club Doncaster Sports College were welcomed to the Eco-Power Stadium Legends Lounge on Tuesday night where they celebrated the end of the 2020/21 academic year with a sports dinner and awards ceremony. 

 Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, students have enjoyed a year in which they have been studying both in class and at home. This hybrid approach has seen captivating digital learning and online initiatives help the college achieve an ‘outstanding’ 97.7% student retention rate.  

 Adi Turnpenny, principal at Club Doncaster Sports College, has praised the commitment of students and creative thinking of staff to make the year a success.  

Adi said: ‘We are delighted with how we have adapted in an extraordinary year to continue to offer our students the best possible education.   

 “The commitment, creative thinking and skill of our staff has shone through in the most challenging of circumstances for everyone. I would like to thank all the parents for their support and communication in helping us achieve this.”    

“The people who deserve huge credit though are the students.  They have been motivated, resilient and focussed throughout and have continued to produce excellent work both remotely and in college.  These qualities will stand them in good stead for the future and we are proud of them all.” 

The awards ceremony was the first opportunity that the students have had to celebrate their achievements as a group since lockdown restrictions were imposed at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Ebonie Haver, an active IQ Level 2 student, said: “Throughout this year the Sports College staff have gone above and beyond to make the courses an enjoyable experience. The lessons were always interesting and challenging in the classroom and online and as the restrictions started to lift, we got the chance to play Varsity on the Eco-Power Stadium pitch which was a dream come true.  

“Tonight has just topped off an amazing two years with the college, it’s been so good to see students honoured for their sporting and academic achievements and to do that together as a group has been special.” 

Throughout the year, students enjoyed a number of initiatives such as a virtual trip to London to celebrate Doncaster Rovers’ cup fixture with West Ham, guest lecturers from Royal Marine Commando Chef Mike Beaton and former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten, and were also given the chance to support the Doncaster community with NCS social action. 

Josh Halls, a BTEC Level 3 Sport student at the College, said: “The time I have spent at the college has been the best 2 years of my life, I’ve met so many people who I consider now to be my best friends, and we’ve managed to turn a global pandemic into a chance to increase the unity between the class as a whole. 

“I would recommend the sports college to anyone as it help revitalise my chances of higher education to the point where I got accepted into every university I applied for, and it has helped develop my confidence and self esteem so that I felt confident in more situations surrounding my everyday life.” 

Club Doncaster Sports College courses provide a direct pathway to university or a career in the sports industry. 

 Click here to apply in seconds.

Club Doncaster Sports College and Doncaster Rovers Belles are teaming up to provide a fantastic new footballing opportunity for female students studying at the Sports College.

The partnership will see the Club Doncaster Sports College Ladies Academy team compete in the EFL CEFA League under the Belles banner and enhance the development of a direct link between the Sports College and Doncaster Rovers Belles – which will offer a direct pathway into the Belles team whilst players study and represent the Sports College.

With the introduction of the new team, Sports College students will have an opportunity to gain an award winning education whilst participating in a regional senior league against several teams representing WSL clubs.

Club Doncaster Sports College Principal, Adi Turnpenny said: “We are delighted to have cemented this link with the Belles and develop the relationship between our two teams as a part of the Club Doncaster organisation.

“This partnership strikes a perfect balance of quality educational sport pathways, alongside the opportunity for our students to represent the Doncaster Rovers Belles at a competitive level.”

The Belles are passionate about the development of women’s football in the Doncaster area, and keeping local talent in Doncaster teams is key to achieving this goal.

RTC Technical Director, Amanda Greenslade, explains how the partnership will help the Belles achieve their objective to harness local talent: “As a club we are delighted to be able to support our players with both a dual career programme at the Club Doncaster Sports College as well as an additional team that will compete at all levels of the game.

“This is an important step to support our players after our successful RTC programme which finishes at 16 years old. The programmes will bridge the gap between our youth and senior teams as well as supporting players’ educational needs in both further and higher education with the college’s Active IQ, BTEC and degree programmes.”

Club Doncaster Sports College are still taking applications for 2021/22.

Their sports courses provide a direct pathway to university or a career in the sports industry.

Click here to apply in seconds; clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/

Club Doncaster Sports College students were joined by SEED ambassador and former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten for an informative talk on the dangers of eating disorders this afternoon.

It’s part of a regional tour organised by SEED support services who work to help people who are living with eating disorders.  

The actress, best known for her role in Emmerdale, is visiting a series of schools and colleges where she’ll be using SEED’s educational toolkit to help support the delivery of eating disorder awareness training.

Gemma said: “Early intervention and education is absolutely paramount when it comes to eating disorder awareness and support. 

“It’s wonderful to see the conversation continuing and hopefully we can help more kids. 

“As we know there’s a growing increase in those developing eating orders at the moment, especially due to the pandemic, so it’s vital we start being open and encouraging people to understand and educate themselves about eating disorders and also feel like they’re not alone and that they can talk.” 

The SEED educational toolkit helps teachers and group leaders to talk confidently about eating disorders, wellbeing and body image.  

“Gemma’s story was really thought provoking and engaging”, explained Sports College head of further education Emma Harrison.  

“It’s so important that our learners have the knowledge and understanding of eating disorders, and know where to access support either for themselves or to provide a support framework for peers, family and friends. 

“We’d like to thank Gemma for joining us here at the Eco-Power Stadium and for engaging the students.” 

Adam Morrison, a student at the College, said: “Gemma’s talk was very insightful and it has given me the tools to recognise the signs of somebody struggling with an eating disorder.  

“I’m now much more confident that I could support a friend or family member who was contending with such an issue”.  

You can find out more about SEED, here.  

Applications are now open for Club Doncaster Sports College for 2021. Apply here.  

Club Doncaster Sports College are delighted to announce four new signings to strengthen their ambassador team.

The new recruits will help compliment the excellent work already happening on both the academic and academy elements of the college.

Each ambassador represents their own specialist area as follows

Legacy – Ben Howe

Participation – Andy Butler

Wellbeing – Kirsty Smith

Inclusion – Patrick Queen

“We’re really excited to appoint the new ambassadors, who we’re sure will add value to our student’s college experiences and offers a great opportunity for enrichment alongside their studies”, explained College deputy principal Ben Thompson.

“To many, they will be familiar faces, but they’ll each bring their own specialisms into the college to support the development of our students and will add value to our education offer.”

“The Ambassadors are from different organisations within the Club Doncaster group and highlight the strong, tangible links the Sports College has with the professional sports clubs in the town, increasing opportunities for our students when it comes to their education, work experience and career prospects”.

Club Doncaster Sports College courses provide a direct pathway to university or a career in the sports industry.   

Click here to apply in seconds, and receive a virtual interview within 48 hours; clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/

Club Doncaster Sports College are delighted to announce four new signings to strengthen their ambassador team.

The new recruits will help compliment the excellent work already happening on both the academic and academy elements of the college.

Each ambassador will represent their own specialist area; legacy, participation, wellbeing or inclusion – with their identities being revealed day-by-day on the college’s social media accounts.

“We’re really excited to appoint the new ambassadors, who we’re sure will add value to our student’s college experiences and offers a great opportunity for enrichment alongside their studies”, explained College deputy principal Ben Thompson.

“To many, they will be familiar faces, but they’ll each bring their own specialisms into the college to support the development of our students and will add value to our education offer.”

“The Ambassadors are from different organisations within the Club Doncaster group and highlight the strong, tangible links the Sports College has with the professional sports clubs in the town, increasing opportunities for our students when it comes to their education, work experience and career prospects”.

Club Doncaster Sports College courses provide a direct pathway to university or a career in the sports industry.   

Click here to apply in seconds, and receive a virtual interview within 48 hours; clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/

Mental health campaigner Chloe Bellerby joined a group of Club Doncaster Sports College students for a chat around time to talk day.

Chloe speaks passionately about her struggles with mental health, her journey from Yorkshire to America as well as her activities as a mental health advocate.

“Chloe delivered a fascinating call from start to finish”, explained Foundation sport development officer Kelly Jackson-Powell.

“Talking about our mental health and the way we are feeling is as important as ever, and time to talk day does a great job of bringing our attention back to the way we’re feeling.

“We’d like to thank Chloe for taking the time out to deliver the talk to our participants and students who were hooked from start to finish.”

Sports Recruiting USA, who helped Chloe on her journey to America, will go on to support a handful of College students who have aspirations to study in America.

You can find out more about Time to Talk Day, here. 

Club Doncaster Sports College students are continuing to engage in remote learning during the third national lockdown, with 100% of their students continuing to follow the home learning syllabus. 

“We are very proud of the approach to these challenging circumstances from everyone at the Sports College”, explained College principal Adi Turnpenny.

“Our students have been able to continue to access the high quality sports courses we offer, helped greatly by the dedication and adaptability of our staff, and the support of parents.  

“We are delighted by how we are performing ‘virtually’ but, of course, look forward to returning to  our classrooms and sports pitches when it is safe to do so.”

Staff have worked hard to produce a mixture of live lessons, facilitated study and engaging content for students throughout the start of the spring term.

CDSC are running a live virtual open event this Thursday for 16-18 year olds who are interested in their sports courses. Find out more, here.
 
Their sports courses provide a direct pathway to university or a career in the sports industry. 
 
Click here to apply in seconds, and receive a virtual interview within 48 hours; clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/