News & Events

On May 21st, Club Doncaster Sports College hosted partners DN Colleges Group (Doncaster College and North Lindsey College) for the annual Varsity challenge at the Eco Power Stadium in glorious sunshine.

The annual Varsity comprises men’s and women’s matches between the two colleges, as well as a Club Doncaster Sports College in-house game. The event gave over 100 sports students the opportunity to ‘play on the pitch’ at the home of League 2 champions, Doncaster Rovers FC.

Game 1 – Ladies Varsity

Club Doncaster Sports College Ladies arrived at the Eco-Power Stadium as current Varsity champions and looking for back to back victories over DN Colleges’ Ladies Academy. The game started at a frantic pace with the Sports College employing a high pressing style to stifle their opponents. The scoring got underway when Ruby Burke found herself in space to fire the Sports College into the lead, this was the first of a brace for the free-scoring second year, in her final game in red and white. An encouraging theme of the scoring for CDSC was the fact the rest of the scorers were first year students who are hoping to be back competing in 2026.

The turning point in the fixture after a tight first half and an audacious goal from the DN Colleges captain came when Gracie Lucas, a winger who was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet, scored a quickfire hattrick to pull away from the DN Colleges. A highlight of the second half for the Sports College was the introduction of Faith Kelliher, a Year 12 student who has missed the whole season through injury; Faith recieved a rousing ovation when taking the field for her Varsity debut. Despite another special finish from the DN Colleges skipper and the heroics from keeper Sophia Lewis, the Sports College Ladies did enough to reclaim the title in a 9:2 victory.

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 6 wins out of 6, but knew they would face a stern test against a talented and experienced DN Colleges side which was a mixture of Doncaster College and North Lindsey College students. After a cagey opening, the Sports College emerged with the better chances, hitting the frame of the DN Colleges goal no fewer than 3 times in the first period alone. Despite the Sports College territorial advantage and better quality opportunities in front of goal, the first half ended goalless.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first half in terms of territory, however, a quick flowing move from DN Colleges saw a chance present itself on the corner of the CDSC box and a finely struck effort nestled into the corner of Jamie Stead’s net to open the scoring. Again, an attack by DN Colleges against the run of play drew a penalty, conceded by captain, Ali Breckell. In such a tightly contested game, a second goal would surely hand the title to DN Colleges for the first time, however, a magnificent diving save by Stead kept CDSC in the game and after that, the action was all in front of the South Stand and the DN Colleges’ net. With the clock ticking onto 90 minutes, the Sports College still trailed and it seemed like that’s how the game would end, until first year student Nathan Lee popped up with a timely equaliser at the death to take the game to penalties.

A moment in history for Men’s Varsity, which had never required the drama of penalties on the previous 6 occasions. Sports College captain, Ali Breckell won the toss and elected to go first in front of the South Stand; Ben Mullins, in his final game for the Sports College dispatched the penalty with aplomb to give CDSC the advantage. Jamie Stead, made himself a hero again with penalty saves against Gruia and Taylor, sandwiched in between a miss from CDSC skipper Breckell and goals from Kirk (CDSC) and Hawkins (DNC). Successful penalties from Crowder and Crompton cancelled each other out and at 3:2, Wilfey Woodham had the chance to win it for the Sports College, however, he saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Silverwood. Shipov stepped up, knowing that a goal would take it to sudden death, but Stead correctly went left and was equal to the penalty, making it 4 penalty saves in one game and the Sports College retained their crown for another year.

Game 3 – Inter-Sports College Varsity

Two squads of 18 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 Reds went ahead through Harrison Shikell, who showed composure to slot in from the edge of the area. After the goal, the game ebbed and flowed with the Greens taking the initiative with a succession of corners and front line pressure. Goals change the narrative of games and team talks, and so transpired as Bobby-Joe Machin scored to double the Reds’ lead on the stroke of half time.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with much attacking intent from CDSC Reds, and despite the heroics from Irvine in the Greens’ goal, the game got away from them. Shikell added to his first goal to claim a brace and Machin scored twice to achieve a Varsity hattrick. Johnson chipped in with a goal to cap off a fine display from the Reds, who ran out 6:0 winners.

Adi Turnpenny, Principal of Club Doncaster Sports College, said: ‘This year’s Varsity gave the students a unique opportunity to play on the Eco-Power Stadium pitch and experience the facilities at the home of the League Two champions.’ He added, ‘It was also a chance to celebrate the fantastic partnership between Club Doncaster Sports College and DN Colleges’.

Club Doncaster Sports College Principal Adi Turnpenny and Vice Principal Jenna Scully were honoured to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party today hosted by His Majesty The King.
Buckingham Palace Garden Parties are held each summer to recognise and thank individuals for their contributions to their communities.

The King and other members of the Royal Family were present, and it was a unique privilege to enjoy a relaxed afternoon, meet members of the Royal Family, and explore the Palace grounds.
Adi said ‘It was an incredible honour to be nominated for, and attend, this prestigious event. We are so proud that the work and impact of Club Doncaster Sports College has been rewarded in this way.
‘This recognition is on behalf of all the amazing staff who have made the College what it is today and our students, both past and present, who are fantastic ambassadors of the Sports College.’
‘We would like to thank all at Club Doncaster and our partners at DN Colleges for their continued support of our work.’

Jenna said ‘When we started work on the education arm of Club Doncaster Foundation in 2008, we wanted to provide courses and experiences that would have a positive impact on the young people of Doncaster.

‘Fast forward seventeen years and to have grown to a position where we offer further and higher education courses to over 200 students a year in our own purpose-built Sports College is testament to the hard work of everyone involved. The most pleasing aspect is that we have maintained the same values we started with along the way.’

Club Doncaster Foundation Chief Executive, John Davis added, ‘It is an immense privilege for us to be recognised for our educational work across the Doncaster community and it’s a reflection of how far our education team have come since the College’s inception.

Adi and Jenna were a part of the team that started our education offer and it is fitting to see them represent our Foundation at this prestigious event.’

It caps a remarkable academic year for Club Doncaster Sports College where they were presented with the Community Award at the University Campus Doncaster Graduation Ceremony and won the Partnership of the Year Award at the Doncaster Business Awards.

For more details about the Sports College please go to www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk.

Club Doncaster Sports College Principal, Adi Turnpenny, and Assistant Principal, Ben Thompson, attended the recent Doncaster Rovers Sponsor’s Event at the Eco-Power Stadium. The pair collected the away shirt of Doncaster Rovers winger Luke Molyneux, a symbol of the college’s continued support and partnership with the football club.

The other shirt holds a deeper meaning; the home shirt of former student and rising defender, Bobby Faulkner.

Assistant Principal, Ben Thompson said, ‘It’s more than a shirt, it’s a reminder of where passion and hard work can lead’. Bobby was part of Ben’s BTEC form group whilst he studied at the Sports College, ‘From student to professional athlete, Bobby has shown incredible desire and commitment to his career and we are proud to support him by sponsoring his shirt for another season”.

Both shirts will be proudly displayed in the college, inspiring future students to work hard, train hard, and believe that success in the vocation of sport is achievable as a Club Doncaster Sports College graduate.

A determination to change the world for the better has driven Joseph Olowu’s passion for work in the community.

The Rovers defender has been named League Two Community Player of the Season and received his award at a ceremony in Parliament, with his work with Club Doncaster Foundation’s Football Welcomes programme cited as a particular success.

“I’m just trying to make the world a better place,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s sound like a huge thing but you’ve got to just do it one step at a time.

“I’m trying to impact and help people in any shape or form. I might be injured at the moment but it doesn’t stop me from trying to spread my message and do things that I feel can help other people.
“It’s fulfilling and very humbling as well to see the reaction from people we work with.
“You can ask my mum – I’m a young boy born in a small village back home in Nigeria but I’m in a position where God is granting me the grace to help other people.
“It’s humbling because I’m just trying to do my small bit. My small bit seems as though it is going a long way so let’s do it.”

Alongside his support of refugees and asylum seekers through the Football Welcomes programme, Olowu funded and delivered care packages across the city at Christmas and has been a passionate attendee of a wide variety of community visits throughout the season.

He will attend the EFL Awards later this month where he will discover whether he has won the overall Community Player of the Season award for the Football League. Olowu thanked his family and those at the club for their help with his community work.

“I can’t stop smiling,” he said. “I’m very grateful to God, the people around me that have allowed me to do what I want to do because I’m very adventurous and I want to do a lot.
“If you have people around you that are willing to support you and push you then you can achieve these things.

“That has been a big thing for me to have my mum, sisters, family, everyone at the club behind me. It’s been fantastic to have people that are so willing to help me make things happen that I want to do.”
Rovers manager Grant McCann said: “A massive well done to Joseph for picking up this award. I see firsthand the work that Joseph does, as well as the club in general.
“It’s a massive accolade for him and one that is well-deserved.”

The Foundation’s CEO, John Davis added: “As a community-based charity, players like Joseph really help us to connect our work to the clubs that we serve.
“We’re delighted that Joseph has got this recognition for his work off the field, and we thank him for his ongoing support.”

The award winning Club Doncaster Sports College engages post-16 learners in education through the catalyst of sport, all based at the Eco-Power Stadium.

It’s well known for it’s unique curriculum and courses in the sport and sports coaching sectors, along with its football and rugby academies. This is something that drew Ellie into making the decision to join the Sports College.

“I’m currently in my second year with the Sports College, completing the Level 3 extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development,” Ellie discussed.

“The reason I wanted to come to the Sports College was because I’d see the success of the football team and the course really caught my eye. It’s a BTEC rather than an A-Level, so it’s all coursework, something I find a lot better for myself.

“I knew a couple of people who’d already come here, so I thought it would be an enjoyable experience for me.”

Being in her final year at college, Ellie has had to start thinking about the next steps and what pathway she’d like to take, following the completion of her course.

“I want to become a PE teacher in the future. I need to be able to plan sessions, so the session planning we do within the coaching unit, will help me with that.

“We’ve been able to gain work experience with XP school, delivering our own sessions, so it gives us the opportunity to practise these and put the work experience on our CV to allow us to gain better experiences in the future.”

Ellie has also taken on the role of captain for the Ladies Academy team this season, after being involved in the team who won the Community & Education Football Alliance League (CEFA) small sided league in the 23/24 season, where she travelled with the rest of the team to collect the trophy at the CEFA event down at Wembley Stadium ahead of the League One Play Off Final.

“I’m really into football. I feel the opportunities that college can give you from playing in the CEFA League are fantastic.

“Last year we won the cup in the small sided league, and being able to collect the trophy down at Wembley Stadium was something we’ll remember for a lifetime, creating those friendships within the team and really bonding as a group.”

It’s not just the experiences within the UK with the Sports College, Ellie has been involved in. She also got the chance to take part in the two-week sports tour to Utrecht in Holland, where alongside fellow students, she played international football against other ladies teams, gain valuable work experience with grassroots teams and visit the Sports College associated with FC Utrecht too.

“Going to Utrecht and playing international football, playing against different dutch sides, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being able to get that work experience abroad, having to overcome language barriers and other obstacles while there.”

Reflecting on her time at the Sports College, as she works towards completing the final few months of her course, Ellie feels the support she’s received from the college and the friendships she’s made, will stay with her for years to come.

“I feel my time at the college has really helped me develop as a person, I feel like I can be myself. Being captain of the football team has allowed me to become a leader and help everyone else.

“I’ve got friendships for life. I didn’t know anyone before I came to the Sports College and now I’m friends with everyone.

“I feel like it’s another home in a sense. Everyone cares for you and looks out for you too.

“It’s fun and enjoyable here, it’s like a family.”

Want to come and be part of the family? Applications for 2025/26 are open now. Year 11’s can apply online via the Sports College website: clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply

The University Campus Doncaster High Performance Centre officially opened its doors back in November 2023, providing state-of-the-art facilities for local grassroots and elite sports clubs across Doncaster, but it’s not just these clubs that have benefitted from the centre.

The partnership between Club Doncaster Sports College and University Campus Doncaster, allows pathways for students looking to study degrees in sport. Students like Rhys.

Rhys is currently enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Sport, Health & Exercise Science course, here at the Eco-Power Stadium, having completed 2 years at the Sports College on a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in Sports Coaching and Development course.

There were a number of factors that led him to continue his journey, that the partnership between the University and the Sports College has to offer.

“I’m on the Sports Science course here at the High Performance Centre and we’re currently doing biomechanics and fitness testing this month,” Rhys said.

“I wanted to come and study here within the HPC because of all the equipment that is available to use anytime we want.

“It’s great to be based within the stadium, somewhere that I already know from my time with the Sports College. I knew the tutors beforehand, so it’s not been a massive change since graduating from the college, it’s been a smooth transition and it’s still a similar structure.”

Those who study at the HPC, get to learn in a ‘live sporting environment’ and with elite athletes using the facilities on a regular basis.

Speaking on the benefit of this to his degree, Rhys said: “We have elite athletes from across Club Doncaster coming in the centre all the time, so you can help them recover after games.

“Every professional football and rugby team uses the equipment, so being able to get in and use it as early as I possibly can, will help me in the long run.

“To get a job in the future, you need to have the experience, and there’s no better experience than working on professional athletes that need it. It helps you in the long run, while helping them at the same time.”

As Rhys looks at the career path he hopes to take once graduating at the end of his degree, the support he’s received from the university to access additional work experience within elite teams, has given him an insight on a handful of roles in the future.

“I want to be a physio or strength and conditioning coach within a professional team and the staff here have helped me to gain that experience of these roles, allowing me access to different places.

“Every Monday I help out at Doncaster Knights, giving massages to players before their sessions and I’m also working with Doncaster RLFC’s S&C coach and helping with their sessions.”

Reflecting on the first few months of his degree and how much he’s enjoying it, he said, “This university has helped me get them hands on experiences.

“I’ve gained life skills, how I should be applying for jobs and what I need to do to actually get these jobs.

“It’s given me insight into working with professional clubs and helped me progress into working with elite athletes, seeing how I can improve and how we both benefit from working with one another.

“I’ve learnt so much already and I’m enjoying every single minute.”

Want to study a degree in a live sporting environment within the Heart of Doncaster, contact josh.wroot@don.ac.uk for Sports Science courses or Adam.lloyd@don.ac.uk for Coaching & PE courses.

Club Doncaster Sports College Students Embrace Time to Talk Day with Focus on Wellbeing and Mental Health

On Time to Talk Day, students at Club Doncaster Sports College came together to raise awareness and start conversations around mental health and wellbeing. The day, which is dedicated to breaking down the stigma around mental health, was marked by a series of engaging and interactive activities designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Students participated in boxing, meditation, relaxation techniques, and yoga, each aimed at helping them improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Fostering Open Conversations

Time to Talk Day is an annual initiative in the UK that encourages people to have open and honest conversations about mental health. The goal is to reduce stigma, provide support for those struggling with mental health issues, and emphasise the importance of looking after mental wellbeing. At Club Doncaster Sports College, this day became an opportunity for students to engage in activities that not only promoted physical fitness but also encouraged emotional resilience and mindfulness.

The emphasis on mental health awareness was evident throughout the day, with students encouraged to talk openly with peers and staff members. The activities offered a mix of physical and mental exercises, providing a well-rounded approach to improving overall health.

Boxing: Building Confidence and Focus

Boxing, a key activity on the day, was used to build confidence and focus. Students participated in training sessions where they practiced their punching techniques and engaged in physical drills. However, it wasn’t just about the fitness benefits. Boxing helps develop mental toughness, resilience, and concentration; all essential skills for managing stress and improving self-esteem.

Yoga and Meditation: Promoting Calm and Relaxation

Following the intense boxing sessions, students were guided through calming activities such as yoga and meditation. These activities allowed them to unwind and reflect on their mental state, offering tools to relax and reset after a busy day. Yoga, with its emphasis on deep breathing and gentle stretches, provided students with a safe space to release tension and connect with their bodies in a peaceful way.

Relaxation Techniques: The Power of Taking a Pause

Students were also introduced to various relaxation techniques that help reduce anxiety and stress. Simple breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization practices were demonstrated, with students encouraged to incorporate these into their daily routines.

These techniques were especially important in helping students understand that taking time for oneself is vital for maintaining mental health, particularly in times of stress or uncertainty. The session helped reinforce the idea that it’s okay to take a step back, breathe, and prioritize mental well-being, just as one would with physical health.

The Importance of Wellbeing at Club Doncaster Sports College

At Club Doncaster Sports College, fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support is central to the institution’s ethos. Staff members and students alike recognize the importance of maintaining a balance between physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional resilience. Time to Talk Day served as a reminder of how these aspects are interconnected and how engaging in activities that support both mind and body can have lasting positive effects.

A Step Toward Better Mental Health

Time to Talk Day at Club Doncaster Sports College was a resounding success, helping to normalise conversations about mental health and offering students practical ways to improve their overall wellbeing. With activities that promote physical fitness and mental relaxation, the event reminded everyone that mental health should always be a priority and that taking time to care for one’s mind is just as important as physical exercise.

Sports college students, as well as staff across the Foundation got involved with spreading festive cheer in the run up to Christmas, through the delivery of our Christmas Campaign.

Hundreds of care packages and toys were wrapped, packed and distributed to people in need across the city, supported by partner organisations, including People Focused Group (PFG).

Packages and toys have also been distributed to the Flying Scotsman Health Centre, New Beginnings centre and food donations to local food banks.

In addition to this, staff across the Foundation also supported with Club Doncaster’s ‘Bus full of Christmas’ campaign, providing additional toys and care packages for Eve’s Trust, the annual hospital visit and community centres.

All this wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of numerous people in the lead up to one of the busiest weeks of the calendar year.

Rovers first team players and academy scholars spent an afternoon each, wrapping piles of presents, ready to be gifted out to children across Doncaster.

Club Doncaster staff, alongside the Foundation, Sports College students and participants from a number of Foundation projects and programmes, helped with wrapping shoe boxes prior to being filled by items and toys for children and adults, as well as additional present wrapping too.

Donations were also made from fans at recent home games, participants and businesses including John Ryan, Taylor Stevenson Ltd, Rovers Shadow Board members, local musician ADMT and Rossington Main FC, to help support with additional items.

Solar365, NGS Travel and Harworth Group also donated towards the annual Walk & Talk Christmas festive session, which supporting providing each participant with a Christmas dinner during their final session of the year.

Phoebe Sneddon, Fundraising & Event’s Officer, who oversaw the campaign, spoke of the success: “We’ve been blown away by all the support we’ve received for our Christmas campaign.

“It’s been fantastic to see everyone come together to help us fill 100 care packages and wrap huge piles of toys to hand out.

“Christmas is such a special time of year for so many people, but it’s not the case for everyone. We hope that the campaign we have done, will have spread festive cheer to numerous people across Doncaster, put smiles on faces and make sure that no-one wakes up on Christmas Day without a gift.

“It’s campaigns like this that really show what positive impact we can make when we come together, to numerous lives within Doncaster.”

A huge thankyou to everyone that got involved in our 2024 Foundation Christmas Campaign.