News & Events

Students from Club Doncaster Sports College spent Friday morning off timetable to take part in a number of activities, to help spark conversations around mental health. They were given the opportunity to select three different activities, over the course of the morning, as part of the Sports College’s annual Time to Talk Day activities.

Taking place each year, Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, where people can come together to talk, listen and change lives. Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can even save lives. Talking can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it. It’s an event that the lecturers make sure is planned into the calendar every academic year, to help support students with their wellbeing and give them the opportunity to switch off from the outside world and the demand of their coursework.

Ben Thompson, Vice principal is behind the planning of the morning. “It’s really important for us that students physical and mental wellbeing is prioritised.

“We take this one day a year for them to focus on themselves, look at coping strategies, mechanisms and focus on the mental wellbeing and tactics too. It helps them to alleviate stress of being a student.

“It’s something that we don’t always have enough time in the curriculum to really focus on, so it’s an ideal opportunity to take some time, stop and support the students in their mental health journey.”

Activities available to choose from were a boxing session with Jimmy Harrington from Freedom Boxing, a yoga class, mindfulness sessions including journal making and colouring, meditation, along with darts and table tennis competitions.

Student Zoe, spoke of the sessions being a break from her usual college work. “It’s been a really good morning, it’s a break from it all. Doing some good stuff with the teachers.

“Mental health is important. Days like today, you get to speak to everyone about it and have a breather.

“I really enjoyed the boxing and the mindfulness activities where we were just doing colouring etc, zoning out.

“It’s certainly made me more motivated for the rest of the college year. You have a breather, relax and reset and then you’re ready to carry on.”

Opening up about our mental health can be the first step towards getting help.

If you or someone you care about needs support, visit mind.org.uk/TimeToTalkDay

This week, the Sports College students were visited by Craig Collins, Head of Analysis for Doncaster Rovers Academy, who delivered an engaging and insightful session on modern football performance.

During the visit, Craig shared his expertise on technical identification, tactical principles, and the use of performance analysis within an academy environment. Students gained a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how data, video analysis, and observation are used to support player development and inform coaching decisions at a professional level.

The session provided a fantastic opportunity for students to link classroom learning with real-world practice, ask questions about careers in sport, and deepen their understanding of the analytical demands of the modern game.

Student Council Spreads Festive Cheer with Christmas Gift Campaign

In the final week of term, students at Club Doncaster Sports College demonstrated the true spirit of Christmas by taking part in their annual Student Council Christmas campaign, bringing joy to members of the local community.

This year, the Student Council collected over 100 gifts, which were donated, wrapped and personally delivered to residents at Sandrock House Care Home. The initiative formed part of the Pass The Parcel project, delivered in partnership with Pass Logistics Doncaster and Doncaster Rovers Football Club.

Students worked collaboratively to organise the appeal, ensuring each present was thoughtfully prepared before visiting the care home to hand them over. The delivery brought smiles to residents and staff alike, highlighting the positive impact the Student Council can have in the Doncaster community as well as the Sports College.

Student Council Coordinator, Kyle Croft praised the students for their commitment and generosity:

“I am incredibly proud of our Student Council and everyone who contributed to this campaign. Collecting and delivering over 100 gifts is a fantastic achievement and shows the compassion, leadership and community spirit our students demonstrate through our Student Council. Initiatives like this help our young people understand the importance of giving back and making a difference beyond the classroom.”

The Christmas campaign is a long-standing tradition at Club Doncaster Sports College and reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, teamwork and social responsibility. Staff and students are already looking forward to continuing their work with local partners and supporting meaningful projects in the future.

After an incredible 37 years of dedicated service, we are announcing the retirement of our esteemed colleague, Eric Randerson, from Club Doncaster Sports College and The Foundation.

Eric has been an integral part of the Foundation since its earliest days, contributing tirelessly to our growth, our community work, and the lives of countless people across Doncaster. His passion, commitment, and unfailing belief in the power of community sport have helped shape who we are today. Eric’s impact will be felt for many years to come, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has given to the organisation.

We will be formally celebrating Eric’s remarkable service at our community fixture in the new year, where we hope many of you will join us in recognising his achievements and wishing him well in his retirement.

Eric commented:“After 37 years with Club Doncaster Foundation and Doncaster Rovers, it’s time to hang up my boots. I retire with a deep sense of gratitude.

I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly wonderful colleagues who have supported me in delivering football, health, and fitness sessions to the Doncaster community.

I’m proud of what we have achieved together, but even more grateful for the friendships, support, and memories along the way. Thank you to everyone who has shared this journey with me.”

Foundation CEO, John Davis, commented: “Eric was instrumental in the development and growth of this Foundation, and it has been an absolute privilege working alongside him during my time here.

There are not many people I meet across Doncaster who haven’t got a story about how Eric has supported their sporting journey, so his legacy is far-reaching.

We look forward to our community fixture, where we will be formally recognising Eric’s incredible service to our charity and the Doncaster community.”

We are sure that many people would like to congratulate Eric on this incredible milestone and thank him for his exceptional contribution over nearly four decades and those that wish to can still reach Eric on his Foundation email address until he formally leaves his role in the new year.

We’ll confirm further details of the plans to mark his incredible service in the run-up to our community day fixture in early 2026.

Club Doncaster Sports College Welcomes Back the Class of 2025

Club Doncaster Sports College proudly welcomed back members of the Class of 2025 as special guests at the Rovers vs. Stockport County fixture, celebrating their outstanding achievements from the previous academic year.

Alumni were invited to enjoy the matchday experience as a thank you for their hard work, dedication, and contribution to the Sports College. Staff were on hand to greet returning students, catching up on their onward journeys into employment, higher education, and new opportunities.

The visit also featured a well received treat of Domino’s pizza, giving former students the chance to relax, reconnect, and share their post-college stories.

The college extends its congratulations once again to the Class of 2025 and looks forward to seeing the impact they continue to make in their next chapters.

Higher Education Takeover Day Inspires Year 13 Learners at Club Doncaster Sports College

University Campus Doncaster delivered their annual Higher Education Takeover Day for Year 13 BTEC Level 3 learners last week, showcasing the outstanding facilities and opportunities available at the High Performance Centre (HPC). The partnership between the Sports College and University Campus Doncaster allows pathways for students looking to study degrees in sport and has seen Club Doncaster Sports College and University Campus Doncaster combine expertise to deliver specialist sports degrees in a ‘live sporting environment’.

Students took part in a range of practical performance activities, including fitness assessments, strength testing, and reaction time challenges, giving them a real insight into how university level sport science and coaching programmes utilise cutting edge equipment to enhance athlete development.

Throughout the day, learners also heard from Head Lecturers Josh Wroot and Mark Ellames, who provided an engaging overview of what it’s like to study as an undergraduate at University Campus Doncaster. They discussed course expectations, academic support, placement opportunities, and the vibrant student experience that awaits those progressing into higher education.

Programme leader for Sport Health & Exercise Science, Josh Wroot commented, ‘The takeover days are a great way for us to give the students a taste of life at University Campus Doncaster. It gives the students an opportunity to talk to lecturers and our current students to really help them decide on their future studies’.

The event aimed to support students in planning their next steps while offering a first hand look at the professional level environment available within the HPC. The hands-on sessions and expert guidance were extremely well received by learners, many of whom left feeling motivated and informed about continuing their studies in sport.

Club Doncaster Sports College would like to thank the UC Don staff for an inspiring and informative takeover day that highlighted the exciting pathways available for our aspiring professionals.

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

Premier League & FIFA Referee Darren England Inspires Club Doncaster Sports College Students

Club Doncaster Sports College was proud to welcome Premier League and FIFA referee Darren England to the Eco-Power Stadium this week, where he spent time speaking with our students about his remarkable journey to the top of the professional game.

Darren, who has officiated on some of the biggest stages in European and domestic football, offered a rare and insightful look into the realities of life as an elite referee. He shared stories from his early days in grassroots football, the dedication required to reach Premier League level, and the unique highs and challenges that come with making key decisions under pressure in front of thousands of fans.

Students were given the opportunity to hear first-hand about the mindset, preparation, and professionalism needed to succeed at the highest level. Darren spoke openly about the responsibility of managing the game, the importance of resilience, and how every experience, positive or difficult, has shaped his career.

Beyond his on-pitch experiences, Darren also encouraged students to consider the huge variety of pathways available within football. Whether pursuing roles in coaching, analysis, sports science, officiating, media, or club operations, he stressed that the sport offers opportunities for everyone with the passion and drive to persevere.

Assistant Principal, Ben Thompson said:
“We’re extremely grateful to Darren for giving up his time to speak with our students. Hearing from someone operating at the very top of the game is incredibly motivating, and the insights he shared will support our learners as they develop their own aspirations within sport.”

We’d like to thank Darren once again for visiting Club Doncaster Sports College and helping inspire the next generation of football professionals—both on and off the pitch.

Club Doncaster Sports College recently received a generous donation of last seasons’ home and away kits from Doncaster Rovers Academy, ahead of the new academic year.

Alongside academic studies, students attending the Sports College have the opportunity to play competitive fixtures as part of the CEFA leagues (Community & Education Football Alliance) against other colleges and clubs from across the country.

Representing Doncaster Rovers in both the male and female categories, the donation of last seasons’ kit will ensure that all competing teams will be on brand ahead of the new season.

Speaking of receiving the kits, Assistant Principal, Ben Thompson said: “The Sports College are delighted to have been donated both the home and away playing kits from Greg Carroll & Paul Green, from the Academy.

“Our Football Academy team can represent the Sports College and Doncaster whilst being on brand for the new EFL CEFA season.

“It highlights the amazing relationship we have with the professional clubs within Club Doncaster.”

Paul Green, U18’s manager, spoke of the relationship between both the Academy and College, “We want to continue to support the Sports College and the students and continue to build on the fantastic relationship we have across both club and charity.

“There’s been a number of academy players who have studied with the Sports College alongside playing for the U18’s, so if we can continue to support the Sports College in a number of ways, with things like kit donations, alongside their support for us, it will benefit both of us in the long run.

“We wish them the best of luck for their new season ahead.”

Are you in Year 11 and want to study at the heart of professional sport? Get involved in the EFL CEFA league? Applications for 26/27 season are now open! Apply at clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/ or contact us on 01302 764663.

The Sports College are delighted to announce that applications are now open for 2026/27. Year 11 students can apply today.