100% PASS RATE ACROSS ALL QUALIFICATIONS

22nd August 2024J Burton

Club Doncaster Sports College are delighted to announce a 100% pass rate across all qualifications this year.

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

Many of the level 3 BTEC Sports Coaching and Development graduates will continue their studies by progressing onto university with the College, studying specialist sports degrees at the stadium, run in partnership with University Campus Doncaster.

All first-year level 2 Health and Fitness 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 “Once again, we are absolutely delighted with the results which reward the hard work of all the students.

“For us as a College, we have had another year of outstanding results, of which, our incredible staff are extremely proud.

“Alongside their studies, students have had some great experiences: including 25 learners going to Holland for two weeks as part of the TURING programme and our Women’s Academy celebrating winning their EFL CEFA league with a trophy presentation at Wembley Stadium.

“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 in September.”

Student Ruby Connell, who achieved D*D*D*, said “I’ve absolutely loved my two years at the Sports College and I can’t thank the teachers enough, who have been fantastically supportive from day one.

“I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had, in particular the Utrecht trip and going to Wembley as the Women’s captain to receive our trophy.

“I’m thrilled with my grades and I’m now excited to start university.”

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.

Applications for academic year 25/26 will open in September, to apply or find out more details about Club Doncaster Sports College, visit www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk or call 01302 764663.

STUDENTS HONOURED AT ANNUAL SPORTS AWARDS

11th July 2024J Burton

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.

OUR LADIES ACADEMY CHAMPIONS VISIT WEMBLEY

24th May 2024J Burton

The Ladies Academy from Club Doncaster Sports College celebrated winning their league with a trip to London to collect their trophy at the League One Play-Off final last weekend, as part of the EFL CEFA Awards.

The Community & Education Football Alliance (CEFA) is a football competition run for EFL Club Community Organisations (CCO), featuring teams representing Premier League and EFL Clubs across the country. The league offers playing opportunities for young people of all abilities, as well as the opportunity to play football in a league competition governed professionally by the EFL.

Any player registered on a post-16 education course with Club Doncaster Sports College is eligible to play in the CEFA league, representing Doncaster Rovers and the Belles. CEFA provides competitive playing opportunities for young people with a passion for football as well as helping them achieve their education goals, through football.

After what has been a fantastic season for the ladies, who scored an incredible 35 goals over the course of 15 games, the chance to be recognised at the home of English football, topped off what has been an incredible year.

The ladies were invited down to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 18th May, where they were treated to a meal in Club Wembley, before receiving their awards, with each bringing home a medal, alongside their trophy.

Following the awards, the ladies could sit back and relax to watch the League One Play-off Final between Oxford United and Bolton Wanderers, who were battling it out for a place in the Championship next season!

Emily Bell and Eric Randerson, captain and manager of the team from the Sports College, made their way pitch side at half time, along with other winning CCO’s, to be presented to the crowd and have their picture taken on the Wembley pitch.

Speaking of the success of this year, Eric praised the ladies in their efforts: “I’m delighted for them, it’s thoroughly deserved. They always show a terrific attitude both on the pitch and in the classroom.

“As a group, they’re always willing to listen and learn and have the opportunity to give their opinion and feedback, so it was fantastic to travel down to Wembley with them to receive the trophy.

“Ladies college football has gone from strength to strength over the previous five years and we’ll have the opportunity to go 11 v 11 for the first time in the 2024/25 season.”

Emily has taken pride in captaining the side throughout her final year with the Sports College, and to round the year off with winning the league, is something she’s incredibly proud of: “The season has been great for us, winning the league and then making the trip to Wembley which was a massive opportunity.

“Going down to Wembley really rounded off the year and the ladies really deserved it. It’s definitely something that we wanted to achieve, especially with it being some of the ladies last year at college.

“It’s great that the Sports College gives you the opportunity to play football within a certified league, alongside your education. I’ve made some life long friends within the team too and memories that I’ll cherish forever. That’s what I’ve loved about the Sports College.”

A huge congratulations to all the ladies and staff involved! We’ll be displaying the trophy with pride!

Ladies:

Emily Bell
Ruby Connell
Ruby Burke
Faye Semley
Amelia Morling
Harleigh Jones
Skye Hart
Ellie Meanwell
Lauren Carr
Kelsey Stothard-Jones
Sophie Hall-Gregory
Katie Rowney
Madison Brayshaw

Staff:

Eric Randerson
Emily Medlock
Chantelle Taylor

ROAD TO WEMBLEY

18th May 2024J Burton

Our EFL CEFA North Champions, the Ladies Academy, are on the way to Wembley as special guests at the EFL League 1 Play-Off Final. The students will be treated to a meal, seats on the half way line and will presented their trophy at the home of football.

VARSITY WINNERS 2024

15th May 2024J Burton

VARSITY ’24 | We are delighted to announce the Varsity 2024 winning teams!

Ladies Academy 7:0 DN Colleges
Men’s Academy 8:2 DN Colleges
CDSC Blue 3:2 CDSC Reds

RHYS DOES US PROUD

By B Thompson18th March 2024

Well done to BTEC Level 3 student, Rhys Turner who performed brilliantly at the European Taekwondo Championships in Belgium, narrowly missing out in the competition’s latter stages.

SPORTS COLLEGE CREATING A PATHWAY INTO SPORT

By B Thompson11th March 2024

To mark National Careers Week, we honoured the former Sports College learners who are currently working within Club Doncaster. Club Doncaster Sports College pride themselves on finding meaningful progressions into the sports industry for learners and over the years, hundreds have settled in careers in sport.

Currently, we have a squad of former learners, making a difference in the Foundation, at the Rovers, with the Belles and The Dons.

Here is our lineup for #NationalCareersWeek 2024.

FORMER SPORTS COLLEGE STUDENT SEES PERSONAL SKILLS SOAR THROUGH CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP

By B Thompson9th February 2024

Sitting down with Matthew Thompson, 6 months after starting his apprenticeship, you can see straight away how his confidence has progressed.

After applying for the role of ‘Apprentice Coach’ within the Foundation, Matty has spent time with a range of delivery staff at numerous sessions, getting to experience the role of a community coach while coaching a variety of participants.

Matty first came in the know of the apprenticeship programme within the Foundation, following his time with the Club Doncaster Sports College. He spent 2 years with the Sports College, studying BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sports, where he gained knowledge within coaching through modules within his course and on an international level, during the 2 week European Sports Tour to Holland, where he coached and refereed with mini soccer schools.

The apprenticeship programme gives those who want a career in coaching, to gain valuable experience in coaching within local partner schools and community sessions, all while completing their Level 2 Community Activator qualification.

Speaking of why he decided to apply for the apprenticeship, he said: “I started enjoying coaching while I was at the Sports College and I heard about the apprenticeship through the tutors, which made me think it might be something I’d be interested in.

“I did a couple of voluntary days on the pitch when they had school and Premier League Kicks tournaments, which I really enjoyed, so I thought the apprenticeship was a natural move for me.

“Multiple people recommended me apply and I’m glad I did. I’m loving it so far.

“I learnt and improved many skills in the past few months, but the one I’ve seen the biggest improvement on is my confidence. In delivering sessions, being able to engage with participants of different ages.

“The sessions I’ve delivered on have been a variety of ages, abilities and have challenged me, which is helping me massively.

“This has showed me that it’s definitely what I want to do and progress further with.”

Numerous staff members and lecturers from the Sport College praised Matty as a student during his time on his course.

Emma Harrison, assistant principal (head of FE & quality) at the Sports College worked regularly with Matty: “He was a fantastic learner during his time at college.

“We saw great progression over his time on the BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sport, and he excelled in the practical units including sports coaching, showcasing his fantastic leadership skills.

“We’re glad to see him doing so well on his apprenticeship with the Foundation.”

Mason Fairclough, who heads up the schools department has also seen the positive impact the apprenticeship has had on Matty in just six months: “I first met Matty through our Future Coaches programme, which we ran in late 2022 whilst he was still at our Sports College.

“He had raised his interest early on, while completing the course, about joining our team, because he had prior coaching experience through the College’s trip to Utrecht and with his college course.

“After helping volunteer on many projects and impressing in his interview, Matty was offered an apprenticeship with The Foundation, where he has gone from strength to strength and has especially impressed in his work with our SEND groups.”

Interested in an apprenticeship at the Foundation or want to find out more information? Contact mason.fairclough@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk