CLUB DONCASTER SPORTS COLLEGE ROUND OFF AN INCREDIBLE YEAR, WITH GRADUATION

21st July 2023B Thompson

Students and staff, dressed in their finest outfits, came together for the annual Sports College graduation evening last Friday at the Eco-Power Stadium, to celebrate another incredible academic year.

They celebrated the end of the 2022/23 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. Nathan Bradley won the Development Squad Academy player of the season, with Harry Westron being named CDSC Mens Academy player of the season for the second team. 

Ruby Connell obtained the Women’s Academy player of the season, with Bailey Willard receiving the player of the season for the Men’s Academy first team.

Matthew Thompson won the biggest award of the night and new for the 2023 graduation, the Commitment to Excellence Award. 

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

Year 12 Level 2 (Kyle’s Form) 

Denzil Mbano

Year 12 Level 2 (Craig/Dave’s Form)

McKenzie Christie

Year 13 Level 3 (Will’s Form)

Thomas Bell

English Qualifications

Tymoteusz Wypych

Mathematics Qualifications

Owen Pawson

Year 12 Level 3 (Courtney’s Form)

Emily Bell

Year 12 Level 3 (Emma’s Form)

Lexi McGrane

Year 12 Level 3 (Chaneice/Brad/Emily’s Form)

Louis Robson

Year 13 Level 3 (Ben/Nathan’s Form)

Ben Barton

Alongside the academic learning, students enjoyed a range of opportunities and initiatives throughout the year. From educational stadium tours at Manchester City, to inspirational talks from Doncaster Rovers players & a world champion boxer, residential trip and community social action with the Youth Engagement team and annual football events such as Varsity, Form Cup and Christmas Cup.

Not forgetting, the highly anticipated 2-week Erasmus+ 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 within Holland. 

Awards were also collected on the night for Erasmus+ Tour Outstanding Performance for both women’s and men’s team. Emily Bell, who scored a fantastic solo goal during the tour, won the outstanding performance award for the women, with Ben Barton 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, “It’s been another brilliant year where the students have represented Club Doncaster Sports College fantastically well.

“Alongside working hard on their qualifications they have had some amazing experiences including a trip to Holland, talks from professional athletes, and work experience at the Rugby League World Cup.

“The Graduation has been a wonderful celebration of the year’s achievements.” 

Applications for the Sports College are now closed for the 2023/24 academic year, as they are now at full capacity. Applications for the 2024/25 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!

SPORTS COLLEGE HOST EVENT FOR THE FIRST DONCASTER REMAKE LEARNING FESTIVAL

9th June 2023B Thompson

Club Doncaster Sports College recently held an exciting open event as part of the first Doncaster Remake Learning Festival, for students currently in Year 10. 

Over 40 students were in attendance last week, for a free taster event at the Sports College, where they were given an insight into what the practical lessons would be like if they enrolled on one of the many courses available.

Arriving at the Eco-Power Stadium, students got a glimpse of the facilities on offer, before heading to the astroturf pitches with staff members from the Sports College, to take part in a range of activities. 

They were split into 3 groups and sampled a mini football session, a competitive game of boules with a range of difficulty levels and a mini tournament of normal tennis and football tennis.

The Doncaster Remake Learning Days Festival took place over a 10 day period, with activities and events being held across Doncaster, at free or low cost for families, designed to build knowledge and spark creativity in the run up to and during the half term holidays, with the aim to have people rediscover the love for learning outside the classroom, discover new hobbies or even future career options. 

Principal of the Sports College, Adi Turnpenny said: “It was great to welcome everyone to our Year 10 taster day and showcase what Club Doncaster Sports College has to offer.

“It was also fantastic to be part of the Doncaster Remake Learning Days Festival and help spark a passion amongst young people for a career in sport.

“The event was a great success and we are already looking forward to hosting an event in the next one!”

Applications for the Sports College are now closed for the 2023/24 academic year, as they are now at full capacity. Applications for the 2024/25 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!

HE’S ONE OF OUR OWN

7th June 2023B Thompson

We’re very proud, once again, to support and sponsor former student of the Sports College, Bobby Faulkner, as he continues his career in professional football.

Deputy Principal Ben Thompson collected the framed shirt at the Doncaster Rovers sponsors lunch recently.

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2023/24

26th May 2023B Thompson

Club Doncaster Sports College is now at full capacity (with a reserve list) for 2023/24. We will no longer be accepting applications for the next academic year.

An announcement will be made when the applications are open for 2024/25.

VARSITY SUCCESS FOR THE SPORTS COLLEGE

By B Thompson18th May 2023

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.

TRI-CLUB TOURAMENT WINNERS

By B Thompson23rd March 2023

We are pleased to announce that our Ladies Academy finished top of the Tri-Club Tournament League, on Wednesday with 2 wins and 2 draws.

A fantastic event hosted by Barnsley FC and also involving Rotherham United. We’d like to thank our friends at Barnsley and Rotherham for a brilliant event.

GEFELICITEERD KIERAN

By B Thompson20th March 2023

Former Club Doncaster Sports College student and Dons Academy starlet, Kieran Coates has been celebrating in the Netherlands, just one month before the Sports College travel there for the Erasmus+ Tour. After completing his Sports BTEC L3 with the Sports College, Kieran went on to study at York St. John University gaining a 2:1 in BA Business Management where he thrived. He recently picked up his Masters in International Business Management, but his journey was as testing as it was inspiring.

In 2019 Kieran was accepted to the double masters program (Msc, Advanced International Business Management) which would see Kieran study, firstly at Newcastle University and move onto the University of Groningen; founded in 1614 and rated one of the top universities in the world. Sadly, in 2020 the program was suspended due to the pandemic, and Kieran was told it might not run again; he had to be deferred, hoping it would continue in 2021. The course did indeed start in 2021 and in February 2022, Kieran moved to the Netherlands by himself to continue his academic journey. Kieran submitted his final thesis and defended it in January this year, and was awarded his Masters with a Merit earlier this month.

Kieran said, ‘Master’s graduation 1 of 2 completed. A surreal experience, one that will stay with me for life. A boy from Balby who never planned to go to university at all. Forever grateful of the path I chose’.

All the staff at Club Doncaster Sports College would like to congratulate Kieran on his amazing achievements and wish him every success in his career going forward.

INSPIRATIONAL TALK

By B Thompson15th March 2023

Our Club Doncaster Sports College students had the unique opportunity to speak to Harry Kessler, a Holocaust survivor who gave his inspiring, first hand account of his experience during World War II. The talk was hosted by Holocaust Educational Trust as part of their Outreach Programme.

Harry was born in Vienna in August 1930. He lived in an apartment in the city with his parents, Frank and Anni and was an only child. Harry was born in Vienna in August 1930. He lived in an apartment in the city with his parents, Frank and Anni and was an only child. On the 12th March 1938 Hitler and the Nazis were welcomed into Austria, this was the Anschluss. Despite this Harry remained at his Jewish school. His father finally had to leave work but, as he had retained his Czech nationality, the family could leave Vienna and go to Czechoslovakia. They decided to try and make a new start in Brno. In Czechoslovakia, they again found themselves under Nazi occupation, but it was possible to leave the country legally with the right mass of paperwork. Harry’s father managed to get all the documents they needed except an affidavit from someone in the country to which they were going, taking full financial responsibility for them. In May 1939 however, Harry’s family arrived in England with 30 shillings, no knowledge of the English language and a huge debt of gratitude to the Joneses (the English couple they had met on the Danube steamer) who sent the vital affidavit and shared their home with the family for the next year. Sadly, may of Harry’s family, including his Omama (grandma) were transported to concentration camps, many did not survive.

Our Deputy Principal, Ben Thompson said, ‘A huge thank you to Mr. Kessler and Holocaust Educational Trust for taking the time to inform and educate our learners on such an important issue which has effected so many. Mr. Kessler’s testimony was harrowing as much as it was heartening and the resilience he and his family showed through such an unimaginable time is something which our students were inspired by’.

SPORTS COLLEGE ERASMUS+ TOUR 2023 PLANNING

By B Thompson8th March 2023

Planning is well underway for our eagerly anticipated European work experience trip to Utrecht , Netherlands. We are currently finalising a packed schedule with our contacts Robin van Alfen and Nico Bakker, for what will be an amazing fortnight for the students who successfully applied.

✔️ 25 students selected after successful applications
✔️ 2 weeks (11th April – 25th April)
✔️ Playing football matches and training in the city of Utrecht
✔️ Real work experience at a top sports facility @ FC De Bilt
✔️ Watching FC Utrecht live against FC Twente
✔️ Visiting Sports College Utrecht

Keep up to date with our progress across our social media platforms throughout the two weeks for updates and vlogs from the tour.

LEGACY CLUB SESSIONS SUCCESS

By B Thompson15th February 2023

As part of Club Doncaster Sports College’s Legacy Club project, we’ve had a number of grassroots teams, down at the stadium this week, giving players an insight of facilities & opportunities at the Sports College.

Want to be a part of the Legacy Club in the 23/24 season? Contact (01302) 764663.