News & Events

Over 40 sports college students got a once in a lifetime opportunity to be ball crew for the Rugby League World Cup fixtures held at the Eco-Power Stadium last month. 

The Eco-Power Stadium saw a number of international teams take to the pitch over the course of a couple of weeks. France took on Greece on October 17, Samoa were victorious in a comfortable win against Greece on October 23, with the final game taking place between PNG and Wales on October 31.

The students were ball crew for all three games, on hand to distribute rugby balls throughout each game, allowing for smooth transitions and minimal breaks in play. In addition, they were also flag bearers for all the nations in the opening ceremony parade.

One student, who volunteered their time, Ben Barton, currently a BTEC Level 3 Year 13 student, said, “It was a real buzz to be part of the Ball Crew for the Rugby League World Cup. 

“As a huge fan of rugby league, to be so close to the benches and the on-field action was amazing. I was literally yards from Samoa performing the Siva Tau, which was definitely a highlight.”

Ben Thompson, Deputy Principal of Club Doncaster Sports College, spoke of having students from the College on hand to support the world cup, “At the Sports College, we were delighted that our students were able to experience and play such a big part in three world class events here at the stadium.

“Our students being Ball Crew, highlights the excellent links we have with professional rugby league in the Doncaster area and exhibits our commitment to offering meaningful, tangible work experience opportunities in sport for our learners. 

“We’d like to say a huge ‘well done’ to everyone who volunteered for the games and allowed them to flow seamlessly.”

Want to be part of the Sports College and get to experience opportunities like this? Applications are now open for 23/24 academic year. Visit https://clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply/ or 01302 764663 for more info.

Club Doncaster Sports College students are celebrating an outstanding set of results after achieving a 100% pass rate across all sport qualifications for this past year.

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

Five students attained D*D*D* on the level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development qualification – the highest possible grade – amongst many fine achievements.

All first-year level 2 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 “We are absolutely delighted with the results which reward the hard work of the students who have performed fantastically both inside and outside of the classroom all year.

“This is another year in which the College has achieved an outstanding set of results of which our incredible staff are extremely proud.

“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.”

Student Ellie Mortimer, who achieved D*D*D*, said, “I am delighted with my results and am grateful for the support I have received from staff. I am looking forward to staying on and studying the degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching in September.”

Club Doncaster Sports College also contributed to the recent OFSTED of DN Colleges Group which saw the college achieve an overall grade of ‘good’ with four areas graded ‘outstanding.’

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.

The College has a waiting list open for this September and is also taking applications for academic year 23/24.

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

Sports College student, Bobby Faulkner has recently signed a new two-year deal with Doncaster Rovers, after signing his first pro contract last November through progressing within Doncaster Rovers Academy.

Bobby is in his final year with the Sports College and is due to complete his BTEC Level 3 in Sport, this July. During his time at the college, Bobby has taken part in numerous foundation activities, including the annual Varsity cup and the NCS programme.

Throughout this academic year, Bobby has spent large amounts of time within the professional football environment but has continued to work hard with his academic work with the Sports College, providing continued updates on his coursework and utilising the help of the tutors when needed.

He has continued to attend college to ensure his work is up to date and completed to the highest standard, in the time when professional footballers are relaxing after the end of the season, prior to next seasons preparations.

Club Doncaster Sports College lecturer, Nathan Fawley said, “Bobby has continued to remain dedicated to his studies throughout this year, even when he’s had two big plates to spin with his professional football and academic studies.”

“Bobby is a popular student and works well with his classmates. There is a real buzz from his classmates with the news of his new contract.”

“Lot’s of our students have played with or against Bobby in their time at college. It’s been great to see the support that he has had from all.”

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to teach Bobby and play a small part in his journey. His attitude and story serves as inspiration to current and future students of the Sports College.”

Speaking of the Sports College’ support, Faulkner said, “Since signing for Doncaster Rovers, Club Doncaster Sports College have been very flexible and fully supportive of my progression into professional football.”

“I can only thank them for their understanding of my career and allowing me to adapt my college work and study around my footballing schedule.”

For more information on the Sports College and courses on offer, please visit the Sports College website: www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk

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 earlier this month.

The event, which gave 88 sports students the opportunity to ‘play on the pitch’ at the home of Doncaster Rovers FC, compromised of men’s and women’s matches between the two colleges as well as a Club Doncaster Sports College in-house game.

Adi Turnpenny, Principal of Club Doncaster Sports College, said: ‘It was a fantastic day in which we celebrated the partnership between the two colleges. A huge well done to all the students who took part in the three matches, all of which were played in an excellent spirit, in front of parents, friends and staff from both colleges.’

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. Doncaster Rovers Belles Manager, Andy Butler, refereed the men’s match and Doncaster Rovers First Team Goalkeeper Coach, Steve Hernandez, presented the trophies.

Kate McDonald, Director of FE Curriculum at DN Colleges Group, added ‘It was a fantastic day at the Eco Power Stadium, where we saw a showcase of some of the best talent, collaboration, and teamwork by all involved. It was an experience that students will never forget and a time for parents and friends to be proud of those who took to the pitch.

A huge thank you to our partners Club Doncaster Sports College who were amazing hosts and continue to embrace and grow our partnership from strength to strength.’

Honours were shared on the day with Club Doncaster Sports College winning the men’s trophy and DN Colleges Group winning the women’s 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.

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.