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Football Academy Students Continue to Impress

the first week of April was a week to remember for the College’s Football Academy as
students, past and present, represented their clubs and Plymouth-select squads.
Students attended the U14 Plymouth Schools’ Football Association final trials at elburton
Villa.and our congratulations go to our three Year 9 students, Dan, liam and Riley, who Dan
were successfully selected.
the good news continued, with various players representing different Plymouth Argyle squads.
Starting with the Women’s First team, Year 11 student, Rosie, started up front for their game
and also got on the score sheet. Rosie has been playing consistently for Plymouth Argyle’s
Women’s First team all season, and it has been excellent to see her impact in those games.
Year 10 students, Kieran and Caleb, and Year 11 student, Jack, were involved in the match
day squad for Plymouth Argyle’s U18 in their game against Bristol Rovers.
Finally, the Plymouth Argyle First team secured their league one status for next season.
the team featured former Ivybridge students, Michael Cooper, Ryan law, luke Jephcott,
Klaidi lolos and ollie tomlinson. It was also great to see former student, Finley Craske, travelling Rosie
with the First team; hopefully a sign of things to come.
head of Football, Dave leonard, said, ‘It was excellent to be checking the team sheets over the weekend and
seeing former students in their respective squads for Plymouth Argyle. It’s even better to see current
students having really positive impacts in their games. I am delighted for our three Year 9 students who have
been selected for the U14 Plymouth Schoolboys’, and I’m sure they will go onto great successes in their squads.”
Sporting Achievements 25

Professional Coaching for Rugby Academy Students

In May, the College’s Rugby Academy students welcomed Damian Welch, the head
Coach of Plymouth Albion.
Damian worked with our senior forward pack, as part of our Rugby Academy
development programme, coaching them on some fundamental skills needed within
the game. the students, who were in small break out groups throughout the session,
worked on core skills and games. this was a brilliant opportunity for our Senior elite
Squad, comprising of Years 11, 12 and 13, to be trained by an ex-professional player
(his former teams include, exeter, Cardiff and Scarlets).
Matt Shepherd, head of Rugby, said, “this was a perfect opportunity for our students
to receive professional feedback and coaching, and to put themselves in the eye of
Plymouth Albion who operate as a professional outfit. We look forward to growing our
relationship with them and seeing our elite Squad getting the opportunity to work and
train with the Plymouth Albion Senior team in the near future.”
After the session, Damian said he was, “Really impressed with the talent that was on
show in the challenging conditions, and that we have some serious talent looking to
push on.”

girls' Football Initiative encourages leadership Skills

game of our own is a programme that supports girls to be empowered to lead football-related activities for
others. the twelve Football Activators choose to take on a delivery or a marketing role to help deliver football.
our Year 8 and 9 students, also participate in the girls’ Football Youth Sport Award, which helps to evidence their
life skills learning and achievements through football.
For the launch, our Football Activators were joined by
inspirational speakers and our students really enjoyed
having the opportunity to listen to their stories and learn
about how they got to where they are today.
Jasmine, in Year 8, described the live launch as “fun and
interesting” and that she “can’t wait for the programme to
start properly and begin growing the girls’ game.”
Dave leonard, head of Football, said, “I think this is a
massive initiative which is going to have such an amazing
impact on girls at the College. the Football Activators are
going to help grow participation numbers and get as
many girls being active, and having fun whilst playing
football. We can’t wait to start working with them!”