We take a look at the graduates from the Club Donaster Foundation to see where they are now.
The Club Doncaster Education Foundation has had plenty of success stories since its formation in 2008.Studying right here at the Keepmoat Stadium in the Rovers Education Centre, the Foundation boasts state of the art classrooms and 3G astro-turf pitches, giving the new recruits access to some of the best facilities in the country.
Over 160 learners passed through a range of nationally recognised courses in 2013 alone, whilst the Foundation has picked up numerous prestigious awards along the way.
Here we take a look at some of our previous graduates to see where they are today:
Heather King
Heather joined our Education programme in September 2010, enrolling on to the Foundation's Level 1 course.
During her time on the course Heather regularly volunteered with our community team and gained valuable work experience with them.
After her course finished she was offered a two year apprenticeship as a community coach and is now employed by the Foundation full-time in this role as well as being match day co-ordinator.
Heather said: "As a fan, it was a great opportunity to study at the Keepmoat Stadium and to now work here is a dream come true!"
Sophie Coy
Sophie studied with DRFC for two years, firstly enrolling onto the Level 1 before progressing to Level 2 the following year.
Due to Sophie’s impressive grades, her work experience at the Foundation and her sporting ability; she was able to gain a full sporting scholarship to study in America at Pennsylvania State University.
Now in her second year of study, Sophie is returning this year to undertake her work placement with the Foundation.
Sophie said: "I have always been involved in sport through swimming. Joining the course at Doncaster Rovers gave me the chance to combine my studies with my love for sport. It is amazing to think I am now studying in America."
Callum Stockton
Callum joined the Education Foundation’s BTEC Level 3 programme in September 2013. One of Callum’s aims was to further develop his football ability to push himself to the next level.
During the last 12 months Callum has started to fulfil his potential both in the classroom and on the football pitch. He finished last season as the Foundation’s top scorer with 28 goals and achieved the grades he required to keep him on course to attend university.
Callum said “I always look forward to coming in to the Foundation, being able to represent Doncaster Rovers at any level is a real honour and studying at the Keepmoat Stadium is great.”
During the last 6 months Callum has not only represented the Foundation’s Academy and played for the club’s Youth team, but he has also played for Buxton, who play in the EVO-STIK League.
Former Rovers star Tim Ryan, who works for the Foundation, is also assistant manager at Buxton. He said: “Callum has been to a few training sessions with us and has done really well, so well in fact, we put him in the team to play against Macclesfield and Altringham. This was a huge achievement by Callum at the age of 17."
Tom Butterworth
Starting in 2011, Tom progressed through Level 1, 2 and 3 courses with the Education Foundation and quickly became a regular volunteer for the community team.
Due to his attitude, attainment and commitment he was offered a full-time apprenticeship with the Foundation.
Tom recently completed his apprenticeship with the Foundation and was given a full-time post as a Community Coach.
Here are just some of the examples of where studying with the Club Doncaster Foundation can enable you to get to.
The Foundation offer a variety of courses running all year round and we could have the perfect course for you.
For more information on how you can get involved visit www.drfc-education.co.uk or email jenna.scully@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk