The fastest growing sports education provider in Doncaster, the Club Doncaster Sports College have completed their move in to a brand new facility within the Keepmoat Stadium.
After initially opening in 2007, the College now with over 130 learners outgrew their old premises, resulting in the construction in the East Stand of the stadium of a new College area which opened last month.It has marked a phenomenal few years for the Club Doncaster Sports College, the only college dedicated to sports courses in the region.
The Club Doncaster Sports College are now recruiting students for 2016. The College will be holding an open evening from 4:30pm-6pm on Tuesday 8th December at the Keepmoat Stadium where you can see the brand new facilities for yourself.
Offering a unique experience to their learners, the college gives students the opportunity to represent both Club Doncaster Sports teams with the Doncaster Rovers Football Academy and Doncaster Rugby League Academy, receiving coaching from former Rovers defender Tim Ryan, along with first team players and coaches alongside their academic studies.
This new approach to learning is working and producing outstanding results, meaning demand for places at the College is at the highest level ever.
For the academic year 2014/15, Club Doncaster had a 100% pass rate, 23% higher than the national average for their BTEC Dipoma in Sport course and a 95% pass rate, 31% higher than the national average for their Level 2 Diploma in Active Leisure course.
These results are having a fantastic impact on the lives of young people in the region who are using their grades earned at the College for a pathway to university and to gain employment.
Matthew Tuck a current college student went on to achieve the maximum grades last year and he hope to do the same again this year. His proud Mum Helen is delighted with his son’s progress at the College.
“We initially looked at Club Doncaster Foundation as a second choice just in case my son didn't get his grades for 6th form, but then when we went for a discussion with them my son was so impressed that doing his level 3 BTEC was his first choice after achieving 11 GCSEs,” said Helen.
"As a parent this was different from the traditional sixth form route, so I had my reservations but, when my son started the course I soon realised it was a great move as he enjoys every minute there, and learning is easy when you enjoy it.
“In the summer we got the results and my son achieved the highest marks he could get, giving him 130 UCAS points!
“We then compared this to his friends that went to sixth form, several failed most exams and now envy him doing a subject that drives him to achieve to the highest level.
“The level of teaching on this course has been excellent, the tutors are always available to help, advise and support.
“It has been a great opportunity for my so to play football and all different sports with first class coaching.”
Parent Jo Wright whose daughter Georgia also attends the College, couldn’t speak highly enough stating: “My daughter loves the level 3 sports course, she has found it enjoyable and it has helped her with her swimming in terms of confidence and ability as well as nutrition.
“The students are challenged with the work set and the staff are so friendly, parents can be kept informed of student progress and attendance if they wish.
“Whenever I have had a concern I can simply pick up the phone and speak with one of Georgia¹s tutors.
“Ben Thompson has helped Georgia grow in confidence throughout the course, I have also found Adi Turnpenny and Jenna Scully to be both down to earth and go the extra mile to help students with their learning.
“Learning is centred around each student being the best that they can be and all the staff do their upmost to make sure that everyone who wants to learn fulfils their goals.”
There is also even more good news for the College, with the Club Doncaster Academy set to open a brand new 3G pitch in the coming weeks in the grounds of the stadium for their use.
The pitches within the Club Doncaster Academy are used for coaching sessions by the students carrying out courses at the College.
Kieran O’Malley a former student added: “The new facilities are fantastic and it’s great to see the College developing and giving students excellent progression opportunities to University and the sports industry.”
For more information please visit www.clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk