Club Doncaster Education Foundation student gets some game time in Youth Team trip to Gothia Cup.
Some learners join a BTEC Level 3 Sports course to gain qualifications, some seek experience with their respective college team, but for Club Doncaster Education Foundation student, Louis Thwaites, the expectation of education with sporting opportunity has gone beyond his wildest dreams.Louis, a first year BTEC Level 3 learner, has been performing to a high standard on the pitch and in the classroom. His performances with the Club Doncaster Foundation Academy caught the eye of Doncaster Rovers Academy Manager, Paul Wilson, who decided to approach Louis with a once in a lifetime opportunity, to represent Doncaster Rovers in the Gothia Cup, Sweden. A Doncaster Rovers fan himself, Louis took the opportunity with both hands and hasn’t disappointed whilst representing his boyhood club.
Prior to the trip, Louis lined up for the Rovers at the Cantley Park training ground against Chesterfield College where he contributed to the 8:0 score line with a goal and an assist. Days later the academy team flew out to Gothenburg to take part in the Gothia Cup, Louis started the game against BK Haken and was instrumental in the Rovers’ 4:0 victory.
A central midfielder, Louis performed consistently well in the follow fixtures against Skonto Riga and Hammarby IF, seeing him claim substantial game time and valuable experience; both games concluded in a 0:0 stalemate.
Talking to Louis this week, he said: "This experience has been unreal. The set up in Sweden is unbelievable and the cup has been really well run. I went to France with my college (Club Doncaster Education) which was an amazing experience for all the lads; the European tours have just put me at another level.
"The coaches at the foundation have brought me on and I thank them for helping me to progress and thank Willow (Paul Wilson) for my opportunity."
Rovers Academy finished second in their group and will now play a one-off play-off game to determine if they progress into the quarter finals. You can keep up to date with the DRFC Academy on Twitter by searching the hashtag; #MadeInDoncaster.