Stamford College Football Academy celebrates its fifth anniversary

The Stamford College Football Academy – which is based at the Borderville Sports Centre – is celebrating its fifth year of combining education with football training.

The Academy, which is a partnership between Stamford AFC and Stamford College, has so far worked with more than 130 students aged 16 and over who developed their football skills while gaining a recognised BTEC qualification.

They have also built successful links with non-league teams across the area with former students gaining the chance to play for Deeping Rangers, Holbeach, Wisbech and Blackstones as well as the Daniels.

Harry Peasgood - who was the Academy team captain - was one of the first graduates to progress through the scheme and has recently rejoined Blackstones after starting the season with Deeping.

He said: “I enjoyed being able to play football and train frequently every week and playing against other colleges while also combining my football with my education.

“It was great completing work experience which gave me a better insight into the working world and help me decide what I wanted to do after college.

“I now work for Premier Education as a sports coach where I deliver PE lessons to different primary schools.

“My advice would be to enjoy every experience and ‘believe you can’.”

Players have gone on to further their education by gaining entrance at university to study subjects including football management and coaching, physical education, community sport and sports science.

Some students who leave the Academy also go on to an apprenticeship route at the end of their course.

The option of practical work experience along with a weekly wage has led to a real growth in students taking this route post Academy.

The apprenticeship route is delivered via Inspire Plus which gives students the opportunity to gain valuable real life work experience in the industry before committing to their future plans.

Former student Josh Nunn commented: “At college I enjoyed being given a chance to improve my footballing ability with the support from great coaches and learning in depth about sport, coaching and how the body works and adapts to exercise.

“The course gave me a step into the sport and physical education industry after which I joined an apprenticeship programme which was shown to me by my Stamford College lecturer.

“I am currently attending Bishop Grosseteste University studying sport, coaching and PE having completed my apprenticeship and now with the aspirations of being a primary school teacher.

“The advice I would give is to believe in yourself, work hard from the very start and enjoy the years playing football and learning new things every day.”

Joe Hussey - who has played for Holbeach and Blackstones - is now in his second year at the University Campus of Football & Business doing a degree in football, coaching and management.

He said: “I enjoyed the general working environment at the Academy and never felt pressured or stressed when completing work.

“The facility had an impact on the enjoyment alongside the teachers/lecturers who made every session enjoyable and engaging.

“The course helped me to get to where I am today. I worked hard for it and it paid off.

“Everyone was very supportive which helped me to take that work ethic into my next stage of learning.

“I have now gained many coaching qualifications while being at university and it has helped me to grow as an individual on and off the pitch.

“The advice I would give to a student is to do something you enjoy, work hard for it and apply yourself.

“You’re in a great learning environment, take your chance and opportunities will be gained and more doors will open.”

The Academy are currently running open evenings over the coming months for those who are interested in joining from September 2021 after finishing Year 11.

For more information go to www.stamford.ac.uk and type ‘football’ into the search.