Club Doncaster Sports College experiences provides student with valuable skills as they look to the future

The award winning Club Doncaster Sports College engages post-16 learners in education through the catalyst of sport, all based at the Eco-Power Stadium.

It’s well known for it’s unique curriculum and courses in the sport and sports coaching sectors, along with its football and rugby academies. This is something that drew Ellie into making the decision to join the Sports College.

“I’m currently in my second year with the Sports College, completing the Level 3 extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development,” Ellie discussed.

“The reason I wanted to come to the Sports College was because I’d see the success of the football team and the course really caught my eye. It’s a BTEC rather than an A-Level, so it’s all coursework, something I find a lot better for myself.

“I knew a couple of people who’d already come here, so I thought it would be an enjoyable experience for me.”

Being in her final year at college, Ellie has had to start thinking about the next steps and what pathway she’d like to take, following the completion of her course. 

“I want to become a PE teacher in the future. I need to be able to plan sessions, so the session planning we do within the coaching unit, will help me with that. 

“We’ve been able to gain work experience with XP school, delivering our own sessions, so it gives us the opportunity to practise these and put the work experience on our CV to allow us to gain better experiences in the future.”

Ellie has also taken on the role of captain for the Ladies Academy team this season, after being involved in the team who won the Community & Education Football Alliance League (CEFA) small sided league in the 23/24 season, where she travelled with the rest of the team to collect the trophy at the CEFA event down at Wembley Stadium ahead of the League One Play Off Final.

“I’m really into football. I feel the opportunities that college can give you from playing in the CEFA League are fantastic.

“Last year we won the cup in the small sided league, and being able to collect the trophy down at Wembley Stadium was something we’ll remember for a lifetime, creating those friendships within the team and really bonding as a group.”

It’s not just the experiences within the UK with the Sports College, Ellie has been involved in. She also got the chance to take part in the two-week sports tour to Utrecht in Holland, where alongside fellow students, she played international football against other ladies teams, gain valuable work experience with grassroots teams and visit the Sports College associated with FC Utrecht too. 

“Going to Utrecht and playing international football, playing against different dutch sides, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being able to get that work experience abroad, having to overcome language barriers and other obstacles while there.”

Reflecting on her time at the Sports College, as she works towards completing the final few months of her course, Ellie feels the support she’s received from the college and the friendships she’s made, will stay with her for years to come.

“I feel my time at the college has really helped me develop as a person, I feel like I can be myself. Being captain of the football team has allowed me to become a leader and help everyone else. 

“I’ve got friendships for life. I didn’t know anyone before I came to the Sports College and now I’m friends with everyone. 

“I feel like it’s another home in a sense. Everyone cares for you and looks out for you too. 

“It’s fun and enjoyable here, it’s like a family.”

Want to come and be part of the family? Applications for 2025/26 are open now. Year 11’s can apply online via the Sports College website: clubdoncastersportscollege.co.uk/apply