Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ Course enquiries: (01278) 441234 enquiries@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwater.ac.uk Sports academy basketball, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby, trampolining
Welcome to the Sports Academy The Academy gives Bridgwater College students the opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations alongside an academic or vocational qualification. Applicants need to be studying a full-time College programme and be under 19 years of age on the 31 August in the year of entry. Students are appointed to the Academy on a competitive basis and are judged on their skill, motivation and commitment to their chosen sport. The Sports Academy is integrated within the overall College programme. Students will need to keep Block A free to play in sports fixtures on Wednesday afternoons and attend the theory and coaching sessions on Monday mornings. Our aims: To identify students with outstanding abilities and place them in an environment designed to produce sporting and educational excellence To encourage students to maintain their academic interest using sport as the means of engaging them to achieve the best they can be To provide opportunities for males and females to continue playing sport competitively upon leaving school and develop exit pathways to encourage further participation To develop a culture in which students behave with dignity, professionalism and respect To provide lifelong learning experiences through teamwork, discipline and cooperation To raise standards of academic achievement of post 16 students Our values: All Academy members are treated equally and fairly to ensure they aspire to their full potential on and off the playing field For students and staff to work within an environment which applies learning concepts, longterm development principles and best practice in the development of elite performance The curriculum will be flexible around the needs of the student as they progress throughout the season Only qualified coaches will work with Academy members All staff will be affiliated to their respective sport, CRB checked and provided with specific training regarding Child Protection A culture of improvement and personal development will drive Sports Academy provision The benefits include: Access to all sports facilities, including free membership to the Health and Fitness Suite Coaching sessions led by either an Academy Director or professional external coach Sessions by visiting external professional speakers Fitness testing and sports performance support Regular, formal progress reviews with action planning Bespoke Sports Academy kit Opportunities to trial for representative teams Academy sides will compete in Somerset Colleges competitions, South West British Colleges competitions and regional fixtures against other colleges. How do I become a member of the Sports Academy? Selection camps take place in July and again in September where you can trial for your chosen sport. We also run a broad range of talent identification schemes in the county, whereby Sports Academy staff will lead and manage development and training programmes, providing opportunities for local gifted and talented athletes to refine their skills. Once selected, you must attend every coaching/ training session, demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment and be prepared to adopt a professional attitude towards developing your ability in your sport. You will also be required to sign a formal agreement which describes your commitment to the College and the College s commitment to you. The cost of being an Academy member is a nominal fee of 150 in the first year and 100 in the second year, the remainder of which is heavily subsidised by the College. To apply, or register your interest, please complete our Sports Academy application form at the back of this brochure or fill in an online form at www.bridgwater.ac.uk. To keep up to date with all the latest news, results and fixtures visit our Bridgwater College Sports Academy Facebook page, or for more general information on the Sports Academies visit the Academy pages on the College s website, contact me on 01278 441322 or email buckinghaml@bridgwater.ac.uk. We look forward to meeting you! Luke Buckingham Sports Development Manager & Head of Sports Academies 2
Basketball Academy We finished runners up at the Somerset Colleges Tournament 2010/2011 The Academy/Bucs team are three time Somerset Men s League Champions 2006-2008/2010-2011 We compete in Somerset Colleges and British Colleges league/cup competitions The team has the potential to compete at National League level Academy players are also entered into the Somerset Men s League as a member of the Bridgwater Bucs team We have a coaching development programme with the Bridgwater Bucs We have had former players playing for both Bridgwater Bucs and Taunton Tigers The Basketball Academy provides members with the opportunity to play the sport regularly at a competitive level and represent the College in the South West Colleges Championships. Players are also entered into the Somerset League s Bridgwater Bucs Team and have a chance to trial for the National League Taunton Tigers U18 Team. It is our aim to produce top flight teams with the skills, knowledge and ability to compete against the very best. Being in the Basketball Academy is good fun and hard work at the same time. It s a great way to meet people and make friends outside of my course, it also gives me a chance to let off steam and have an interest alongside my studies. Being in the Academy is helping me to get a good grounding for my future career path I want to become a basketball coach and I m learning a lot from training at this level. Richard Anderson is the Basketball Academy Director. He is a former National League Division 1 player and an English Basketball Association Level 2 Coach and English Basketball Association Grade 2 Referee. Richard has over ten years of playing and coaching experience. He is currently player/assistant coach for the Taunton Tigers Men s National League Division 3 team. Adam Lewis, former pupil of the King Alfred School in Highbridge, is studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Development, Coaching and Fitness. He plans to continue his studies and qualify as a basketball coach. 4
Football Development - Men By studying Sport at Bridgwater College I am able to train and play as part of the Football Development Squad alongside my course. Being part of the Squad has given me so many new opportunities; last year alone I was selected to represent Somerset, the South West and England Colleges. I made my debut against Wales in May and I m hoping to progress into the International Squad once again this year. Andy Venning, former pupil of Chilton Trinity Technology College in Bridgwater, is studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. He hopes to join the Fire Service on completion of his course. As a College we were voted British Colleges/FA National Football Focus College of the Year for Partnership Development in 2011 and Football Focus College of the Year in 2010 We were awarded Football College of the Year 2009 by Somerset Football Association We are the current Somerset Colleges Knock Out Cup Champions Four players have represented the England Colleges National Squad Two players have represented England Schools Football Association (ESFA) Six players have represented the South West British Colleges U18 Squad Six players have represented the ESFA South West U18 Team Over 50 players have represented the Somerset Schools & Colleges FA U18 Squad Over 30 players have represented the Somerset FA U18 Squad Two players have received professional contracts from Plymouth Argyle FC Eight players have gained a University Football Scholarship in the USA The team competes in the South West National Elite Premier League I aspire for all players to develop a real understanding and appreciation of the game that will not only serve them well in representing the College but will enable them to develop their abilities in the future. We play in the South West National Elite Premier League and this provides an excellent platform for our players to test themselves week in week out. Each player is pushed to become the best they can be and we have players representing their county, region and national teams year in year out. All of these achievements are down to excellent team work and it is this ethos that will ensure we are even more successful this year. Jason Gunningham is the Section Leader for Sports and Services and has coached men s football and taught at Bridgwater College for the last 18 years. He is the Head Coach for both the Somerset FA U18s and Somerset Schools & Colleges FA U18 squads and coached the team to National Championship success in 2002 and to the final in 2004. Jason is also the National Performance Manager for the National Men s and Women s Football Squads. Meet the Coach! Having completed my UEFA A Preparatory Licence and UEFA B Goalkeeping award, I work closely with both the outfield players and goalkeepers within the squad. It s been fantastic to see the development of our young players and it s testament to their hard work that so many have progressed on to achieve a host of regional, national and international honours. I have particularly enjoyed seeing the progression of our young players into senior football and I hope to continue to foster their transition from age appropriate football into the adult game. Luke Buckingham is Sports Development Manager and Head of Sports Academies. Luke also has previous coaching experience with Yeovil Town FC and in the USA, he currently coaches Somerset Schools and Colleges U18s, is goalkeeping coach for the England Colleges Men s National Team and joint manager of Bridgwater Town Reserves. He is also currently working with the FA to become a coach education tutor. 6
Football Development women s As a College we were voted British Colleges/FA National Football Focus College of the Year for Partnership Development in 2011 and Football Focus College of the Year in 2010 We were awarded Football College of the Year 2009 by Somerset Football Association Two of our players were selected for national representation during the 2010/11 season We were National Futsal Champions in 2010/11 We finished second in the British Colleges Premier League 2010/11 season Our Academy won Most Improved Academy Team of the Year 2010/11 at the Colleges annual Sports Academy awards ceremony Our 5-a-side team competed in the British Colleges Sport National Championships in 2011 The Academy gives our students the chance to access top quality coaching combined with some of the best fitness and sporting facilities in the county. With personal fitness plans, training and tactical sessions, the football programme provides a great insight into the life of a professional sports person. With new exciting links with the Somerset FA Girls Centre of Excellence we expect the standard to be even higher this year. Ben Norman has done an excellent job with the Academy and my aim is to develop this even further and continue to bring success. Much of their success is down to the excellent team spirit the Academy instils in its members, focusing on a positive learning environment for all players regardless of ability. Andy Gill has been teaching football coaching at Bridgwater College for two years, is a UEFA B Licenced coach and recently completed the UEFA A Preparatory Licence. Andy coached for three years at Yeovil Town Football Club where he worked with the Youth Team and is currently Head Coach of the U17 age group at the Somerset Football Association Girls Centre of Excellence. I m passionate about football, I currently play for Bishops Lydeard AFC Ladies Team and was keen to expand my experience and trial for the Ladies Football Development Squad at the College. Being part of the Sports Academy has been a great way to meet new friends and improve my confidence. I ve had the opportunity to play a wider range of football against teams from across the South West - my proudest moment was representing the South West at both the British Colleges Sport 5-a-side Football and Futsal National Championships. Meet the Coach Bridgwater College has built up a prestigious reputation for supplying an excellent environment for player development. With expert coaching and fantastic facilities the College has produced no less than five international players over the last three years. With the exciting new link to the Somerset FA Centre of Excellence, Bridgwater College can now establish itself as being the number one choice for female football provision in further education. Ben Norman has been teaching Sport and Exercise Science at the College for seven years. He is currently completing his UEFA B Licence, has been coaching with Women s Football for three years and manager of Bridgwater Town Ladies Football Club for four years. Natasha Stephens, former pupil of East Bridgwater Community School, is studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. She hopes to gain employment with the FA in the future. 8
GOLF Academy One of our golfers finished 12th in the Order of Merit on the South West Intercollegiate Tour 2011 One of our golfers qualified for the ICT National Players Championships 2011 We have our very own nine hole, 18 tee golf course Students also have access to a fully automated, floodlit driving range and pitch and putt course In recent years four of our players have qualified for the Intercollegiate Tour Players Championship Golf Academy members participate in the Intercollegiate Tour and compete in the Somerset Schools and British Colleges Championships Unlike many golf academies you are not restricted to following a particular academic discipline as we draw on students from all parts of the curriculum. This gives a more inclusive approach and encourages interactions between students from varied academic disciplines. Here at the Golf Academy we are providing a structured opportunity for young people to improve their golf and develop a disciplined, reflective approach that teaches them lessons for life as well as golf. Ron Macrow was made a Fellow of the Professional Golfers Association in 2005 and is a qualified PGA Professional to Level 3 with 40 years of coaching experience. Our students say Since joining the Academy last year my handicap has already improved from 12 to six. The competitive programme has provided me with the opportunity to maintain and improve my game alongside my studies. With access to the College s golf course and driving range, the regular coaching and playing sessions enable us to practise in any weather conditions. Kieran Windsor, former pupil of Chilton Trinity Technology College in Bridgwater, is A Levels in History, Business Studies and Economics. He hopes to go on to study Business at university. 10
Hockey Academy Men s & Women s British Colleges Sports Association National Women s Champions 2010 British Colleges Sports Association Women s silver medalist 2009 Our Women s Team were U18 Somerset Cup Winners 2008-2011 Our Women s Team were South West British Colleges League Winners 2008-2010 We finished fourth in the All England Mixed Hockey Competition 2008/2009 and third in 2009/10 Three men s players and two women s players were selected for the South West Regional Squad 2010/2011 Two squad members were selected for the British Colleges Mens and Ladies Teams in 2010/2011, with our Ladies Captain also captaining the British Colleges Team in 2010/2011 We were awarded the Academy of the Year 2008-2010 at the annual Sports Academy Awards Ceremony The Academy was one of the main reasons that I decided to study at Bridgwater College as opposed to my local college. It s so good being able to play my sport at a competitive level alongside my course. The standard of coaching in the Academy is incredibly high and has definitely improved my technique and game play. It s great to be part of a team of such varying abilities, we all learn a lot from each other. The Hockey Academy presents a unique opportunity for members to receive expert coaching on the game, as well as personal fitness training and individual profiling to help improve performance. I aim to develop and establish a strong foundation for both the men s and women s teams. Academy members are expected to play at a high standard and trial for county, regional and national squads. We are working hard to become the top Hockey Academy in the South West! Emma Pike has coached Hockey at the College for the past eight years. She is a Level 3 coach, an advanced SAQ and First Aid instructor and is currently completing her coach assessor and tutor training. Emma has coached U18 Junior Performance Courses, the Somerset U16 Girls Squad and is currently coaching in the West Premier Division 1. She has also played Welsh and English National League, Senior County and Welsh Universities. Meet the Coach! The Academy provides an excellent environment for both novice and experienced players to develop their knowledge and ability. The quality coaching instils sound technical and tactical skills. Players are encouraged to develop good practice within the game, improving an individual s game both within and outside of College. Sheila Burridge is a qualified Level 2 coach and Level 1 umpire and is currently completing her coach assessor training. Last season Sheila coached the Somerset Girls U15 squad and this season is coaching the Bridgwater Ladies 1st Team. She also coaches at Junior Development and Academy Centres. Charlotte Gordon, former pupil of Priory Community School in Weston, is studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. She hope to progress on to the HND in Sport Science and would like to become a personal trainer. 12
Netball Academy Players have been selected to play for South West Netball Squad We finished third in the Somerset Colleges and British Colleges leagues in 2010/2011 Various junior clubs in the Somerset area are benefiting from the expertise of the Netball Academy players as coaches and umpires Players are dedicated, competitive and committed to the Academy and work hard to improve their individual and team play We play in the British Colleges Netball South West Division 1 All of our players bring their experiences together to form a committed and enthusiastic Netball Academy We are looking for talented players with the potential and enthusiasm to become part of a successful team. I want prospective students to recognise the Academy as a Centre of Excellence for Netball, where they can combine their academic studies and develop their performance to enhance their sporting careers. It is my intention for the team to win the Somerset Colleges League and to be successful in the British Colleges competitions. Being part of the Netball Academy gives me the chance to have a break from all of the coursework that comes as part of my course. I ve met some great people whilst training and playing and had a lot of opportunities to take my playing ability to the next level through events such as regional trials. The standard of netball played in the league is very high which has given me that competitive edge and every match that we win feels like a real achievement. Christine Durant is the Netball Academy Director. She is an AENA Level 2 Netball Coach and AENA B Award Umpire. As a former Somerset county player, she is also a Transition Coach for local schools and the Somerset Active Sports Partnership. She is an active player for Bridgwater Netball Club and currently plays, coaches and umpires within the Somerset Netball League. She also coaches trampolining, athletics and rounders. Paige Davey, former pupil of Haygrove School in Bridgwater, is studying the BTEC National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. She hopes to progress on to the HND in Sport Science before topping up to a full degree at university. Eventually she would like to become a sports teacher in further education. 14
Rugby Academy I played rugby throughout school but the standard in the Academy is a big step up, it s great to have a chance to play at such a high level. As part of the Academy I get access to training in both match play and individual skills and also have a free membership to the College gym. I m really looking forward to the year ahead and the range of opportunities provided by the Academy, such as being able to trial for regional and national teams. Rhys Satchell, former pupil of Haygrove School in Bridgwater, is studying A Levels in ICT, Maths, Physics and Computing. He plans to study Engineering at university before progressing into the industry. In the past five years we have had four players represent the National Rugby Squad We have reached the quarter finals of The Daily Mail Plate Competition We have a unique partnership with Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club enabling us to utilise training facilities, coaching staff and the club on College match days Bridgwater College Rugby Academy players can trial and play for Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Football Club development squads and teams Five former Bridgwater College Rugby Academy players are currently in the Bridgwater & Albion Rugby 1st Team We select up to a 30 strong squad of committed individuals from both Bridgwater and Cannington Centres who will represent Bridgwater College within the South West British Colleges League (SWBCL) and Cup programme All players have free membership to the Health & Fitness Suite and undergo tailored weight training programmes as part of their Rugby Academy training Our aim is to improve the level of performance of all of our Academy players; individually and as a team. This year our players can expect a well-rounded approach to skill sets, game management, a rigorous yet enjoyable coaching structure and the benefits of a small knit team whilst competing in SWBCL, Somerset Colleges League and our cup competitions. We will push our players towards representative honors and to play with the passion and respect that the game deserves. Matt Hastie is the Assistant Coach of Bridgwater & Albion RFC, and current 1st Team player. He previously coached at Taunton RFC, Old Ignatians, and St Ignatius College, Sydney, Australia. Formerly he has captained Taunton RFC (winning the BBC Sports South West Team of the Year 2008-09) and has played at Premiership level in Sydney, Australia, as well as with West Harbor RUFC and Southern Districts RUFC, playing over 300 senior rugby matches. 16
Trampolining Academy We hold the Ladies U19 Novice British Colleges Sport Individual Champion title 2011 We hold both Ladies U19 Novice and Elite Somerset Colleges Team titles 2010/2011 We have had both Ladies and Men s U19 Schools and Colleges Individual South West Champions 2010/2011 in our squad Our U19 Novice Ladies Team are the current BCS Champions and the U19 Elite Ladies Team came third in this competition We hold the Ladies Schools and Colleges National Individual Championship titles 2008/2009 and the British Colleges Individual Novice title 2008/09 We were South West Men s and Ladies Team Champions 2008/2009 and the Ladies continued as champions throughout 2010/11 We hold Men s and Ladies British Colleges Novice Championship Team titles 2008/2009 Our Men s and Ladies teams won the Somerset Colleges Championships in 2008/09 and the Ladies also won in 2010/11 Being part of an Academy is a great way to make new friends and keep fit. I have been part of the Trampolining Academy for two years and have enjoyed every aspect of it. Support from my team mates and coach has encouraged me to train hard to achieve everything I can. Last year our team was crowned British Colleges National Champions which was a great achievement and one I will never forget. Bethan Homer, former pupil of Haygrove School in Bridgwater, is studying A Levels in Accounting and Law alongside the AAT Accounting Diploma. She hopes to progress on to the next level of the AAT next year whilst gaining a higher level trampolining coaching qualification; eventually she would like to become a club coach. The Sports Academy provides a highly focussed environment for ambitious trampolinists. Bridgwater College has an outstanding record of achievement in trampolining with both team and individual successes at regional and national levels. The aim of the Trampolining Academy is to build on this tradition, helping Academy members to continually improve their skills and competition performances. Helen Peregrine-Wheller has over 30 years experience in coaching trampolining. She is a former regional and national gymnast, has coached for the British Trampolining Federation and is a director and verifier for the Community and Higher Sports Leaders Awards. She is also the British Colleges South West Manager for Trampolining. 18
2010/11 Jack Bennett Men s Hockey Past achievements Ashleigh Sweeney British Colleges U19 Girls Novice Trampolining Champion Andrew Venning Men s Football Emma Trunks Women s Hockey 2010/11 Nick Pedder Rebecca Tasker Carrie Robinson Bethany Smith Nina Giles Amanda Brereton Tiffany Baker Abbie Bown Aimee Stone Zoe Ranford Bethan Homer Toby Brees Nathan Hancock Ben Rogers Rebecca Miller Alicia Symes Jessica Barham Dacre Capstick Joe Clarke Leighanne Tolchard Faye Edwards Naomi Grant Chelsea Pitt Natasha Stephens Holly Cox Devon Rich Chole Stringer Matt Hurley James Hayward Alex Pathy Tom Hopkins Alex Henderson Adam Long U19 Boys South West Schools and Colleges Champion U19 Girls South West Schools and Colleges Novice Champion Somerset Colleges Elite Champion South West Colleges Men s Hockey South West Colleges Men s Hockey South West Colleges Men s Hockey South West Colleges Women s Hockey South West Colleges Swimming South West Colleges Swimming South West Colleges Swimming South West Colleges Swimming South West Colleges Squash South West Colleges Men s Football Shannon Osman Women s Football Joshua White England Schools FA & Men s Football Holly Miller Women s Football Stuart Heal Men s Rugby 2009/10 Ashley Woolmington Emma Trunks Rebecca Watkins Holly Cox Holly Miller Jenny Frost Phil Hartnup British Colleges (Men s Hockey) British Colleges (Women s Hockey) British Colleges (Women s Hockey) (Women s Football) (Women s Football) (Women s Football) (Men s Football)
2008/09 Matt Kippen Paige Davey Joe Seal Rob Thompson Adam Parchment Toby Brees Jack Bennett Ben Rogers Coral Isaac Leah Clarke Ashleigh Sweeney Zoe Ranford Amanda Brereton Rebecca Tasker Abby George Lorna Robertson Megan Coles Bethan Homer John Pykett Joshua White Connor Watts Sam Main Charlie Conway Sam Ford Tom Bateman Alex Clapp Callum Fisher Divan Van Rensburg Dominik Griffin Emily Hunter Faye Edwards Hannah Davis James Howson Jenny Frost Matt Kippen Mel Fewings Natasha Gratton Rachel Onions Rebecca Watkins Rob Allen South West Colleges (Golf) South West Colleges (Netball) South West Colleges (Swimming) South West Colleges (Swimming) South West Colleges (Swimming) South West Colleges (Men s Hockey) South West Colleges (Men s Hockey) South West Colleges (Men s Hockey) England Schools and Colleges Golf Men s Hockey Men s Rugby Women s Rugby Women s Football Women s Hockey England Schools and Colleges Golf South West Colleges Trampolining Champion National Champion (Individual - Novice) Women s Hockey Men s Rugby 2007/08 2006/07 Rosie Hill Ross McErlain Sam Main Shawn Terry Vanessa Pople South West Colleges Netball South West Colleges Netball Aaron Deeks South West British Colleges Men s Football Alex Clapp South West Schools and Colleges Golf Alex Naughlty Women s Hockey Ali Blundell Men s Rugby Amy Shaw Netball & South West Colleges Netball Chris Yeats Craig Cook British Universities & Colleges Golf Dax Vincent Emily Hunter Women s Rugby Geoff Potjewyd Jack Malone Men s Football South West British Colleges Men s Football Jacob Peregrine-Wheller Somerset Colleges Trampolining Champion South West Colleges Trampolining Champion James Howson Matt Kippen England Schools and Colleges Golf, England Schools Golf Champion, Somerset Schools Golf Champion Matt Shaxton British Universities & Colleges Men s Football Nick Slack Peter Burridge Rachel Onions South West Colleges Trampolining Champion Rosie Hill Netball South West Colleges Netball Ross McErlain Scott Bellinger British Colleges Golf Championship Aarron Meade Amy Shaw South West Colleges Netball Dan Luce Dax Vincent Geogina Nash South West Colleges Netball Jack Malone Jacob Bennett Jacob Peregrine-Wheller Somerset Colleges Trampolining Champion South West Colleges Trampolining Champion James Conway
Lee Ludwell Luke Manley Luke Oliver Peter Burridge Simon Slocombe Steve Hall 2005/06 Amy Shaw South West Colleges Netball Chris Knight British Colleges Swimming National Champion Hannah Clapp South West Colleges Netball Jacob Peregrine-Wheller Somerset Colleges Trampolining Champion South West Colleges Trampolining Champion James Marshall Richie Powell Ross Ford British Colleges Swimming National Champion Stacey Dann National Colleges Trampolining Champion Somerset Colleges Trampolining Champion South West Colleges Trampolining Champion 2004/05 2003/04 2002/03 Andy Hayes Ben Chedgy Elliot Wood Matt Shaxton Annabel O Donnell Kyle McErlain Matt Shaxton Ollie Smith Sam Jordan Vidad Obradovich Ben Kirk Carmen Notaro Chris Clark Craig Thomas Luke Buckingham Piers Govier Sam Jordan British Colleges Squash National Champion