SPORTS ACADEMY PROGRAMME
WELCOME
CHRIS DAVIES, HEAD OF FACULTY FOR PE & SPORT
Whether you’re keen to get involved in sport recreationally, competitively, or through your studies. We will provide you with great opportunities and support.
We are excited to share with you further information about our Sports Academy programmes, with information about:
• Our elite sport programmes and coaching.
• Our Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
• Recreational sport programmes.
• Wider opportunities and extra-curricular qualifications.
• The sports facilities you can enjoy at New College.
We invite you to join us and take the next step in your sporting journey.
You don’t need to be studying A-level PE or BTEC Sport to take part in our wide-ranging activities and everyone is welcome. If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more.
Chris Davies, Head of Faculty for PE & Sport
DEAN WATSON Sports Academy Co-Ordinator
TOM THORPE Sports Development Officer
OUR ELITE SPORT PROGRAMMES & COACHING
Designed for elite athletes who wish to represent the college and compete at a competitive level, our Sports Academy provides the opportunity for students to enrol onto a timetabled weekly sport programme alongside their academic studies, in the following areas:
• Elite Football Programme.
• Elite Rugby Programme.
• Elite Netball Programme.
• Elite Basketball Programme.
What do the elite programmes involve?
Students enrolling onto these elite programmes receive a dedicated 5 hours each week as part of their overall timetable, alongside their studies, honing skills that are vital to developing them as athletes.
Throughout the week these sessions are split between dedicated coaching sessions, individual performance analysis and competing against other schools and colleges within the AOC national leagues, usually on Wednesday afternoons.
Our elite programme athletes not only develop their practical skills in a competitive environment but also develop their understanding of sport as a modern profession. This includes developing understanding of effective preparation and training methods, effective nutrition for performance, and performance analysis and recovery.
There is no cost to take part in these programmes and the college provides transport to external fixtures.
HOW TO APPLY?
For those wishing to participate in the elite programmes, students have an opportunity to express interest either when attending college for application interviews, or when enrolling at the start of Year 12. Trials will then take place within Freshers’ Week at the start of the autumn term.
ELITE FOOTBALL PROGRAMME
Ellis Peacock, Men’s Team Captain, McAuley Catholic High School.
This year I am proud to have been chosen to be the captain of the NCD football first team and I feel very fortunate to be given this role and responsibility.
The Sports Academy has allowed me to not only develop my skills as a footballer, but as a team leader too. The performance analysis available to us with our coaches allows me to get the very best from my team The goal for me this season is to play every game with a winning mentality, going in to every game knowing we are better than our opponents.
Katie Yates, Women’s Team Captain and Doncaster Belles Team Player, Rossington All Saints.
I began playing Football in 2015, aged 8, when I joined Bawtry Town and carried on playing there up until 2020 when I joined the Doncaster Belles under 14 academy! At the Belles I played for the U14s and U16s before quickly progressing into the first team when I was just 16.
I made my competitive league debut against Leeds United in the Division One North 2023/24 season.
John Buckley (Lead Football Coach)UEFA A Licence Coach, Youth Modules 1, 2 & 3, Talent ID Level 1 Currently Academy Coach at Doncaster Rovers Football Club.
John is a nationally renowned coach, and has played a major part in the careers of many professional players, including current England Lionesses captain Millie Bright. John’s professional playing career includes Celtic, Leeds United, Rotherham United, Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers. John obtained his football coaching qualifications and worked with the youth teams at Leeds United and Hull City. John is a huge asset to our Sports Academy.
Tom Malkin (Football Coach) – UEFA B Licence Coach, Level 2 Talent ID. Currently 1st Team Performance Analyst at Doncaster Rovers Football Club.
Tom is very respected in the professional game, in his field as a performance analyst, and his role as 2nd team coach adds another dimension to our Sports Academy. Tom achieved a 1st Class Degree in Sports Technology and went on to work as an analyst for Welsh Boxing. Tom leads on the data analysis of our elite teams utilising software such as Veo and Polar Recovery and combines his role here with his role as a Performance Analyst at Doncaster Rovers Football Club.
Tom Rich (Football Coach) – UEFA C Licence, Level 2 Talent ID.
We were delighted to welcome Tom, as a former New College Doncaster student, back to join our expert team of coaches. Tom leads our men’s 3rd team and also leads our Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Tom also coordinates our Sports Leadership Programmes, helping our students to gain additional sportrelated qualifications and skills as they learn and as they train.
Tom Thorpe (Football Coach) – BSc Sports Coaching, MSc Sports Performance Analysis, UEFA C License Coach, Youth Modules 1, 2 & 3, Talent ID Level 1.
Tom combines his role as our Sports Development Officer across our three colleges with his role as our Women’s 1st Team Football coach. Tom is passionate about supporting more women to participate in sport and works hard to help our players develop their skills and performance.
Tom has held positions at Huddersfield Town FC as a Team Analyst with both the U18’s and 1st Team.
ELITE NETBALL PROGRAMME
I began playing Netball in 2015, aged 8, playing for a number of local and regional teams.
During my time playing at college, I’ve played several games for the 1st team and helped us win the AOC Yorkshire West A in 2024 as well as helping the team progress through the rounds of Yorkshire Regional stages in the National Netball Cup.
Being captain of the NCD first team is a great feeling as it means that the coaches trust me and feel I can help motivate and develop the players around me! I’m really looking forward to competing in the Yorkshire Championship this year and hopefully we will have a strong season!
Cheryl Stafford, England Netball Level 2 Coach.
Cheryl is a very passionate and organised Netball coach who has played a major role in developing Netball both her within the Sports Academy, and in South Yorkshire.
Cheryl was awarded ‘Regional Teacher of the year’ in the 2024 Netball Awards and currently combines both within college with coaching for Netball England.
Cheryl also combines her coaching with playing for Scunthorpe Vixens.
Daisy Robinson, Women’s Team Captain, The Axholme Academy.
ELITE RUGBY PROGRAMME
Cayden Hazlett, Men’s 1st Team Rugby Captain, The Elizabethan Acdemy.
As captain, my goal is to inspire and unite us as a team while being a role model to less experienced players. Rugby is not just about individual talent; it’s about teamwork, communication, and resilience. I believe that every player here has something unique to contribute, and it’s my job to ensure that we harness that potential. With my experience of a level one coaching qualification, I enjoy individually supporting each player and reminding the team that every match is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am looking forward to leading us into a successful season, filled with hard work, teamwork, and magical moments.
Paul Curzon – Level 2 RFU Coach. Previous Trinidad National RFU Coach and Doncaster RU Player.
As well as playing for Doncaster Rugby Union, Paul also played rugby for the police force, having spent 30 years in service.
Paul embarked on his coaching journey abroad, coaching Mellois RFC in France. He then moved on to introduce Rugby Union as a Sport in Trinidad as the Trinidad RFU coach. Paul brings a wealth of experience to the college.
David Chadwick – Level 2 RFU Coach, Level 3 RFU referee.
David is a highly experienced Rugby coach and has coached at County Level for Yorkshire with both Male and Female teams.
Dave has a keen interest in the physical aspects of the game and works as a personal trainer alongside his role at New College Doncaster.
David has played for numerous teams across England and Wales and has represented Lancashire at County Level.
BASKETBALL PROGRAMME
Alex Stokes, Men’s Team Basketball Captain, South Axholme Academy.
I began playing basketball in 2022. In my first year of playing basketball, I realised the determination and resilience I would need to improve my skills. I joined Doncaster Eagles in the U16s Boys Northern one conference league for my first season finishing 4th. In June 2024 I made the decision to move teams to Sheffield Sharks, although this was a hard decision, I believed that this would help me excel in my Basketball career.
My greatest aim as NCD basketball captain is to help others around me improve and have growth in their careers with a positive and professional mind.
Matthew Martin – Basketball England Level 2 Coach. Professional Playing Career including Sheffield Sharks and Doncaster Eagles. Matt has had an illustrious playing career both in the UK and in the USA. Matt played for Goshan College, Indiana achieving both ‘Newcomer of the Year’ and ‘Team of the Year’ in his time there.
He went on to represent Doncaster Eagles and then Sheffield Sharks in the British Basketball League. Matt then started his own basketball coaching business, delivering sessions to both children and adults, bringing his wealth of experience to our academy 1st Team.
TASS PROGRAMME
New College Doncaster is leading the way with supporting talented athletes in education in England, having been accredited by The Innovative Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) initiative.
New College is committed to providing young people in the local community the chance to develop their sporting ability and shine on the highest possible stage, all whilst gaining an outstanding education and creating a TASS Dual Career.
The Sport England-funded Scheme believes that every young person on a talent pathway should have the opportunity to gain qualifications alongside their sporting pursuits and have the chance to follow other interests and personal development.
New College will provide extensive support and guidance for aspiring athletes offering regular mentoring sessions, athletes breakfast, academic flexibility, as well as opportunities outside of college to gain valuable work experience in their desired field.
As a Dual Career Accredited Centre, New College Doncaster will be an important extension of the network of universities that already partner with TASS, delivering core support services to more than 400 student-athletes each year.
*Photos: Iga Tomasik, Kayaking, McAuley Catholic High School; Oliver Dawson, British Road Cycling Champion 2024, The Hayfield School; Sam Longley, British Karting, Hill House School.
RECREATIONAL SPORT PROGRAMMES SPORTS AMBASSADORS
Our recreational programmes are perfect for students that enjoy participating in sport, but who might not necessarily want to commit to coaching programmes or regular, more competitive sport fixtures.
Coordinated by our sports ambassadors, these activities take place during the dedicated enrichment block built into the college timetable and throughout the year. They’re open to all students at New College Doncaster with no charge. Students interested in joining the recreational enrichment programme can sign up at the Freshers’ Fair at the start of the autumn term. Some of the activities offered include:
Badminton
With 5 dedicated courts and professional badminton equipment available, students can practise both single and double games.
Volleyball
Volleyball is available to all students, with a fun, low-stakes competition taking place each week.
Indoor Cricket
Our dedicated indoor cricket nets enable our cricket enrichment to run throughout the year, despite the weather. Students are able to practise both their batting and bowling on a weekly basis, with the potential to still represent the college at our annual NCLT Varsity Tournament.
For those participating in either elite sports or studying one of the courses within the Sports Faculty, you may have the opportunity to develop as a Sports Ambassador. Our sports ambassadors take on a wide range of roles across college including:
• Represent the college and Sports departments at external events
• Providing a vital link between the student body and PE Faculty leaders on areas such as student voice.
• Co-ordinating the recreational sports enrichment programme throughout the academic year.
• Help facilitate and promote the annual NCD Sport Awards
• Prepare and manage marketing material across the Sports social media platforms.
The role of the Sports Ambassadors within the college is to lead by example, representing the sports department and regularly promote physical activities and competitions that all students are able to participate in.
SPORTS LEADERSHIP
New College Doncaster has a superb reputation in the local area of developing their Sports Leadership students into confident, resilient coaches who are organised and innovative.
The Sports Leaders programme is an accredited qualification available to all students across college upon enrolment. The college is proud to have achieved Centre of Excellence status from the Leadership Skills Foundation for the high quality of delivery for the programme.
As part of the Sports Leadership qualification, you will have the following opportunities:
• Dedicated timetabled sessions that help facilitate your work towards the programme.
• Gain experience in running a range of college wide sporting activities
• Facilitating external competitions with local primary schools through Activ8.
• Dedicated work experience programmes, team coaching students in primary schools throughout Doncaster.
• An accredited qualification in Level 3 Sports Leaders, worth up to 16 additional UCAS points.
The students within the Sports Academy work with us to lead and assist on various events throughout the college year. These range from delivering sessions to primary school students to hosting and facilitating competitions. The standard of coaching and punctuality has been exemplary, with many students going on to gain employment within Activ8, in both part-time and full-time positions. It’s an exciting partnership which I look forward to continuing.
Owen Wedgewood Director, Activ8 Group
“The Turing Scheme Sports Coaching trip to Malta was one of the best experiences of my life. It enabled me to develop not only my coaching practice, but developed my confidence in an unfamiliar environment which can only further develop my employability skills. I developed my organisational skills as well as learning to adapt sessions to suit the needs of different participants. Experiencing a different culture certainly broadened my horizons and has further driven my desire to become a Physical Education Teacher.“
Matthew Atkinson, Student.
TURING SCHEME
MALTA & ITALY
During these trips, students gain practical work experience in areas they are likely to pursue after college. In Malta, students deliver Physical Education lessons in primary schools and secondary schools, as well as planning and delivering coaching sessions to extra-curricular clubs and professional Sports Academies.
Students develop leadership skills with a diverse range of participants and this develops not only their coaching practice, but essential life skills. In Italy, students lead multisport activities at summer sport camps for children aged 5-12 and attend Italian language lessons to communicate more effectively with participants.
The two-week visits also foster key personal skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and independence. Students collaborate to plan and deliver sessions, adapt to unexpected challenges, and navigate living with peers, which prepares them for future employment, university courses, and life away from home.
Students also gain cultural experiences through visits to local landmarks and historical sites, including Cittadella, Mdina, and Blue Lagoon in Malta, and Lake Garda, Verona, and San Marino in Italy. Cooking and language lessons further immerse them in the local culture.
This exciting opportunity for students to participate in is available to all students across college, with a competitive application process taking place throughout the year.
Funded by the UK’s global programme to study and work abroad
VARSITY
Our three colleges were pleased to introduce the annual NCLT Varsity Tournament in 2021 in conjunction with The University of Hull.
Varsity is our annual cross-college tournament, drawing heavily on our sports students, and brings an exciting opportunity to represent the college in a number of different sports including Football, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Cricket and many more.
The day is a great opportunity to work alongside and compete against other students from across our family of colleges, taking place at the University of Hull.
FACILITIES
