Students from Abbey College Manchester who are enrolled on the college’s unique Academic Studies with Football Training programme, have demonstrated their impressive skills during a highly-anticipated showcase session attended by international football scouts.
The aspiring footballers had the invaluable opportunity to obtain a coveted IPSO (International Professional Scouting Organisation) report, enabling them to impress the scouts in attendance while gaining feedback on their qualities as a player, areas for improvement and discover if they could be a benefit to a club. The esteemed event stimulated a scenario where a professional scout may see a player in a game, or be asked by a club to watch a player and produce a report.
The innovative Academic Studies with Football Training Programme allows students to benefit from intensive football training sessions delivered by professional UEFA-qualified coaches, which can lead to them playing professionally or semi-professionally, in addition to gaining qualifications for entry to university.
In another significant development this season, one talented footballer is set to represent the college at a prestigious tournament in Spain. Patrick, a Year 13 ‘International Foundation Programme (Business Pathway) with Football’ student. will compete in the Donesti Cup in San Sebastian where he will showcase what he has developed during his time at Abbey College Manchester and play against some of the top European sides.
Commenting on the recent successes and opportunities for students Abbey College Manchester Principal, Chris Randell said, “I am hugely impressed with the hard work and determination demonstrated by our students to improve their skills, and we are delighted that their efforts have been rewarded with such positive feedback from the football scouts and an invitation to represent the college in an international tournament.
“While not all students on our innovative Academic Studies with Football Training Programme aspire to be professionals, they all recognise the benefits of participating in a competitive team sport and how this can complement their studies. It is a pleasure to see our students reap the rewards of this unique programme and the opportunities it brings, and we look forward to hearing how they progress.
Abbey College is a leading independent college in the heart of Manchester, with a fast-growing and vibrant community.
There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programmes.
For more information on Abbey College visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk, or call 0161 817 2700.
