The magazine of Truro and Penwith College Sport Academies
1 Supported by the best 4 Badminton Basketball 6 Cricket 7 Elite Future of 4x 10 The road to success 12 8 Molly is poles apart 13 Running with Grace 13 Determination wins out 14 10 High Performance Group 15 Military Fitness 16 High Performance at Penwith 17 Football 19 Rising stars 19 Football is just the beginning 20 Footballers shine in the US 20 A league of their own 21 A social game 22 23 Women’s Football Golf Hockey 24 Spain tour combines culture and sport 26 Netball Future of netball 28 25 Goals are reached on European tour 29 Rugby The making of professionals 31 27
Women’sEngland caps mount up for Michaella Rugby 32 Imogen a rugby player to her core 33 30 Tennis Surf 32 Surf’s up for Tassy 36 A pro surfaces 37 34 Swimming Health, Wellbeing and Sport 39 35 FAQ 40 StudentContents Support and Facilities 42 38 2 3
Sport:Top of our league Welcome to onsport, Truro and Penwith College’s dedicated magazine focussing on the sporting prospects on offer at our Outstanding college. Inside you will find The sporting academies have been student stories to get you inspired, learn more about our growing in size and success over the last two decades. We are proud to coaching set-up, fantastic facilities and how our 15 sport be able to provide an extremely wide academies will help you excel - whatever your sport. range of training facilities and sporting opportunities all year round. No matter what sport it is you perform in, there will be an academy to suit your needs and your chosen academic course. To date we have provided professional coaching for the likes of surfers, BMX riders, team sport participants, racket sports and potential service applicants, to name but a few. Through this we have aided students to reach their highest potential with a significant number achieving national and international recognition.
During your time at College you will have some huge opportunities both academic and sporting. The majority of the academies have the prospect of trialling for the Association of Colleges (AOC) National Finals, in addition to having regular competition through the AOC leagues and cups. One of the main pieces of feedback that we receive from our students is how beneficial it is to be able to compete out of county without having to do it independently. The league structure has our teams competing within the South West, however, for our highest competitors it can have you opposing colleges from across the country.
I hope you enjoy learning about what is on offer by becoming a student and am excited to welcome you into a sports team in the future. In the meantime, follow us on Twitter!
@TCSportsAcademy @PenwithSport
"Sport is endlessly important. It teaches the power of communication, Emily Lord teamwork and striving to be the best you can be. Sport helps individuals Academies Coordinator Truro and Penwith College. gain confidence, which can lend itself to a wide variety of career choices. We hope that you will take part in our academies because you love sport and want the chance to improve your abilities."
2 3 Supported by the best With links to some of the biggest clubs in national and international sport, there are no limits to your ambition
Exeter Chiefs Chelsea FC Truro and Penwith College’s link with the 2017 Aviva Premiership Champions, the Foundation Exeter Chiefs, is extremely strong. Students are able to benefit from expert coaches The College’s link with Chelsea FC and guest lectures on a regular basis. Foundation has seen the Football Academy Nutrition talks take place for all members grow from strength to strength. With many of the Rugby Academy throughout the year more competitive training and match play and the strength and conditioning coach opportunities, the numbers in the academy leads sessions written and approved by the are ever-growing. College coaches benefit Chiefs. All of this leads to a professional from interaction with the Chelsea FC set-up environment; the players understand the and are able to gain insight into different importance of how to conduct themselves training ideas. The close link also allows a but also have an insight with the guest number of students to visit the Chelsea FC speakers about what it takes to become a Foundation ground at Cobham for a training professional player. Exeter Chiefs provide session, an experience that students find playing kit for the first team squad, which motivational and very worthwhile. again helps the player to feel part of the academy and play with pride. Regular visits from Exeter Chiefs staff allow the academy to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates in what training should be taking place.
4 5 Cornwall Cricket England Netball Plymouth Raiders The strong link that Truro and Penwith Truro and Penwith College is lucky enough While the College and Plymouth Raiders College has with Cornwall Cricket was to have been granted a South West ‘hub’ have always had a connection, a new, solidified with the opening of the Gannel status by Team Bath Super League. Working stronger affiliation from 2017 onwards will Cricket Centre at the Truro campus. The alongside the England Netball programme, be of huge benefit to both sides. Academy purpose-built indoor facility holds a number the coaching team use the College’s facilities players look forward to the prospect of of offices and classrooms as well as to run training sessions. This is an excellent holiday camps and sessions with Plymouth state-of-the-art analytical equipment and link to have, with the average age of the Raiders’ British Basketball League (BBL) nets. The facility is open to the College to hub members being 14 – 17, a number of coaches and Strength and Conditioning use on a daily basis for lessons and the the athletes eventually attend College for experts. Trips to Marjons where the Cricket Academy, while in the evening, their studies. Athletes that are selected into Plymouth Raiders train will also help players Cornwall Cricket run their indoor sessions. the hub benefit from the England Netball experience life as a professional basketball Students are encouraged to take part in Strength and Conditioning programme, player. these sessions if they wish and also have alongside court sessions. The College also the benefit of the Cornwall coaches also runs the county programme out of the Truro working for the academy. The success of the campus. The academy coaches are heavily indoor game and Truro has increased with involved in both the hub and the county the building of the facility as training takes structure. This means that the academy place daily. Truro and Penwith College is students benefit from the most up-to-date also lucky enough to host the indoor school strength and technical sessions. competitions, giving future students an insight into the fantastic facilities we have to offer.
4 5 "The best part of Training 4 Up to 4 hours per week the Badminton Level Academy for me Beginners was playing in welcome Milton Keynes and Location Truro College or Penwith College* winning the National *External training supplemented by the Championships." High Performance Academy
Elliot Days, Badminton
Meet the team
Name: Jon Wotton
Job Role: Truro and Penwith College "Joining a sport academy is great for stress relief Badminton Academy Coach. and doesn't interfere with academics at all." I’m UKCC Level 2 qualified and have been in post since 2012. I’m also Sarah Frost, Badminton County U18 Lead Coach since 2007, County U12 Lead Coach since 2015 and Mounts Bay Junior Badminton Club Lead Coach since 2007.
How did you get into the role? I progressed from the County U18 role to ensure continuity of County standard With the speed and intensity of play, badminton is a true sport of tactics. A player player development in post 16. I also Badmintonmust be able to read the opposition, anticipate their actions and create strategies link players’ county representation and accordingly. Of course, this doesn’t limit the players who can join the Badminton training to College academy training and Academy. All players, from enthusiastic beginners to county and club players, are AoC National competition and County welcome. U21 and Senior representation.
Indeed, with up to four hours per week of badminton-related activities, including racket What are your personal interests? drills, skills and preparation for match play, our aim is to help everyone improve on Badminton! Love it! Breath it! Live it! I their game and learn something new about this fast-paced sport. In order to ensure the also enjoy hiking, cycling, travelling and College has the strongest combined team in competitions, sessions are held at both farming. Truro and Penwith campuses. Any advice for a future Sport The College plays in the Association of Colleges Sport tournaments and cups, with the Academy student? opportunity to qualify for the national finals, as well as a range of county and regional Join a dynamic, close knit group of schools tournaments, which means you will have plenty of opportunities to test your committed players of county/high club skills against others. standard. Compete for team selection and prove by your ability, willingness In recent years, the badminton team has been very successful on a national stage; they to learn, support for your team, correct were winners of the AoC National Cup in 2014 after qualifying for the previous four attitude and pride in the College shirt years. that you are worthy of team selection.
6 7 Jumping for joy with new Raiders link BasketballTruro and Penwith College joins with Raiders, again giving the opportunity for the the professional Plymouth-based students to enjoy the professional basketball experience. basketball team, Plymouth Raiders. But it’s not just the students of the College While the College and Plymouth Raiders that stand to benefit. Andy Cummins, who have always had a connection, the two are helps run the academy at the Truro campus hoping that this new, stronger affiliation will with Lisa Sharman, said: “We are hoping to be of huge benefit to both sides. establish a similar link to the one between our Rugby Academy and the Exeter Chiefs. The College’s Basketball Academy, which The College will also be supporting youth trains hard throughout the week, looks basketball by investing in the county forward to the added professionalism and development programme. This investment support this link will provide. With new kit will improve the provision and opportunity in the pipeline and plans of holiday camps for youngsters to get involved in basketball and sessions with Plymouth Raiders’ British throughout the county and will help to create Basketball League (BBL) coaches, the future a pathway to playing basketball for all youth Meet of Truro and Penwith College basketball is ages.” looking strong. the As well as developing academy players’ team Students currently train up to seven hours ability and understanding of the game, the a week, play in competitive fixtures, receive Basketball Academy also encourages and match and personal performance analysis supports interested members to develop Name: Lisa Sharman and are given nutritional and psychological their leadership skills by gaining experience guidance, so they are already on their way and qualifications in officiating and coaching Job Role: Basketball Academy to understanding what goes into being a basketball, so that they can put back into the Coach professional basketball player. game and help basketball develop locally. How did you get into the role? The College also plans to head up to After moving down from Brighton in Plymouth to train at Marjons with Plymouth 2000, I started lecturing in the Sports department at College. There was Training Level Location no basketball at all, so I started the 7 Up to 7 hours Any level Truro College Basketball Academy. per week welcome What are your personal interests? Playing on the beach/in the water, my dog, and when possible, still trying to play basketball myself.
Any advice for a future Sport Academy student? Don’t give up your sport/physical activity/leisure pursuit when under pressure from work - it will save you - there are always ways of managing.
Name: Andy Cummins Job Role: Basketball Academy Coach 6 7 “My favourite part of the Cricket Academy is looking at different areas of the game. Playing and then winning Nationals was definitely a memory that stands out for me.”
Piran Kent, Cricket
Meet the team
Name: Callum Whittaker
Job Role: HE Lecturer in Sport, Cricket Academy Lead
How did you get into the role? After graduating in 2006 with an honours degree in Applied Sports Science and Coaching from Exeter University, I played and coached cricket in the UK in the summer months and Western Australia in the off season. After three years of continent hopping, I completed additional post-graduate qualifications including an MSC in Applied Sports Coaching and a PGCE from Plymouth University. Following four years working in secondary school education I moved to Truro College to a role as a HE lecturer, delivering on the Foundation Degrees offered within the Fal building.
What are your personal interests? After 15 years in the sport, I am enjoying a retirement from playing cricket consisting of cycling, surfing, Cricket swimming and running.
Any advice for a future Sport Academy student? Anything worth having in life comes at a cost. In most cases the cost is hard graft, resilience and perseverance.
8 9 Fact The world-class cricket facilities in Gannel have had some interesting guests over the years. England Women’s Captain Charlotte Edwards CBE and Claire Connor, former England spinner John Emburey, ex first class players Chris Taylor and Steffan Jones and Steve Harmison, Geraint Jones and football’s John Hartson have all visited the centre since its unveiling in 2009.
Honours • 2017 AOC T20 National Champions • 2017 AOC Indoor Regional Champions • Emily Edgcombe – England U19s • Jake Libby – Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club player • Tom Turner – Glamorgan County Cricket Club • Nichole Richards – Somerset County Player • Multiple representatives in the Cornwall County senior team. • Nichole Richards – Somerset County Player • Multiple representatives in the Cornwall County senior team.
Level Players are expected to be of Club or County Level
Training 8 Up to 8 hours per week
Location Truro College*
Cricket: A national sport and an international favourite. In order to give this sport justice, students will train in the indoor Players will receive specialist strength and conditioning alongside Cornwall Cricket Centre at Truro College, a world-class facility and work on mental skills and the technical, tactical aspects of the game. one of the most modern in the UK, at different points of the year. It’s this all-encompassing approach to training that helps students achieve their very best. The centre boasts five lanes of nets, five bowling machines, Cricketadvanced video technology and a specialist floor, giving students a The Cricket Academy is hoping to produce high-quality players who truly professional place in which to train. Players will also have the are given the chance to maximise their talents. We have close links opportunity to compete in indoor competitions in the centre. with Somerset, Gloucestershire and Nottingham academies and are always looking to progress potential players toward professional Included in the strong fixture list is the School Sports Magazine opportunities. National U17 Cup, AoC Outdoor twenty20 league and indoor tournaments. Players will also have opportunities to complete *Penwith College students can access training and fixtures at Truro if coaching qualifications, which could potentially lead to some their timetable allows. volunteer work in local schools. 8 9 Future of 4x A sport that combines mountain biking and BMX, four-cross (or 4x) is a sport of speed, skill and pure adrenaline. Truro and Penwith College student Charlie Currie has been involved with 4x since 2013 and BMX long before.
During his time at College, Charlie went from strength to strength. He won the Junior British 4X Series mountain bike championship, progressed to elite men’s categories, came in fifth place in The 2017 British National 4X Series and came 19th in the 4x World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy; the biggest global 4x event of the year.
While Charlie studied Engineering at College, he was a member of the Elite Academy and benefited from the High Performance Group programme. This meant that he received tailored help with training, strength and conditioning and physio. It also meant that Charlie had help when he needed to attend competitions around the world.
He said: “The College has been fantastic, with Jamie helping with my training and giving me a lot of moral support, as well as the sessions with Dan Lawrence who has helped with my physio. They’ve helped me to work on leg strength, pedal speed and stamina training, so I am in the best physical shape I have ever been for a race. I wasn’t expecting all of these results when I stepped up to Elite. It really puts into perspective where I am now compared to where I was two years ago when I started College.”
Charlie Currie Level 3 Extended Diploma Engineering Elite Academy
10 Sport is an ever-changing and expanding world, with each sport requiring specific training and support. The Elite Academy ensures that students get the help they need no matter what they take part in.
EliteFrom athletics to table tennis, cross country to rowing and martial arts to triathlons, students join the Elite Academy to receive specialist strength and conditioning advice to supplement the specific training and coaching they receive outside the College.
Elite Academy athletes are required to be of at least county or regional standard. To ensure you get the best combination of support possible, training programmes will be produced in conjunction with relevant coaches where necessary.
Being part of an academy has the added benefit of being part of a team, making the most of this to train with each other where fitness requirements coincide. You will have up to eight hours a week where sessions can be accessed to ensure your individual needs can be met.
For all those who participate in specific athletic and cross country sports, training will also be held off-site with Michelle Penhaligon, UK Athletics Coach and Leader in Running Fitness. Michelle also works closely with disabled students, improving their fitness levels and preparing them for competition.
To help keep that competitive edge sharp, elite athletes will get the opportunity to compete in Association of Colleges Sport events including cross country, track and field championships, watersports championships as well as other county and regional competitions.
“I feel like I’m
where I am meant Training Level Location 8 Up to 8 hours Players are expected to be at Truro College to be and Truro per week County or Regional standard College has been Honours great for giving me • Taekwondo: Adam Everett - World Junior Heavyweight Champion, Jamie Martin - European Junior Champion the grounding • Track & Field: Molly Caudery - European Junior Silver medal, Welsh Grand Prix Gold medal in Pole Vaulting, Commonwealth Games team 2018 for wherever I Oli Clarke - GB Junior Silver medal • Sailing: Jack Hawkins - GB Olympic squad representation want to go in • Golf: Harry Hall – Men’s Palmer Cup representative and England men’s squad • MTB: GB representation at World Championships. Elite Men’s – Charlie Currie & Elite Women’s – Tyde D’Souza and National Junior Champions the sport.” • Surf Lifesaving: Maia Garner - GB National representation at World Championships • Surf: Paddy Daniel & Noah Biersack - GB representation at World Championships • Cycling: Alfie Peters - professional team representation • Judo: Chris Edwards - England squad 10 Alfie Peters Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport & Exercise Science Elite Academy
CyclingThe all his life,road Alfie Peters is toan athlete success whose determination and dedication hasn’t allowed a medical condition to affect his performance
Alfie Peters was originally part of the Olympic Youth Development Alfie is wasting no time in his collection of incredible achievements. Team but decided to move to his current team, Team Novo Nordisk He was selected for the British Cycling Olympic Apprentice Junior, as they promised a more structured progression to pro Programme, entered into a pro contract with Team Novo Nordisk, cycling. came in the top five at the Nations Cup Stage Race (Tour l’abitibi, in which he was a first year junior), came in fifth in the National British Team Novo Nordisk is ideal for Alfie as it’s an all-diabetic team, which Cycling Criterium in Cardiff, came second in the British National means Alfie can train with others who have similar needs and he can Time Trial in 2015, was the USA Georgia State National Road Race benefit from a doctor being permanently on-hand. Champion and came third in the USA Georgia State Time Trial Nationals. Diabetes has in no way slowed down this driven student, as Alfie works incredibly hard in training so that he can do his best in races. He said: “Being part of the High Performance Group is great. It’s all As part of the College’s High Performance Group (HPG), Alfie about strength and conditioning, which helps stop injuries. Jeff, who benefits from strength and conditioning training as well as an does physio, is especially great as he looks after you if you do get an on-hand physio. injury and as a cyclist I can struggle with my knees.” 12 13 Elite Academy Alfie Peters Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport & Exercise Science Elite Academy Molly is poles apart Pole-vaulting since the age of 10, Molly has always been interested in athletics. She has a history of gymnastics and enjoys taking part Meet in many athletics-based events. the Her time at Truro and Penwith College has team seen Molly progress and excel in her field. After winning gold at the Welsh Grand Prix Name: Jamie Willcocks in pole vaulting with a personal best of 4.10m she then went on to win silver when Job Role: Sport & Exercise Science representing GB in the European Athletics Coordinator and High Performance U20 Championships in Italy with a new Group Coach personal best of 4.35m. How did you get into the role? Her talent means Molly has been selected I’ve always had an interest in high as the youngest member of England’s performance sport and athletic athletics team heading to Australia for the development so I went out to get an Commonwealth Games in March 2018. MSc in Science of Strength & Conditioning and a national Molly has always loved sport and so looked accreditation through UKSCA. to further her involvement alongside her studies. She said: “Everything I do is sport What are your personal interests? orientated, and I thought that the sports I love all sport and athletic course would suit me well. I’d like to go to movement, chaos sports, speed and America and carry on with sport science.” power development and specific conditioning techniques. Molly Caudery Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport & Any advice for a future Exercise Science academy student? Elite Academy Drop the ego, someone in the world is working harder than you. "My sport tutors support me in any way that they can. Being in the Elite Academy means they set me specific training programmes and support me with competitions and help make sure I can take the time off in order to travel."
Competitive runner and A Level student Grace Brock says Penwith College has been Running with Grace the perfect choice in helping her to succeed in both her studies as well as in athletic competitions.
Grace chose Penwith College because it is closer to her home, which means she gets to fit in as Name: Michelle Penhaligon much training as possible around her studies. Job Role: Elite Academy Coordinator This combination of a determination to succeed, learning in a great location and support in Michelle is a UK Athletics and balancing sport and studies means she is making Running coach and Gym and great progress in her running. Exercise To Music instructor.
Together with teaching on the “I just work hard for both,” Grace said. “I can run Performance & Excellence and in my free periods as well as after College, which Fitness Development & Coaching makes it a lot easier to train, and the staff are courses, she runs the Elite Academy really supportive. The smaller class sizes means and the College’s very successful it’s a lot easier to catch up and get to know your Athletics, Cross Country and Indoor lecturers.” Rowing teams.
Grace is finding a great balance, which is Improving athletes’ fitness levels showing itself in her running results. She came in and seeing the results in their third at the British 3 Mile Championships, which achievements and success and incorporates the London Mini Marathon, two knowing these benefits will remain years in a row and she has also won the British with them and enhance their future Athletics Cross Challenge in Cardiff. lives is a very rewarding experience. 12 13
DeterminationParalympian and Truro Having obtained his T33 wheelchair athlete classification and Penwith College Ben could start competing. Alumni Ben Oliver Since then, Ben has broken the continues to prove European record for the 800m as a T33 and became first in the wins out that determination world for the T33 800m for 2016 means everything in and fourth in the world for the sport. T33 400m. Ben Oliver Unable to change his course to Level 3 Extended Diploma in a sport orientated course at his Sports Development, first college, Ben moved to Truro Coaching & Fitness and Penwith College so that he Elite Academy could study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Development, Coaching & Fitness. When he started at College, he was inspired by the new sporting equipment bought by the College through Sport England’s ‘Get Equipped’ initiative.
The equipment included new sports kit, including an upper body ergometer (hand cycle), which helps wheelchair users train to participate in cardio-vascular activities.
“The equipment really inspired me to take on the racing chair,” Oliver said.
Supported by Truro and Penwith College academy coach Michelle Penhaligon, Oliver began training at the local running track, before being coached by Graham Brett from Newquay & Par Athletics Club.
After leaving College, Ben went on to study at university while continuing to train hard. All his hard work paid off, as in 2016 he obtained his IPC (International Paralympics Committee) classification, which meant he could compete internationally as a Paralympian.
“Truro and Penwith College has really helped me challenge myself and become the best athlete that I can.”
14 15 Georgia competes in Heptathalons, which tests athletes in seven events; 100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot-put, Molly Caudery’s personal best is only 200 metres, long jump, javelin, and 0.81m under the current women’s 800 metres. world record and is 0.7m better than the world record that was set Before starting at Truro and Penwith In 2016, Georgia broke the junior in 1995. Her personal best was College, Becca Gray represented women’s Cornish record. Great Britain in U16 Pole Vaulting. made while representing GB in Pole Vaulting in Italy.
High Performance Group (HPG)
For those with at least national junior to senior national and international Strength & Conditioning Association in representative honours, the High level representation through a structured, Cornwall, the quality assurance agency individualised strength and conditioning for maintaining the high professional Performance Group (HPG) programme. standards for the Strength and provides the ultimate blend of Conditioning industry. support to help you excel in your This programme is supplemented by additional input from specialist individuals In addition to this, Jamie also has area of sport. concerning nutrition and rehabilitation in a Masters Degree in the science order to care for these athletes to the highest of strength & conditioning and is Jamie Willcocks, Truro College Sport level. To date, the HPG has provided support responsible for the Higher Education & Exercise Science lecturer, and Sam for athletes from golf to taekwondo and aims delivery of this subject at Truro and Guy, owner and operator of Cornwall to improve the profile of these athletes within Penwith College. Sam is responsible High Performance, have responsibility Cornwall. for developing the successful Child to for students who are invited to train Champion programme in Cornwall and is with HPG. The physical development Jamie and Sam are two of only a small currently completing a Masters Degree in of athletes in this programme is closely number of accredited members of the UK Strength & Conditioning. monitored to help the transition from
14 15 "Military Fitness helped develop my "It was so useful that the instructors techniques. I got stronger and avoided on the Military Fitness actually were injuries." ex-military themselves. They really HIGH Lauren Bray Lauren joined the Military Fitness Academy in 2015/16 knew how to prepare me for when she was only able to complete one press up. She left being able to smash out 36 press ups and is now in every eventuality." the British Army as a Student Nurse. George Curnow George attended the academy to help prepare for the Royal Marines selection tests. He ended up being a top recruit for fitness. Meet the team
Name: Matt Kennedy-Smith
Job Role: Military Fitness Coordinator and Public Services Coordinator
How did you get into the role? 15 years in the military as a survival instructor, training Royal Marines, RAF pilots and other front-line soldiers.
What are your personal interests? Fitness, rugby and surf lifesaving.
Any advice for a future academy student? Improving fitness begins with mental toughness.
MilitaWhether you are interested in joining rycampus. Mainly focussedFitness towards students The Military Fitness Academy will deliver the Fire and Rescue Service, the Armed with a desire to join the public services, the sessions that will push your body and mind Services or you just want to test yourself programme has been developed to provide to its limits, and then push you a little bit and improve your abilities, Military Fitness students with the most effective and fun further. All abilities are welcome, as the will help prepare you for any physical test way to improve fitness and see results. Our sessions will be differentiated by ability with life throws at you. instructors have an elite background in HM ongoing assessments; as the mantra states, Forces and have run and received many ‘no one gets left behind’. Military Fitness The Military Fitness Academy is an different types of military fitness around Academy is like nothing you have done alternative fitness academy designed to the world, based on grit, determination, before. You have read about it…. now do it! get your heart and head pumping using motivation and a good sense of humour. the local environment around the College Location Training Truro College 3 Up to 3 hours per week 16 17 HIGH at Penwith College
PerformanceThe provision of sport and the support of athletes is paramount in the academy provision at Penwith College, with an aim to improve the athlete as a whole rather than just in the competitive environment. With this in mind, the High Performance Academy has been established to work alongside athletes within the core academies of Netball, Rugby, Football and Surfing, as well as those from sports outside of these disciplines.
Academy staff work alongside coaches and trainers outside of the College to support the technical training that athletes may carry out at club level. This can be in the form of general fitness improvements, delivery of a specific training programme or strength and conditioning work. The College also supports athletes who may be in the process of recovering from injury by carrying out rehabilitation programmes, providing sports massage and flexibility sessions. These have proven to be very popular with academy coaches as they have the confidence of knowing their players will return to sport in good condition after injury.
Director of Penwith College Martin Tucker said this partnership with external experts makes the High Performance Academy a compelling offer: “I am immensely pleased with our High Performance Academy as it provides us with a strong link with the community sport provision for our elite sportsmen and women. It enables us to support and work alongside external coaches for the benefit of the athlete.”
It's reassuring to know that the High Performance Academy is there when I need it to complement the technical tennis training I get from my coach. The academy staff can liaise with my coach to make sure any programming that I am following is reaching my targets and goals.
Arielle Fitkin, Tennis Academy Penwith College
Training Up to 3 hours per week 16 17 play it learn it live it
Sport Courses at Truro and Penwith College
As Sport Academies are taken alongside a full programme of study, why not broaden your knowledge and experience with one of our full-time, Further Education sport programmes?
Physical Education A Level Sport Level 2 Progression Sport & Exercise Science Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma Outdoor Adventure Level 3 Extended Diploma
If you would like more information on any of our courses or a copy of a Further Education prospectus, contact us on:
Penwith College: 01736 335000 Truro College: 01872 267000 e: [email protected] w: www.truro-penwith.ac.uk Football
18 19 Tiago Soares (front row, third from left) joined the Chelsea FC Foundation team Rising stars at Cobham
Two students scored a huge opportunity Tiago, who is also doing a Sports Diploma when their talents meant they were at the College alongside A level Spanish, selected to play for the national Chelsea said he was looking forward to meeting new FC Foundation team. players.
Tiago Soares, 16, from Bodmin and 17-year- “It’s going to be challenging, but it will be old Max Roberts from The Lizard, caught good to see how we compare to them,” he the eye of Chelsea FC Foundation Academy added. manager Chris Robinson when the pair was playing for Chelsea FC Foundation Truro at At the time of the boys’ selection, Chelsea a tournament at Chelsea’s training ground in FC Foundation Truro, the new team at Truro Cobham. College after the association between the College and Chelsea FC Foundation, were The two were selected to join the 15-player top of the National U19 Youth Development squad, which plays teams such as England League. A feat that Gary said, “surprised a Schools and other high profile academies. few people”.
Gary Pascoe, Truro and Penwith College He added: “As far as I understand, there Football Development Manager and UEFA are no other teams who have come into the A licensed coach, said it was a “massive league as a new team and finished anywhere achievement”, especially considering there near the top half of the table. are 10 foundation teams around the country with around 200 players to select from. “One of the main reasons for our success is we have a group of players who have “It’s testament to the hard work the boys managed to click immediately, work together have put in,” he added. “I think it’s great we and they obviously have ability and talent.” are being recognised in Cornwall as an area with talent.” Gary is playing a central role in sharing the achievements of players like Max and Tiago, Max, who plays centre back, said he and in helping potential players realise this “couldn’t wait to start”. “It’s really exciting huge, new opportunity for young footballers news as I enjoy football and want to keep in Cornwall. doing it, and it will be great to meet the best players from the other Foundation teams.”
As far as I understand, there are no other teams who have come into the league as a new team and finished anywhere near top half of the table, let alone topping it. Football
18 19 Footballers Football is just the beginning shine in the What starts with a game of football ends US with friends and memories to last a lifetime. Truro College footballers are given an incredible opportunity to play in America through the DR Pepper Dallas Cup, the largest youth tournament in the world that the College enters every year.
In 2017, having beaten the Dallas Texans 2-1 in their opening group fixture, the team then picked up a draw against Sereno 99 Boys from Arizona. A 4-1 victory in their final group match against FC Dallas Youth saw them through to the quarter finals for the first time.
Folsom SC Force were the opposition, but two goals apiece from Marcello Jones and Olli Walker resulted in a 4-1 victory. The semi-final the next day was always going to be tough, especially with a mid-day kick off in the Dallas heat. Despite the conditions, Truro College put in a brave performance and almost won the game in normal time when Marcello Jones’ shot hit the post with five minutes left to play.
However, with the game finely balanced at 1-1 and with only six minutes of extra time remaining, their opponents Knowsley Youth snatched a late winner to break Cornish hearts.
Despite the disappointment of To keep people coming back, the coaching not reaching the final, the trip was must be spot on. “Kev was so much fun with a great success. The students training,” started Marcello. “And Gary was a enjoyed a three day sight-seeing great manager.” trip to New York, visiting the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Marcello returned from an International Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Baccalaureate in Italy looking for memorial. somewhere to study and was "My advice for anyone pleasantly surprised to find that he While in Dallas, they stayed with host families as part of the Dallas could continue his passion for football considering joining Cup Homestay Programme. alongside his lessons. The homestay programme is a an academy is do it, great opportunity for the team to “While I had friends who played for the experience American culture and Chelsea FC Foundation, I was more lifestyle first hand. interested in the College because they just do it." offered the IB,” began Marcello. “But I went along to a couple of training sessions and a “My advice for anyone considering joining match and was really surprised by the level an academy is do it, just do it,” continued of the players. I honestly believe that the Marcello. “I’ve met so many good friends boys could have been playing professional through the academy and loved every football.” minute.
After joining the academy, Marcello soon “Even if you’re not that great at sport or discovered the perks of the Football don’t have a specific sport you play, it’s great Development Programme. “My favourite to meet people and have some fun playing part of the academy was definitely the on a Wednesday afternoon. It’s always training. Even now, when I’m no longer in something to look forward to.” the academy, I still go along to join in when I can.” 20 Football Academy
Honours • Winners of the National U19 Football "I joined the Football Youth Development League Development Programme because I love playing football and I wanted the challenge of playing at a high level. The best part of the academy is definitely getting to play football five times a week."
Billy Jane, Football
Meet A league of the team their own Name: Gary Pascoe In a fantastic boost for footballers from across Cornwall, Truro College coaches the sport in association with Chelsea Job Role: Football Development Manager FC Foundation.
How did you get into the role? Chelsea FC Foundation Truro plays in official Chelsea kits, and students and coaches in the Since joining Truro College 14 years programme benefit from world class training at the Chelsea Training Ground at Cobham on ago, I have been an integral part of the selected dates throughout the year. development of the football programme. Obtaining my UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence After winning the 2016/17 league in its first year, the team will compete again in the National gave me the opportunity to become U19 Football Youth Development League against some exceptional competition including involved with Chelsea FC Foundation, foundation teams from Tottenham and Crystal Palace. Students will also take part in the which ultimately led to me being Chelsea FC Foundation’s annual Competition Day where all the foundation’s college teams appointed in my current role. are invited to play.
What are your personal interests? Football has taken the College’s teams all over the world, with recent trips including the Sanix Sports psychology, motor sport, music, World Championship in Japan, Valencia CF in Spain and the Dallas Cup in America. travel and horticulture. To help keep players challenged, teams are entered in all major ESFA and Association of Any advice for a future academy Colleges Sport leagues, cups and tournaments, as well as the Cornwall Schools Leagues and student? Cups, and friendlies. For those seeking the top of the game, there are opportunities to work Take every opportunity that is offered at with top UEFA A and B licenced coaches and to use some of the best facilities in the region. College as you may look back on these as two of the most enjoyable years of your life. Training Level Location 8 Up to 8 hours All levels welcome but those selected Truro College and per week for Chelsea FC Foundation will usually Penwith College be of county standard or higher. 20 Football at Penwith College Penwith College is the perfect place to play and enjoy football. With a focus on recreational play paired with quality coaches – one of whom currently coaches an England U18s team – plus the experience gained from previously being county and SW regional champions, the football atmosphere at Penwith College is one of aspiration, achievement and enjoyment.
Penwith benefits from strong links with various local teams, which help to progress its Football Development Programme and gives players access to a wide field of possibilities across playing, coaching and sport support roles. Meet the The coaches’ provision is excellent, with various UEFA B licensed coaches and one with an FA Goalkeeping Coach Education Tutor licence, who also coaches for the ESFA England team U18 team. This means that students receive the support and knowledge they need to progress from a dedicated squad and a full team of friends. Name: Matt George
Job Role: Sport Lecturer, Penwith Football Coach and Goalkeeping coach. E.S.F.A England U18 Goalkeeping Coach and FA A social game Goalkeeping Coach Education Tutor. How did you get into the role? In a joint initiative between the Health, Sportative U21 league I’ve been at Penwith College for 10 Wellbeing and Sport project and the as part of the Penwith years and have coached the football Constructions and Automotive Engineering Community Football Team. departments, and with the idea of forming They also gained their charter standard team throughout. a community football team in the Penwith certificate through the Cornwall FA. area, a team was constructed at the Penwith What are your personal interests? campus for 16-21 year-olds. John Pearce, team coach and Penwith I love goalkeeping coaching, golf and lecturer, said: “What we have achieved travelling overseas. While initially focussed on the social side of over the last 12 months is incredible. We the game, the students have been incredibly are absolutely delighted that the team has Any advice for a future academy successful since their start in 2015, with the been shortlisted for Community Participation student? team winning the Bronze Sportative Trophy Project of the Year. Our hard work over the Set yourself high standards in in their first competitive season. last two years has been worth it, by giving everything you do and try and meet individuals the opportunity to play a sport these on a daily basis. Over 20 players from the local area train on they all love and changing their lives through a weekly basis and play in the Cornwall FA’s football is an amazing feeling.”
22 23 Women’s Football Fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping and endlessly fun, there is a reason football continues to be one of the nation’s favourite sports.
Open to any individuals at any level, the Women’s Football Academy works hard to develop players’ skills to prepare them for competition.
Players will have up to five hours training, which could include coaching, match play, analysis sessions and skill work. With highly competitive matches that usually take place on Wednesday afternoons, students will have plenty of opportunities to test their skill.
The academy is entered into the Association of Colleges (AoC) South West League, giving competition across the region. Players will also have the opportunity to develop their coaching skills Meet by completing the Sports Leaders Award and also the the Level 1 Coaching Award if team desired. Previous players Name: Julie Windram have progressed onto Apprenticeships in football coaching and scholarships Job Role: Sports Lecturer to universities in the USA Women’s Football Academy as well as progressing onto Coordinator/ Occasional coach universities within the UK (FA of Wales Level 1) and have continued to play football at all levels. How did you get into the role? By accident! I had experience playing women's football in the South West so I was the one to beat.
Training What are your personal 5 Up to 5 hours interests? per week Obviously football, but I also like open water swim challenges. Where Next? Previous players have gone on to Apprenticeships in football Any advice for a future coaching and scholarships to "My best achievements in academy student? universities in the USA. Attitude is the little thing that the academy are winning the makes a big difference between Level success and failure. Any level League and Cup and being asked to be captain." Location Truro College Kaitlyn Butterly, Women’s Football
22 23 Level Any level "The best part of the Golf Academy is playing competitions on Wednesdays as we go to a lot of Training 6 Up to 6 hours courses. In fact, one of my stand per week out memories was when we went to Scotland for a few days to play Location Truro College or in a competition." Penwith College*
Danielle Price, Golf Academy
Meet the team
Name: John Presswell
Job Role: DTL for Sport, College Golf Academy coordinator and AoC Southwest league coordinator. Whatever your experience, the Golf Academy is a fantastic way to enjoy the sport while playing a variety of courses. How did you get into the role? After setting up and running the Up to six hours a week of golf-related activities help players improve their golf performance Football Academy for nine years, I while extending their knowledge of the game through swing and realised we had no golf provision, yet bio-mechanical analysis, short game development, fitness and psychology. some quality golfers. We are now in our ninth year and have had regional Within the academy, students will have the opportunity to experience some of the best levels and national success as a team and of coaching and competition available to their age group in the South West, such as Truro through individual performances, Golf Club professional Scott Richards. along with new golfers entering the golfing world. Scott is a PGA AA Golf Professional, has a diploma in Golf Psychology and is one of only ten PGA professionals in the UK qualified to teach the InnerCaddy™ lessons. What are your personal interests? With a variety of regional and national competitions and the possibility of warm weather All sports, walking my rescue dog training camps abroad, players will gain a wealth of experience during their time with the academy. on long walks around beautiful Cornwall, films and dark chocolate!
Any advice for a future academy student? Academics come first, so stay on top of the work to enjoy the golf! *External training supplemented by the High Performance Academy Golf24 25 Hockey is a great sport to be enjoyed by players of any level. Of course, for those wanting to really progress and improve and to play for the 1st team, joining a local club is ideal. In fact, some of the Hockey Development Squad players play for various South HockeyPremier teams in the county, such as Truro, Newquay and Falmouth. Up to six hours per week of hockey-related activities will help hone your skills. Through theory sessions, coaching, fitness sessions, skills work, post-match analysis and weekly competitive matches, you will enjoy every opportunity to improve your play. Or, if you want to learn how to instruct others from the side lines, coaching and umpiring courses are offered throughout the year and offer the chance to understand different aspects of the game.
Nothing gets the blood pumping more than competing against a well-trained opposition. Playing hockey at Truro College means you will get the opportunity to play in a variety of tournaments and intra-college leagues, some of which could take you as far as Wales.
Meet the team
Name: Tim Evans
Job Role: Academy Lead Hockey & Coach Level Any level How did you get into the role? Throughout my life, I have played a variety of sports. Hockey has been one Training 6 Up to 6 hours of the constants, playing throughout per week my time at school, university and club hockey in Yorkshire and Spain. Location The chance arose when lecturing at Truro College College to get involved at the Hockey Academy and get my coaching badges and I jumped at the opportunity. I take great satisfaction from working with the players and trying to get the best out of them.
What are your personal interests? Not sure it is my personal interest but a lot of time is spent ferrying my kids to and from activities. However, I hope this ferrying inspires them to be active participants in the academy system at college in their chosen sport. When I have free time I like to get the family out mountain biking and surfing.
Any advice for a future academy student? Combining your studies with a sport academy is a huge commitment but striving to be the best you can be will bring you great satisfaction. 24 25 Hockey Academy
Spain tour combines culture and sport When given the chance to explore and play hockey in Spain, Truro and Penwith College’s Hockey Academy jumped at the chance, resulting in a four-day hockey trip to Andalucia. The trip took in the great sights and sounds of Granada, Malaga and Seville, which included games against teams from each city.
The team played three matches in total, winning two and drawing one. They showed great character and team spirit to come back from 2-0 down in the last match of the tour, scoring two goals in the last five minutes of the game. The matches were played in impressive settings from the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the palm tree-filled city centre sports complex of Malaga.
Tim Evans, Sports Lecturer at Truro College and Hockey Academy Lead, said: “The trip was a success in every sense of the word, with the students leaving a good impression on the people they met, played against and the staff who took them. They were a credit to the county, Truro and Penwith College and their families. Polite, well-mannered and possessing a willingness to absorb the cultural sights and sounds of Southern Spain, the students even tried the local delicacies of octopus, baby squid and paella.” Netball
"I play hockey for club and West of England and I joined the Hockey Academy because I love being able to train with my friends and the coaching is great."
Alice Mathias, Hockey
26 27 Training 10 Up to 10 hours per week
Level Any level welcome
Location Truro College or Penwith College Netball
With over one million women and girls playing netball every week, the sport stands proud as an ever-growing favourite. With three College teams at Truro and two at Penwith, there is every opportunity for students to join in and play this great sport. Most players tend to play for local clubs, many of them in regional leagues, although Truro’s third team and Penwith’s second tend to play more for the social side of the game and are not always connected to local clubs. Of course, starting the year in the third team doesn’t mean you will stay there, throughout the year many players can be seen progressing to the first team.
Fixtures, leagues and tournaments are an important aspect to any sport. The Netball Academy works hard to ensure players have plenty of opportunities to play against others. In fact, Truro’s first team plays in the AoC Premier League and both Truro’s second and Penwith’s first teams play in the South West League 1.
Watch your skills grow as you take part in many netball-related activities such as work on skills, tactics, fitness, match play and match analysis. There is a real club feeling to the academy, with a friendly atmosphere where everyone, regardless of experience or ability, is valued.
Many Netball Academy players help to coach U12’s and U14’s in local clubs, which helps the players gain experience in coaching and leadership. Some students also gain experience working in a local secondary school assisting with coaching school teams.
Training for the academy starts during the summer holidays. Players attend one day a week giving them an opportunity to develop their skills, fitness and match play and also helping them to make new friends before the college year starts in September. 26 27 Future of Meet Netball the team The Netball Academy is a fantastic academy to be a part of. We take training seriously and look to develop anyone that wishes to take part. Specialist coaches will Truro Netball Academy teach you more about player Leah Dooner demonstrates her technical and tactical love of the sport by aspects of the game playing as much as she can and making the most along with specialist of the College’s links with strength and conditioning Superleague giants Team Bath. to help with injury Leah has shown her prevention. Come along commitment time and again and join in with a great by taking part in various opportunities. Starting bunch of girls who enjoy with the U17 National Performance Foundation netball, want to improve League, Leah was then and will work hard to selected for the Team Bath Futures Academy, which do so. has a hub in Cornwall and provides a pathway to playing for Team Bath.
Name: Sumaya Petersen This incredible opportunity Job Role: Netball Academy Coach means that Leah gets to train more frequently at College, alongside a gym session, and then travels to Exeter once a week for a session with the Team Bath Futures Academy.
On being a part of the Team Bath Futures Academy Leah said: “We get a variety of training with different coaches and we get to play lots of matches up country.
“The Netball Academy is a great balance of fun and competitive environments. It also gives you a break from your subjects and gives you the opportunity to let off steam,” she added.
28 29 Netball Academy Goals are reached on European tour As beautiful as the Penwith peninsula “It was lovely to see the students play is, the students in the Penwith Netball some of their best netball in the match and Academy were only too excited to swap not give up even though from early on in the Cornish backdrop for that of sunny the match it was obvious our chances of Meet Spain to spend a week with top coaches winning were low. At half time, one of the and international teams. students came off saying it was a privilege the to be on the same court as KTK players team The nine lucky students travelled to Murcia and how much they were enjoying the on the academy tour, which is planned to experience despite being 14-1 down after run annually, and enjoyed focused workshop only 10 minutes play.” Name: Nadia Edyvean sessions delivered by specialist coaches through the week. These ranged from In the run up to camp, the team all worked Job Role: Netball Academy Coach and shooting, attacking, defending to beach very hard to fundraise for this programme. Sport Lecturer netball and strength and conditioning Through the running of netball camps, bake sessions. The coaching staff boasted a sales and a Fast 5 tournament, as well as How did you get into the role? wealth of knowledge and included Maggie two students receiving grants from West I have been involved in netball Jackson, former England player and coach. Cornwall Youth Trust, the students reached coaching for a number of years at a their goal. local club and also within Cornwall An international tournament filled the Netball. Three years ago a netball final day, which saw teams from England, Nadia continued to praise the students, coaching opportunity arose at Penwith, Scotland and South Africa, who had been saying: “I was impressed by the since then my role at the College has training together all week, play against each attitude, effort and levels of maturity grown to include lecturing. other using all of their newfound skills and shown by the students, who at all times techniques. behaved impeccably and were fantastic What are your personal interests? ambassadors for Truro and Penwith College. Netball takes up a large part of my life. Penwith College finished third, narrowly We left feeling very proud of them, having With my College role, working within missing out on second place by one goal. watched them grow in terms of their skill the Cornwall Netball performance Coach Nadia Edyvean said: “We were out- and understanding of the game but also as pathway, coordinating the CN junior classed by the first position team KTK from a team, with strong, long-lasting friendships league, TeamBath Hub assistant coach Durban, South Africa, who played with style, formed.” and playing regionally myself, there is strength and pace on a level above the other not a lot of time left. teams.
Any advice for a future academy student? Embrace the academy and all that it offers, take every opportunity that comes your way. If you organise your time well it is possible to balance study and playing sport. Value the friendships you make along the way, the ones formed in team sports often end up being lifelong.
28 29 RugbyWith ties to Premiership Champions The Cornwall RFU has been very the Exeter Chiefs, strong links with successful in developing players in the local teams such as the Cornish under 16 age groups, but these players Pirates, Redruth and Plymouth and are then faced with difficult choices. a rugby pitch alive with pre-season Often they leave the county in order to training over the summer, rugby relocate and continue with both their features highly on the College’s rugby and their education. sporting calendar. The joint initiative between Truro and Indeed, the College is so intrinsically Penwith College and the Exeter Chiefs’ linked with rugby that it is one of the Rugby Academy provides players with key partners in the development of the real opportunity of a first class the Stadium for Cornwall, a potential education coupled with first class rugby 10,000 seater stadium that aims to help coaching, all while staying and studying Cornwall get its first Premiership rugby in Cornwall. team. To supplement their academic At the College, players are given up to programme, players are also able eight hours per week of rugby-related to complete the AASE programme, activities to help strengthen and expand which gives them knowledge and their ability and knowledge of the sport. understanding in preparation for life as These sessions include theory, coaching, a professional rugby player. video analysis, fitness sessions, skills work and weight training.
In addition, there is an extensive fixture list on Wednesday afternoons, where games are played both locally and nationally at U18 and U19 levels, alongside leagues including Premiership academies and friendly matches against schools and colleges.
30 31 The making of
Name: Stephen Larkins Job Role: Head of Truro College professionals Rugby Academy Truro and Penwith College continues to build a name for itself by producing professional and semi-professional rugby players on a regular basis.
College coaches have worked with the Jack, who studied a BTEC Extended Exeter Chiefs to create a professional Diploma Level 3 in Sport Performance and training programme. This covers pre-season Excellence at Truro College, also praised training throughout the summer months, his coaches who influenced and helped him daily sessions during term time and pre- during his College years. A full interview with season friendlies that help the players to Jack Nowell talking about his time at College gauge what they are up against. can be found online by searching ‘AOC Jack Nowell elite sport’. This focus on training and contact hours with coaches is a huge aspect of creating elite The Rugby Academy firmly believes in rugby players. Indeed, there aren’t many education through experience, so having colleges that can offer one and a half hours coaches who contribute to the sport of rugby a day for students. But, as England regularly is hugely beneficial. One coaches and Exeter Chiefs player Jack Nowell said: Redruth RFC, two are involved with the “The course I took gave me almost every Exeter Chiefs in the A League and one angle on a professional sport – people’s plays at Plymouth Albion. These ties mean lives, what the refs get up to, the physio that students can get to know the coaches’ staff, the management.” experience and playing patterns.
All of these aspects of the Rugby Academy have led to a multitude of students progressing onto professional and semi- professional rugby, with alumni including Jack Nowell who plays for Senior England, England Under 20s, Exeter Chiefs 1st XV and British and Irish Lions, Luke Cowan-Dickie who plays for Senior England, England Under 20s and Exeter Chiefs 1st XV, Jack Innard who plays for England U20 and Exeter Chiefs and Tom Hendrickson who also play for Exeter Chiefs.
Training Level Fact 8 Up to 8 hours Any level welcome In recent years, the Rugby Academy per week has toured to South Africa, Dubai, Japan and Canada. Honours and Alumni • Jack Nowell plays for Senior England, England Under 20s, Exeter Chiefs 1st XV and British and Irish Lions. • Luke Cowan-Dickie plays for Senior England, England Under 20s and Exeter Chiefs 1st XV. • Jack Innard who plays for England U20 and Exeter Chiefs. • Tom Hendrickson plays for Exeter Chiefs.
Location Truro College or Penwith College* *External training supplemented by the High Performance Academy
30 31 England caps mount up for Michaella
Working her way up from a local Cornish team, Michaella Roberts has proved that this girl absolutely can when she was selected for the England Ladies U20’s rugby team.
Michaella was absolutely thrilled to be chosen for the team: “What a huge honour to represent my country, having started at Camborne mini juniors to playing for England. What a journey.”
Michaella went from representing Cornwall in the U15 and U18 divisions, to the South West Division. After that, she represented the England talent development group against Canada, before joining England’s U20 team. Her journey also included doing exceedingly well in her Sports Diploma at Truro College, proving she had what it takes to play for a nation: “I gained three distinction stars on my course before progressing to the real world of women’s rugby and playing for Plymouth Albion Ladies,” she said.
Since leaving Truro College, Michaella has earned three caps for the England U20s. Michaella Roberts Currently involved in the England U20s set up for her second year, Michaella shows no Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching signs of slowing down: “Playing for England at any level has to be the icing on the cake and Fitness for me.” Playing her club rugby for Bristol ladies in the new Tyrrells Women's Premier Women’s Rugby Academy 15s League, the future looks bright for this Truro College rugby alumni. She added: “Truro and Penwith Women's Rugby Academy is an amazing academy to be involved in. The coaching quality allowed me to further my rugby skills and knowledge. It also allowed me to excel in my College course, as the rugby never out balanced the College work.”
Name: Marek Churcher Job Role: First team Coach AASE Truro College
How did you get the role? A conversation with the rugby academy led to coaching the second team in 2008, gradually I gained more coaching qualifications and was given the responsibility of the first team.
What are your personal interests? Rugby, paddle boarding, playing golf. Meet Any advice for a future student? Make the most of every opportunity you are given, you never know the who is watching or where your next step will take you. 32 team 33 Truro College’s Imogen Miller wasn’t put off for a second when she found out there weren’t enough female players to make a Imogen, full rugby team.
While Imogen has only been playing rugby for one year, she has loved rugby long before. a rugby “I’ve wanted to play for so long. Watching the boys play I would Meet get so jealous. There was never a the girls’ team where I lived and there player to team is only recently a women’s team.” “In fact,” continued Imogen. “One of the reasons I came to Name: Richard Siveter her core Truro College was the hope of playing rugby – and because the Job Role: Rugby Academy Coach and sports in general look so good.” Sport Lecturer, Penwith College. Since Imogen started off as How did you get into the role? the only female rugby player, I started in exactly the same position she was immediately invited to as many of our students, where I play with the boys so that she wanted to play sport and study at wouldn’t miss out on training. the highest level possible. At the time “I love training with the boys,” that I was making my post-16 choices said Imogen. “It gets better every there wasn’t the excellent facilities and week. The guys always get me opportunities that are now thriving at involved and don’t single me out both the Truro and Penwith campuses. at all.”
What are your personal interests? When asked about her favourite I teach full time and then run an Exeter part of training, Imogen was Chiefs programme outside of College, quick to answer. “I love the which takes up most of my time. atmosphere. No one treats me However, I do have a young family with any differently and the coaches two girls and an older boy. Whenever I work hard to make sure I can join am free it is time spent with them doing in everything.” family outings usually to the beach or other outdoor activities. But with Imogen’s clear love of the sport and eagerness to play Any advice for a future academy evident, more and more girls are student? turning up to play. I would advise any student to get involved with the academies as it’s a “There’s great variety in the girls great way to release study pressures that turn up. Some have never and establish new friendships that played before while others have often stay with you for life. It gives you been playing since they were six. something additional that is your point But we all get to the same level of difference alongside your academic quickly. Even those who are new study programme, which employers to the sport get it straight away "My advice for and HE institutions really value. because the coaches are so Regardless of ability, get involved and good and introduce them to the students considering grasp every opportunity that comes basics immediately.” your way! joining an academy... Imogen is excited to be entered into her first Sevens tournament 100% do it." and looks forward to more eager players joining the Women’s Imogen Miller, Women’s Rugby Play a central Rugby Academy. Her advice to all those considering joining the sport is simple: “Being a girl has part in Women’s nothing to do with it, if you love rugby squad rugby just turn up.”
Open to players of any standard, the Women’s Rugby Academy is ideal for any fan and welcomes everyone who wants to improve and excel in this exciting sport. Training 4 Up to 4 hours per week When numbers allow, the College plays within the Association of Colleges Sport League and cups as well as festivals, friendly matches and tournaments at 15s, 10s and 7s. Players are also given the opportunity to represent Level the College at a South West Colleges level and are encouraged to play in the county and regional set up within the Any level welcome Rugby Football Union Women player pathway. Location Fixtures are predominantly on Wednesday afternoons. The academy is aiming to be the development centre for Truro College or Women’s Rugby in the county. *External training supplemented by the High Performance Academy. Penwith College* 32 33 "The best part of the Tennis Academy is the amount of hours we get to play a week as well as all of the opportunities to compete against the best of other colleges."
Rory Teah, Tennis
Whether based at Truro or Penwith College, you will have the opportunity to receive up to six hours a week of professional coaching, which includes racket skills, drills and preparation for match play. Students at Truro enjoy this training in conjunction with Truro Tennis Club and will have sessions at both the College and Truro Tennis Club. Penwith students train with Penzance Tennis Club and attend their technical sessions exclusively at the club, which are supported by the Performance Academy.
All academy players will receive additional support and advice on strength and conditioning and gain access to the College’s Name: Ryan Fern extensive fitness facilities. The College plays in the Association of Colleges Sport tournaments, with the opportunity to qualify for Job Role: Truro College Tennis the AoC National finals, as well as a range of county and regional professional tournaments. How did you get into the role? Don’t worry if you’re not quite at club or county level yet, players of About 10 years ago I had a meeting to any level are welcome to join and improve their skills. see if we could get a Tennis Academy running at the College, we all agreed and it keeps improving each year. Training 6 Up to 6 hours per week What are your personal interests? My personal interests are spending Level time with the family and all types of Any level welcome sport.
Any advice for a future academy Location student? Truro College or Penwith College* *External training supplemented by the High Performance Academy My advice to future academy students would be to grab the opportunity to be included in any academy at College as it’s a brilliant way to improve in your chosen sport.
Tennis 34 35 Photo: Dave Muir, Sennen Surf School
Since surfing is such a huge part of Cornish life, the Surf Academy caters to students of all abilities, from competition level to participatory. Whatever level you are, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to improve and test your skills with weekly surf tuition.
Surfing is available from both campuses and has produced a number of competitive male and female surfers who have competed in Surfing GB and UK pro tour events.
Opportunities exist to take part in local and national competitions and events and students will have access to regular water-based sessions and specialist coaching that includes video analysis and technical feedback.
At beginner to intermediate level, students are encouraged to develop practical techniques and understanding of sea conditions. Our goal is for every student to reach a competent level of surfing ability that includes relevant personal equipment, knowledge of etiquette and green wave surfing.
Participants will ideally be confident in chest high (2-3ft) surf and be able to access the water beyond the break. In addition, all students will have access to optional swimming and fitness sessions. "I love to surf and surfing with a group of people Every year the Surf Academy organises a trip abroad to a surf my age is great. Not destination. Trips in the past have only have they improved included Morocco and Portugal and my surfing, I have made as the academy grows so do the destination choices for this venture. some great friends."
Charlie Woyka, Surf
34 35 Tassy Swallow Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport & Exercise Science Elite Academy Surf Academy
Her time at Truro College not only helped with her competitions and WhileSurf's at College, Tassy Swallow was the epitomeup of a hard working for evolution as a professionalTassy surfer, but ignited Tassy’s passion for and dedicated student. For a British surfer, competing at the top level teaching others; a passion that has resulted in her setting up her own means spending frequent periods abroad, training and competing. surf school and social enterprise for girls, Tassy’s Surf Ratz in St Ives. This meant Tassy would often have to spend long periods of time around the world with short bursts at home and College. To date, Tassy stands as a three-time British champion, two-time English champion and four-time regional champion. But with the support from her lecturers and copious amounts of determination, Tassy managed to complete her Level 3 course in “Truro College took my ambition to be a professional surfer as a Sport & Exercise Science while also training around the world and serious vocational option right from the start, and looked for ways of competing in World Championships. making it work, rather than saying it couldn’t be done,” Tassy said. 36 37 Surfing Academy
Meet the team
Name: Mike Murphy
Job Role: Lecturer Sport & Exercise Science and Surf Academy Coordinator
How did you get into the role? I was a physical training and injuries rehabilitation instructor before becoming a Naval Officer. I left the Royal Navy in 2011 and was employed as a Sports Lecturer. I am on the National Sports Therapy Professions Specific Board and the VTCT Awarding Body’s Exams, Assessment & Review Committee.
What are your personal interests? I coach Waterpolo to the Penzance Juniors and enjoy surfing.
A pro surfaces A pro Any advice for a future academy student? Penwith is a truly spectacular location for surfing in Cornwall, with beaches such as Never give up on your dream, Sennen, Porthcurno and Porthmeor offering incredible spots to get out in the water. however, you get out what you put in! Excellence requires commitment One student who has definitely been making the most of Penwith College’s location and honesty. is George Carpenter, surfer and student at Penwith.
George is a regular attendee of Penwith College’s Surf Academy as well as a member of the Sennen Surf School Academy where he also works during the summer as a surf coach.
Of being a member of the academy, George said: “Being able to surf as part of my weekly timetable at Penwth College has allowed me to further develop my skills in preparation for future events.” George not only improves his own ability though, he puts his surf coach skills to good use by helping other less skilful performers in the group.
At the age of 16, George finished second in the Under 18’s category at the English National Surf Championships in Perranporth – a truly incredible achievement that Name: Tom Edyvean helped propel him into competing around Europe. Job Role: Surf Academy Mike Murphy, Surf Academy coach, commended George’s ability to balance his Coordinator/Sports Lecturer surfing with his studies. “George understands the commitment required to succeed in his studies and works hard to ensure a good work-surf balance. We offer all How did you get in to the role? students support external to lessons to ensure they keep on track, which George I've been surfing for over 20 years uses regularly to great effect,” said Mike. so involvement in the Surf Academy was a natural progression. After completing my surf coaching and lifeguard qualifications I began assisting with the surf sessions before taking full responsibility in 2012. Recently we have added Location experienced surf coach Gavin Walsh 3 Training Level Truro College or Penwith College Up to 3 hours Any level welcome to the team who has been able to per week pass on a wealth of knowledge.
Honours and Alumni What are your personal interests? • George Carpenter – 2nd place in England U18 Nationals 2017 • Jake Sage – Semi Pro Surfer Aside from surfing, I enjoy rugby, • Isaac Marshall – U18 National Champion 2015 mountain-biking and music. • Maisie Marshall - 2nd in the U18 British Longboard Championships 2014 Any advice for a future academy student? Take advantage of every opportunity 36 37 that is offered at the College. Whether you are at club or county level or are an enthusiastic beginner, the Swimming Academy will oversee your progression week after week.
With up to six hours per week of swim-related activities including pool sessions, focus on technique and dry side training, improvement comes fast. Academy swimmers will also be introduced to new forms of training, such as strength and conditioning and technique analysis.
Swimmers would normally compete for a club outside of College, although there will be an opportunity to represent the College at the Association of Colleges Sport South West gala. We also make full use of Truro Leisure Centre hosting a number of home galas, building links with other clubs and colleges.
Of course, swimmers are just the beginning. Triathletes are welcome to join in the sessions in conjunction with their land-based training through the Elite Academy.
Truro and Penwith College student Ben Kent truly made the most of his time at College, taking part in both the Swimming Academy and Elite Academy to help with his triathlon training.
“I’ve been swimming as part Meet of the College Swimming Academy on Wednesdays, the Thursdays and Fridays, and I link team up with College Sports Technician Matt Pullen, because he used to be a triathlete and he helps get Name: Matt Pullen me where I need to be,” Ben explained. Job Role: Sports Tech and Swimming Academy Coach Throughout his time at College, Ben represented Great Britain How did you get into the role? at the ITU Triathlon World I have spent many years competing in Championships, once in the triathlons, rowing and sailing. Racing in 18-19 age category and once short and long course events with lots as the youngest by one and a half of successes on a local, national and years in the 20-24 category. He international scale. Having retired due to also represented Great injury I have gone into Britain at the ETU Triathlon coaching others. European Championships in Lisbon, again where he raced What are your personal interests? as the youngest in his age Rowing, cycling, family time and golf. bracket.
Any advice for a future academy Ben Kent student? Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport Enjoy training and have fun. If you push & Exercise Science yourself you will be amazed at what you Swimming Academy can do. Elite Academy
Every Friday students take part in the cross swim challenge. A mixture of swimming and land-based training. "My advice to students considering joining an academy...
Location Truro College and pick a sport you enjoy and do it for fun." Penwith College* Jack Meyoyitt, Swimming Academy Training 6 Up to 6 hours per week *External training supplemented by the High Performance Academy 38 39 Joining one of our fantastic Sport Academies isn’t the only way to get involved in sports and activities at College.
Truro and Penwith College is committed to providing an environment where students can grow and develop by offering regular recreational activities in addition to Name: Julian Wills the sports academy provision. We offer students a large and diverse menu of over forty physical activities and Job Role: HWS Project Lead recreational sports to help promote physical health and mental wellbeing across both Truro and Penwith sites. I’ve had 25 years in the Sports Development Industry including holding The HWS Project Lead, supported by the HWS posts as British Para-Triathlon Manager Project Lead Assistant, oversees the delivery of and Regional Manager for the Olympic the Health, Wellbeing and Sports programme that Legacy Project ‘Inspired By Sport offers a variety of opportunities that are fully inclusive Foundation’. I’m looking forward to and diverse to encourage all students to access continuing to develop and expand our the activities. The programme has been developed physical activity offer to help support to support students throughout their time at College, and student and staff mental wellbeing and help them achieve their academic goals. physical health. In my spare time I enjoy fell/mountain/trail running, climbing and The College recognises that different students will be OCR, Obstacle Course Racing. motivated to participate in physical activity by different things. Whether it’s about participating to help develop a healthier lifestyle, to develop friendships, or to help Name: Mark Stevens complete a challenge to raise money for charity, the Health, Wellbeing and Sport programme is for Job Role: HWS Project Lead Assistant everyone. The selection of activities includes fitness classes, badminton, trampolining, basketball, table- I studied Sports Coaching Science and tennis, swimming, climbing, canoeing and gym sessions. Disability Sport at university, and have The programme is delivered through a team of volunteer now worked for Truro & Penwith College, activators made up of current students studying either FE Health, Wellbeing and Sport team for a or HE programmes. number of years. I’m very much looking
forward to continuing working towards The programme has been part funded through the increasing physical and mental wellbeing National Lottery and developed through consultation with for staff and students within the HWS Sport England. programme. Outside of work I’m an
avid wheelchair basketball player and For more information about the initiative please contact wheelchair racer and have travelled the HWS Project Lead on 01872 267571. around the country to compete. 38 39 40 41 Do I have to pay to be in the academy? If I can’t make pre-season training in the No – academies are free to join. All transport summer am I not selected? and playing kit is provided for, but you will be No, anyone will be welcome to join the asked to contribute to any overnight stays that academies at any point throughout the year. you might be a part of within the College year. Pre-season is run to get an idea of who will be attending College but all coaches are aware that How does the academy fit into the these aren’t final numbers. If you haven’t signed College day? up at the start of the year just tell your personal Academies at the Truro campus run within the tutor and they will enrol you. College day (9.15 – 4.15) with some academies also offering sessions at 8am and 4.30pm. They Will I always be back for busses? run across a Monday and Tuesday afternoon No, some away games will not allow you back anytime between 12.35 – 2.40. Wednesdays in time to catch the bus. Your coaches will give are usually fixture days, with home matches you a fixture list at the start of the season and being played in the afternoon. Thursdays and highlight the days where you will need to make Fridays run in the morning, 11am on a Thursday alternative arrangements to get home. and anywhere between 9.15am – 12.30pm on a Friday morning. How do I stay in contact with the coaches? Academies at the Penwith campus also run The best way is through communication at within the College day (9.15 – 4.15) and also training and also the College email system. have fixtures on a Wednesday. Alternatively, Some academies run closed social media academy slots run on a Tuesday between 1.10 pages, which you will become a member of – 2.40 and on a Friday between 11.00 – 12.30. when you join the academy. This is an easy way to post a team sheet and communicate What can I study alongside and academy? quickly with players. Coaches also make full The simple answer is any course. There are use of the notice boards. There is a board for some that fit into the academy structure better each academy in the Lyhner building, team than others, but if you are free in any academy sheets, travelling times and training times will be slot you will be able to sign up and attend. There displayed on this along with any other relevant is help on hand within the first few weeks at information. College to try and work out the best way to fit academies into your timetable. Usually there are What standard should I be to play for the no issues and you should be able to compete academy? and train when required. There is no requirement. It is usual for first and second team players to have played club or Can I still play my sport outside of county level outside of College but again not College? essential. All we need for you to attend the Yes and we encourage you to still participate academy is good commitment, willingness to with your sport outside of College. However, learn and good communication. students should be aware of how much training they are doing within the week. College fixtures If I am picked for one team will I stay in are predominantly played on Wednesdays, with that team for the rest of the season? varying travel commitments. Students need to Not necessarily, there is always movement be aware that they need to take care of their between teams and you are never ‘locked’ into a overall health as well as being organised in team. If you show the correct commitment and planning their week. enthusiasm, then coaches will be willing to give opportunities in higher teams. Having said that, What kit do I need to get? there are a considerable number of players who As mentioned previously, all match kit is do stay in the same squad through the year and provided for you. You will have the opportunity who are happy with this. Again, communication at the beginning of the year to purchase College with the coaching staff is key. Let them know kit. We ask all academy members, where your goals and ambitions. possible, to have at the very least tracksuit trousers and hoody so you can travel to and from fixtures looking like a team.
When do trials take place? A selection of academies will run pre-season training throughout the summer. This is a good way to meet friends before you start College and also to improve fitness before the fixtures start. You will not go through any trial to get into any academy, all academies are open to any levels and take as many students as possible. There may be a trial at the start of the academic year to determine what team you will be placed in. This is usual with the larger academies and does not determine your place for the season, movement throughout the teams is usual.
40 41 42 43 Facilities Truro and Penwith College boasts an
incredible array of venues for training, which vary depending on your chosen sport; the Surf Academy for example can take place at many beaches around Cornwall depending on where the surf is best at the time. Most academies train within the College grounds with exception of tennis and hockey, which train using excellent facilities near the College.
Truro Campus • State-of-the-art cricket centre • Dedicated grass rugby pitch • Latest 3G Astro turf pitch • Climbing wall • Two sports halls • Two gyms • All-access fitness suite • Access to neighbouring leisure centre’s swimming pool
Penwith Campus • Indoor multi-use games area • Fully equipped fitness suite • Floodlit, 3G Astro turf pitch • Access to neighbouring leisure centre’s swimming pool
Academy Leaders Academy leaders will oversee the academy structure. If you ever want to talk through your goals or performance, or anything regarding your sporting journey at the College, your dedicated academy leader will be there to help you.
You will also have specialist coaches who are able to design bespoke coaching sessions that fit needs of the individuals. Students are also encouraged to talk to the training staff about nutrition and nutritional needs.
Therapy Some academies have their own physio, depending on the physicality and needs of the sport. However, all academies have free-of-charge access to weekly sports therapy sessions. Students can book a slot via email before receiving the treatment they need. This allows all players to get the necessary treatment that allows them to get back to performance as soon as possible. We can offer two gym facilities to aid with our students’ fitness. The upstairs gym is focussed around cardiovascular equipment, whereas the basement is tailored towards free weights and strength workouts. All academies have access to strength and conditioning sessions within their training week, which will aid performance and promote injury prevention. and Facilities Student Support
42 43 University level education with the highest quality teaching, learning and outcomes. 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework
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