27th June 2019
South Devon College (SDC), since partnering with Torquay United Football Club (TUFC), has seen great development for sports and coaching resources. But the partnership is proving to benefit the students of SDC more than expected.
Goal celebrations for Saikou Janneh of Torquay United, during the Vanarama National League South match between Torquay United and Concord Rangers at Plainmoor Torquay, Devon on Saturday 17th November 2018 – PHOTO: Sean Hernon/PPAUK
Our new Sports Centre houses the latest generation all weather 3G pitch, changing rooms, community room teaching space and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch. It has been a great facility, not only for the College but, for TUFC as well. The centre was funded by South Devon College, Linden Homes and the Premier League & FA Facilities Fund, delivered by the Football Foundation.
The College are proud that TUFC and their 1st team squad have had a selection of our students train directly with them alongside their studies which is an incredible opportunity. The students that have secured these exciting positions training alongside TUFC are Louie Slough, JJ Evans, Josh Baxter and Andy Collings.
Louie Slough and JJ Evans have both completed their first year at SDC with Pro: Direct Academy. They will be returning to South Devon College for their second year to complete their education, while training directly with TUFC’s 1st team squad and Pro:Direct on a regular basis. Josh Baxter and Andy Collings have joined South Devon College Pro:Direct Academy for the coming season and will also continue training with TUFC 1st team squad.
(L-R) Chris Todd – South Devon College Lead Football Coach, Andy Collings, Louie Slough, Aaron Downs – Assistant 1st Team Manager, Gary Johnson – TUFC Manager, JJ Evans then Josh Baxter
Chris Todd said “This is an incredible and exciting opportunity for the College and these students in particular. We are very grateful that TUFC are investing in our students in this way as a result of the partnership they have with South Devon College. The opportunity for students to train with a team that have just been promoted to national conference is rare to come by and it gives these students a very good chance at becoming full time professional football players. I want to thank Torquay United Football Club and South Devon College for being open to providing these kind of opportunities and possibilities for our students and I am looking forward to working together in the future to create more opportunities for the students of South Devon College.”
If you’re interested in studying a course in Sports, Coaching and Fitness, you can browse all the courses on offer at sdcdev or contact the College on 08000 380 123 or [email protected].