For the first time ever West Cheshire College’s Football Academy has qualified for the finals of the Association of Colleges’ National Cup.
The team progressed to the finals after beating Northumberland College 3-2 during the semi-finals played at Vauxhall Motors FC in Ellesmere Port.
Jason Doggett, sport tutor and football academy co-ordinator at the college, said: “This is an amazing achievement for our students and the college. We have played against and beaten many of the top colleges from all over the country.
“This shows the progress the football academy has made in developing young players.”
During the team’s semi-final match, they led 3-0 up to the 70th minute, before nerves set in and the team conceded two late goals. However, the squad dug in deep to finish the game 3-2.
Goals were scored by Joe Fitzpatrick, 18, and Jake Stinton, 17, both from Ellesmere Port and Sean Moscrop, 17, with some ‘fantastic saves’ made by goalkeeper Callum Parkinson, 17.
The finals will take place on May 5 at 11am against Birmingham Metropolitan College at St Andrew’s, home to Birmingham FC.
Mr Doggett added: “I’m confident that we will put in a strong performance at the finals.
“We have an exceptional group of players that have worked hard on their own personal development and have shown a fantastic team spirit.
“We have a strong philosophy that guides our players that allows the to achieve success in the classroom and on the football pitch.”
Launched by the college in 2014 the academy course enables budding footballers to combine practical work experience with gaining a nationally recognised qualification in sport.
It includes everything from training to tours.
