Member Article

Back of the Net… Abbey Manchester Football Students Showcase Skills During Lockdown

Abbey College Manchester Students, who are participating in the college’s Academic Studies with Football Programme, have demonstrated their impressive football skills to professionals during an international, virtual showcase.

Students who are enrolled on the programme, which consists of studying on a range of academic programmes alongside football training, participated in the esteemed event which was shared with over 60 football talent scouts. The student players had the invaluable opportunity to impress and catch the eye of the UK and international pro and semi-pro clubs, as well as US universities and colleges offering soccer scholarships in the USA.

Currently, 21 Abbey College Manchester students are participating in the programme, the football side of which is run by experienced professional coaches, working with the college. During the lock down, the Director of Football, Mick Brennan, has been keeping in regular contact with the squad via email, to share personal video motivational messages, including some basic fitness and football skills drills.

Marc Arrowsmith, Director of Accommodation at Abbey College Manchester commented, “I am very impressed with the hard work the players have continued to put into developing their skills, despite the circumstances they find themselves in at present – and this is testament to their commitment to the course. At Abbey College Manchester, we use The 4 Rs as a framework for a students’ development – Routine, Rigour, Resilience, Responsibility. The attitude shown by all our students during this time reflects all the 4 Rs, and this gives the whole college a real sense of pride.

“Only a few have realistic aspirations to become professional footballers but all are passionate about playing football. They recognise the benefits of playing football alongside their academic studies and that the discipline of participating in team sport complements their studies.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melissa Chawner .