Richard Luscombe The 2023/24 season for our Post 16 Football and Education Programme in Newton Abbot has seen success both in the classroom and on the pitch at Coach Road.
Newton Abbot’s Post 16 teams achieved their best results in programme history, securing second place in their respective leagues.
Off the pitch, we delivered 1,080 hours of education, covering BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development and NCFE Level 2 Diploma in Sport, to 34 students alongside training and fixtures throughout the year.
Matt Scholes, the Trust’s Programme Manager for Newton Abbot’s Post 16 Football and Education Programme, shared his positive thoughts on the successful year: “I’m proud of the development of the Post 16 Programme here at Newton Abbot throughout the season, both on and off the pitch.
“This has been a testament to the staff for their dedication, expertise, drive and desire to make this programme a number one destination for students wishing to combine their education and football to the highest possible level in South Devon.
“Both squads narrowly missed out in their respective leagues and finished second behind our Cornwall Post 16 Programme in both divisions, but we still pushed them all the way and earned our highest-ever league finish.
“Our unique close relationship with the Devon FA has also forged unique opportunities for our student players to access unique training pathways and paid work placements in football in the County.”
When reviewing the past year, Post 16 staff members spoke to those students involved and received some positive feedback:
- 87% expressed they enjoyed the course, with 13% neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
- 94% agree that the workload pushes them to excel.
- 91% felt secure in their learning environments, with 9% neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
- 91% were satisfied with the facilities provided for their studies.
If you are interested in attending any of our open events in the near future or would like more information, please email Matt Scholes at matt.scholes@pafc.co.uk.
