Coventry College student living the American dream with GB selection

A Coventry teenager is living the American dream after being selected to represent Great Britain at his favourite sport.

Amrit Chatha, 16, from Courthouse Green, will be representing Great Britain’s junior American football team next year after impressing in national trials.

The Coventry College games design student will be swapping his console for the field next Summer when the Great Britain Junior Lions take part in two friendly clashes – away at Belgium and then at home to France.

“I’ve been hooked on American football ever since I tried it at secondary school in year nine, so it’s a dream come true to be given the chance to represent my country and show elite coaches what I can do,” said Amrit, who plays across the defensive line for his local side, the Tamworth Phoenix.

“My ultimate aim is to play in the NFL, so to be recognised by Great Britain so early on has given me great encouragement.

“Studying at Coventry College has created a win-win situation for me. I am able to train with their rugby team in a professional environment to improve my strength and conditioning, and approach to nutrition and recovery, but at the same time, continue with my studies for a career in the gaming industry so I have a ‘plan B.’”

Amrit is being supported in his ambition to become an elite American Football athlete by Coventry College’s Pete Glackin, who heads up the College’s Rugby Education Programme.

The support falls under Sport England’s Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme (TASS), with Coventry College the only further education provider in the West Midlands able to offer aspiring athletes the chance to progress down both sporting and academic paths.

“Amrit has every chance of forging a career in American football and we’re proud to be helping him to lay the foundations for this by supporting him around aspects of strength and conditioning while training in a professional elite environment alongside his design course,” added Pete.

“It’s fantastic to offer such support at Coventry College, we have a wide range of students who are competing at elite levels in their chosen sport as well as studying full time.”