Manchester United legends to launch Eccles Sixth Form College’s Centre of Excellence in Sport

On October 19, the college will launch their Centre of Excellence in Sport, in association with the Manchester United Foundation.

Head of College, Rebecca Parks said: “To have such successful sportsmen work with the college and our students is incredible, and we couldn’t launch our sports department without them.”  

Eccles Sixth Form College work in partnership with numerous organisations to provide the best opportunities for their students, and their sporting development. The most notable being the football academy run by the Manchester United Foundation.

Over 100 students, both male and female, compete for the college in local and national football leagues as part of the academy, and Eccles are currently the County Cup Title holders for both men and women.

Through the partnership, college students have the opportunity to train with, and learn from, former and current United players. Earlier this year the girls’ team were invited to the AON Training Complex at Carrington for a special training session with stars Carrick, Fellaini and other first team players.

Aside from football, students have the opportunity to compete in a range of sports, from volleyball to athletics, and Eccles are the current holders of the prestigious Greater Manchester Colleges Group (GMCG) Sport Skills trophy.

In addition to their studies, the college provide students with work experience opportunities and chances to gain internationally recognised coaching qualifications. They work with Salford Community Leisure, the FA and have ECFA Football HUB status.  

Students studying at Eccles Sixth Form College are following in the footsteps of many successful sporting alumni. Scott Hogan kicked off his career whilst studying BTEC Sport and now plays for Aston Villa FC, and his brother Liam is the captain of Salford City FC.

Current competing students include Emmie-Rose Eastwood, a Great Britain Waterpolo Champion, and Levi Rathburn who plays football for the England under 19s team.

Sports facilities at Eccles have seen over 100K in investment and include a brand new, fully equipped gym, a sports performance laboratory and a 4G sports pitch.

Staff include a team of 12 post-graduates. Head of department, Steve Settle, is coach to West Didsbury and Chorlton Football Clubs and other team members include a national level volleyball coach and three qualified personal trainers.