Ability counts as Sutton college team score record five-year consecutive win

Star football players at BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College, have officially proven their top-class sporting abilities after securing a record five-year regional and national tournament win.

In partnership with The Albion Foundation, the victorious college Ability Counts “Albion One” football team, is a bespoke extra-curricular football programme for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Since 2017, students on the team have remained undefeated after competing against a variety of quality teams – at both a regional and national level.

Regional tournament success has been seen in games against Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Newcastle under Lyme colleges. On the national arena, learners have beaten teams including Salford City, Blackpool, Sunderland, Lancaster, Suffolk, Newham, Weston and Swansea colleges.

Recent highlights for the Sutton Ability Counts team include:

• Remaining unbeaten in the AOC National Championships to successfully retain their title. The tournament stretched over three days, with the side playing nine winning games representing the West Midlands in Ability Counts football.
• In winning the regional finals, they scored 19 goals and conceded just 2.
• In May 2020, the team were nominated for the AoC team of the year and came runners up as highly commended.

The nine-man-squad trains twice a week at the college’s home ground at Boldmere St Michaels, alongside coaches from the official charity partner of West Bromwich Albion Football Club – to assist with the delivery of the men’s football programme.

Through the rewarding programme, learners gain enhanced football skills, team building, communication and social skills – to name but a few.

Speaking of their experience, Taylor who studies level 3 sports coaching and development at Sutton Coldfield College, and plays as a striker and a winger in the college team said: “Getting involved in this programme is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. I am so proud of what I have achieved but know that it is the gelling as a team that has enabled us to succeed!

“The level of support I have received from the college is phenomenal and as a result, my sporting ability has greatly improved.”

Tyrelle, who plays in defence, right wing and centre midfield positions and is studying a level 2 in sports and GCSE Maths at the college said: “I am so proud of both myself and the team as whole for how far we have come, it’s amazing! Our collaborative success certainly shows that “team work makes the dream work!”

“I am so thankful for the coaches and teaching staff who have gone the extra mile to help us get to where we are today and I’m excited for the future!”

The ability counts football programme uses the beautiful game to improve students’ day-to-day life skills, raises self-esteem and encourages the education of young people, who may see further education as a daunting proposition.

Stuart Jamieson, Head Coach for the Ability Counts Sutton Coldfield College football team said: “We are extremely proud of the team’s record win which is a true testament to not only their talent, but also to their hard work, commitment and positive team bonding.

“We are looking forward to seeing them further exceed their goals, as we continue with our programme that brings about a winning formula.”

To find out more about the programme that is part of BMet’s sports academies, please visit: – https://www.bmet.ac.uk/student-experience/extra-curricular/sports-academies/ or contact stuart.jamieson@bmet.ac.uk.

Find out more about our sports academies at our next open day event on Saturday 26 June: https://www.bmet.ac.uk/event/open-events-june-2021/.