Stoke City Community Trust has partnered with Sandbach College to form a brand-new football education academy, spearheaded by a Staffordshire University student.

Dani Taylor is currently studying for a Masters in Sports Coaching at Staffordshire University and she used to help out at Sandbach United Football Club coaching female players.

Yesterday (16 February), she saw a dream come true by helping to open a Stoke City football academy at Sandbach College, part of Sandbach High School.

Dani Taylor (left) with Sarah Fatcher-Friend, head of PE at Sandbach College (Sandbach Nub News).

Dani said: "It's so important to give girls who want to become footballers the chance to do this and combine their studies as well.

"Women's football is even more in the spotlight after the England women's team won and the Lionesses were crowned UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Champions.

"Training and fixtures with professional Stoke City coaches are incorporated into the college timetable to enable aspiring footballers to pursue a dual-career pathway, developing their football and education throughout their post-16 studies."

Sandbach High School headteacher, Ellen Walton, said she was delighted with the new partnership with Stoke City Community Trust and the appointment of the sports athlete and development co-ordinator.

She said: "This offers a bespoke programme for our talented athletes and the partnership with Stoke City enables our students to be successful footballers as well as benefit from our successful 'A' Level provision." 

(Sandbach Nub News).

Want to get involved with the new academy? Contact [email protected] or visit sandbachcollege.co.uk.

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