Posted: 05/03/24
Student trio boost Blidworth footballers’ skills
A West Nottinghamshire College learning company has boosted the confidence, skills and dreams of a local girls’ football team.
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Blidworth Bengals with their student coaches
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(Left to right) Kia Cantrell, Rianna Davies and Kadie-Rose Townsend who ran the coaching sessions
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Practicing shooting a goal with Kia Cantrell in goal
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The girls' team have engaged well with the student coaches
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The under-10s team have all developed new skills
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The players' confidence and co-ordination skills have improved
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Aida Fraser has aspirations of becoming a professional footballer
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There has been great camaraderie amongst the team and their coaches
Sports students Kadi-Rose Townsend and Kya Cantrell, both 17, and Reanna Davies, 19, have dedicated their Tuesday evenings to coaching Blidworth Bengals under-10s team as part of the sports learning company.
The trio, who currently all play for the college’s girls’ football team, got involved in putting a coaching programme together for Blidworth Bengals after programme area leader for sport Chris Fraser put a call out to sports students, seeking volunteers for a junior team coaching initiative.
Over the last six weeks Kadi-Rose, Kya and Reanna have put together a full programme of skills at the college’s sports hall at the Derby Road campus, which have enabled the team to practice targeting, shooting and passing, as well as enjoying a game after each coaching session.
Reanna said: “Each week we’ve covered different topics to improve the girls’ skills on the pitch and they’ve concentrated well on their skills and engaged brilliantly with us.
“We’ve watched them become more confident and their co-ordination skills with the ball have been amazing and the feedback we’ve had from their parents who often spectate, has been very positive.”
Setting up this learning company initiative has helped the students with their coaching skills, which they have honed over the academic year with a number of primary school’s sports sessions run in conjunction with School Games organiser for Mansfield, Nicky Biggs.
Learning companies were set up across the college to enhance students’ work-related knowledge and skills to run alongside their study programmes. Key employability skills such as customer service, financial management, problem-solving and teamwork are now flourishing amongst all groups.
Player with Blidworth Bengals, Aida Fraser, 8, said: “I’ve really enjoyed these football sessions. They’ve made me a better footballer. The students are really good coaches and I like how fun they make it and it’s interesting too. When I’m older I would like to be a Lioness.”
Programme area leader for sport Chris Fraser said: “Setting up the Skills School has made a significant impact on, not only the players at Blidworth Bengals, but also the three amazing coaches. Each of the players have found a new role model in Kya, Kadi-Rose and Reanna.
“The technical development of the players is unquestionable but most importantly, their love for the game and confidence has flourished.”
One of the Blidworth Bengals’ parents, Cerys Crow, said: “My daughter Georgia has always been into football. Try to develop more ball mastery skills and footwork as opposed to just kicking. I’ve noticed the group have improved over the six weeks with their passing moves and footwork. The student coaches really communicate well with the girls and they’re so friendly and welcoming which helps the girls to blend in – it’s been brilliant.
Blidworth Bengals are also on the lookout for new players for this and next season. Any girls currently in Year 4 or 5 wanting to join can email Gavinmilligan1986@outlook.com
