A SPORTS student had high praise for his college course after his studies threw him the chance to compete in the FA Cup.
Darlington College student Matty Lovegreen was brought off the Darlington bench to play in the match against Blyth Spartans giving him the chance to experience a national contest.
“It really did feel special,” said the 17-year-old, of Shildon. “And it is all down to being on my course.”
Matty is studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports at Darlington College on which students benefit from top professional coaching and advice thanks to a link with the Martin Gray Football Academy, run by the former professional player and manager of Darlington Football Club.
Matty, a centre back, debuted for the club’s first team last season and was on the bench for the FA Cup tie.
“Because of injuries I got to come on in the second half in the left back position and it is the biggest game I have ever played in,” he said. “We didn’t win but I felt I played well.
“It just shows what a great course it is at Darlington College. Thanks to the input of Martin and his team, it offers young people some amazing opportunities.”
Martin added: “Matty really rose to the occasion and thoroughly deserved some game time. The course offers the chance for real progression, both academically and in their sporting skills and getting the chance to play for the club makes it so relevant to the needs of professional sport.”
Prospective students will be able to find out more about the course and other opportunities offered by Darlington College at an open day on October 21 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Darlington College’s curriculum manager Alan Jones said: “We were all incredibly proud of Matty for his FA Cup achievements and are very excited about the future.
“We are planning to link up with the Martin Gray Sporting Academy Group with a variety of initiatives in the coming year and are looking to launch boxing, dance and rugby academies.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College contact (01325) 503030 or log on to www.darlington.ac.uk.
