Exeter College’s new world-class, community accessible 3G pitch has been officially opened.
Community sports clubs, together with civic and community leaders, gathered to celebrate the official opening by Exeter College and Exeter City Council of the new pitch at the college’s Exwick Sports Hub, in Exwick.
The all-weather surface is already being used by a host of local community groups and clubs at the grassroots for a range of sports and wellbeing activities.
The Lord Mayor officially cut the ribbon to declare the facility open at a launch event on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Exeter College is working together in partnership with Exeter City Community Trust to facilitate the use of the pitch by the local community, ensuring that users get an efficient service when booking to use the facility.
John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have officially opened our brand new sports facility to support students at the college, sports teams and the local community.
“For me, this is about three words – community, excellence and partnership. I hope this will be the first of a number of investments in this area that together will turn the Exwick area into a real hub for sport and physical exercise.
“I am confident that with the support of partners, we can deliver something of regional significance for sport in this part of Exeter.”
Cllr Phil Bialyk, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Health and Wellbeing, Communities and Sport, said: “This is a wonderful new facility that is available for everyone to use. Exeter is already the most physically active city in the south west and it is with the help of superb community facilities like this that we can go one step further, get more people playing sport and become the most physically active city in the country.”
Ray Lloyd, Chair, Exwick Sports Hub Advisory Board said: “This is a perfect example to any other organisation of how, by working together, so much can be achieved for the organisation and the community. I am extremely grateful to Exeter College and Exeter City Council for their foresight and support.”
The opening of the new pitch comes at an exciting time for sport in Exeter. The city’s professional sports teams are thriving and health and physical activity have never been higher on the agenda.
Exeter College is delighted to play our part in this and work in partnership with the City Council, Active Devon and local sports organisations to ensure that Greater Exeter realises its ambitions to become the healthiest city in the country.
Triple round the world sailor and Exeter College alumnus Conrad Humphreys has been confirmed as guest speaker for this year’s Devon Sports Awards.
The ceremony will take place at Exeter’s Sandy Park on June 22nd 2018, celebrating contribution to sport throughout Devon.
Humphreys is an experienced leader who has spent over two decades as a professional yachtsman, including three round the world races. Most recently, he was the professional skipper on-board the tiny 23ft open boat, Bounty’s End in the recreation of Mutiny on the Bounty for Channel 4.
Using traditional navigation equipment and surviving off meagre rations, nine men were cast adrift near the Kingdom of Tonga with the mission to safely navigate across 4000 miles of ocean to Kupang, Timor.
Chairman of the Exeter Foundation, Tony Rowe OBE, said: “We’re delighted to have secured Conrad Humphreys to speak at this year’s Devon Sports Awards. He is a fantastic motivational speaker with a fascinating story to relate to.
“Each year the Devon Sports Awards gets better and it is a fantastic way to celebrate all levels of sport across the county.”
The Devon Sports Awards, an annual event run by partners the Exeter Foundation, Active Devon and Exeter College, celebrates all aspects of sport throughout Devon with awards such as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Community Sports Performer of the Year’.
“Matt Evans, Chief Executive of Active Devon said “We are absolutely delighted to have Conrad as our special guest speaker for this year’s Awards. Winning the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race is the domain of a few very select people requiring courage and determination on a scale that most of us could not comprehend, but Conrad has achieved this three times and as the skipper! Everyone who attends the celebrations in June is therefore in for an inspirational evening and with nominations still open until 30th March it is not too late to get involved. Conrad’s involvement just shows that the profile of the Devon Sports Awards is such that they are able to attract the brightest and best professional sportspeople around to inspire and motivate our dedicated sporting community here in Devon”.
Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Exeter College, said: “Exeter College is delighted to be supporting this year’s Devon Sports Awards 2018 as a partner and to have Conrad attend as guest speaker. Conrad Humphreys is an alumnus of Exeter College and his achievements as a professional yachtsman and motivational speaker are an inspiration. We are very much looking forward to the evening and celebrating the contributions of those in our community who have been nominated by their colleagues and peers.”
Nominations for the 2018 Devon Sports Awards are open until Friday, 30th March, including for the award categories that recognise the role and impact of businesses in helping their local community and their staff to get fit and active. For more information visit www.activedevon.org/dsa2018
More than 60 employers inspired the next generation at the recent Apprenticeship Expo 2018 hosted at Exeter College, on behalf of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network.
Now in its fourth year, the Apprenticeship Expo was the biggest event to take place in the South West during National Apprenticeship Week (5th – 11th March 2018).
The Expo showcased employers of Apprentices and gave young people the chance to speak to businesses, discover opportunities and the benefits of employment with training. The event was free to exhibit at and free to attend.
With over 60 businesses exhibiting, this was a unique opportunity to meet face to face with companies such Flybe, Exeter Chiefs, Met Office, Exeter City Council and many more. With thousands of jobs available visitors were able to learn more about Apprenticeships, the employers, the roles and valuable employability and CV writing skills.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Exeter College, said: “The ongoing support and commitment of businesses for Apprenticeships, in Devon and Cornwall is at an all-time high. The opportunities created by employers has given the next generation of Apprentices far wider choice and higher quality positions than ever before.
“We look forward to the Expo throughout the year and having the opportunity to match aspirational career opportunities and enthusiastic young people together is a highlight for us. Having more than 2,000 young people attend an event such as this really shows the growing interest of young people and parents alike in employment with high quality training.
Apprenticeships continue to grow within the college and with over 2,200 studying with us this year and record breaking success rates, there’s no better time to be an Apprentice.”
Nigel Fenn, Chair of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and sponsors of the Apprenticeship Expo, is delighted with the way the event has developed and expanded year on year.
He said: “This was the fourth year for the Expo and it has been the biggest and best yet. We had 60 employers exhibiting at the Expo, all promoting their business career opportunities to thousands of visitors.
The Expo hosted the region’s top employers including Flybe, Met Office and RD&E, all offering a range of vacancies from intermediate level to degree level.”
The Expo took place at Exeter College’s Sports Hall, Off Queen Street on Thursday 8th March, 2pm – 7pm. The annual National Apprenticeship Week, now in its eleventh year, took place from 5th-9th March 2018, with hundreds of events taking place across England.
The week was co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, and was designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.
Our Progression and Employability team are here to provide students with advice and guidance on their next steps after college. Whether that is the world of work, an apprenticeship or university they will ensure students have a plan for their next steps.
Supporting Students with their Next Steps
Our team of experienced advisers can help support all students with planning their next steps after college; whether this is applying for university, gap years, apprenticeships, full time work or another college course.
If your son/daughter/young person needs help deciding what to do at the end of this year please ask them to come along to a drop in session. These are based in our Progression Hub in the Ground Floor of the Tower Building from 12:00 – 14:30 on Monday to Friday so please encourage them to come along and see us.
We can also offer one to one appointments for careers advice. To find out about this service you can contact us on 01392 4000330 or progressionteam@exe-coll.ac.uk
Has your son/ daughter applied for university to start this autumn?
If so, they need to apply for Student Finance by 31st May 2018.
You can support your son/daughter/young person to complete their application for student finance. Students may need help with this and they need to apply now, even before they have had all their offers and made a decision about where they are studying. Sometimes the process can take a few months to collect and process your household income details. It is worth doing the application together and you will receive an email from student finance to complete your income information, so they can assess the application.
Beware – If the application is received after 31st May then your son/daughter/young person may not have the finance in place when they start university in the autumn. To start the application process, please click here.
Need extra support at college? Apply for Disabled Students Allowance [DSA].
If your son/daughter/young person has had extra support with learning or exams or getting to or around college they could be entitled to extra help at university. However, they need to apply before they go to get this organised. Check eligibility and apply for Disabled Students Allowance here.
Budgeting for University
It is also useful to have a conversation with your son/daughter/young person about budgeting and finance for university, before they accept their offers or organise accommodation to make sure that they can afford to go to their first choice university.
Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert offers a lot of support to students and parents with explaining student finance and budgeting for university. Read more here.
UCAS: What happens next?
Replying to Offers
Second year students who applied by 15th January 2018 should have received offers from their choices via UCAS Track. They need to select their preferred choices by 6th May, using the UCAS Track system. Students opt for a CF (Conditional Firm) – their first choice institution – and a CI (Conditional Insurance) – a lower grade offer as a back-up if they don’t get the required grades for their CF choice.
If students do not reply to UCAS by 6th May all offers will be cancelled.
If students haven’t received any offers, or want to change their subject choice they can do this by using UCAS Extra.
Late Applications
Students can still make a late application to UCAS until 30th June 2018.
Did you know that Exeter College also offers university level courses in partnership with local universities? These can give you access to high quality teaching and resources and with lower fees too. Find out more here or contact us on 01392 400909 to speak to our dedicated Higher Education adviser.
Applying for University in 2019?
How you can support your son/daughter/young person with making choices about courses and institutions
Support students with going to open days and also with checking choices are a good fit with the student’s longer term goals.
Check student’s personal statement – does it make sense? Are there any obvious spelling, grammatical errors, etc, that need correcting?
Remind students to make full use of support available and encourage them to speak to their Personal Tutor, or the Progression Team, if they are unclear or unsure about the process or what to do next.
Registration for UCAS will happen at the beginning of September and the Progression and Employability Team will support tutors and students with the application process.
Upcoming Events >>>
27th March: 1st Year Parents’ Evening, 4.30-7.30pm
Careers’ Talks – Tower Lecture Theatre
Inspire Your Future presentation, 5pm and again at 5.30pm, delivered by Moj Taylor from ‘Push’ – inspiration for your next steps in college or for your longer term future and career goals.
National Citizen Service presentation, 6pm and again at 6.30pm – Learn more about how young people can boost their CV, self-confidence and more with this nationally recognised activity programme.
For more information and in order to book your place, please visit here.
Advice and guidance also available from:
Progression and Employability for all careers advice
Next Steps South West for those aspiring to university study
Apprenticeships Team
National Careers Service for more on boosting CVs and confidence with their free summer programme
29th March – STEM Careers Fair, 10am-3pm, Maths and Science Centre
Nearly 30 different STEM-related workshops available – please encourage students to book their place in order to hear from a variety of guest speakers from STEM backgrounds and careers. Further information will be given to students shortly.
STEM Careers Exchange running between 12-2pm
Thursday 19th April – Exeter College Expo, 4-7pm, Exeter College Sports Hall
Discover what the college has to offer from its wide range of full time courses and apprenticeships all under one roof! For more information, please visit here.
The Progression and Employability Team will be based in the Expo Advice Zone, along with the College Advice Team and Learning Support. Please join us for information about next steps, whether considering another college course, an apprenticeship, Higher Education at Exeter College or elsewhere and for support in planning for your future.
Three Exeter College students who are members of the Exeter Chiefs Academy have been selected by England Under-18’s for their 2018 squad to train and play with other young rugby players from across the country.
Richard Capstick from Taunton, Alfie Petch from Bude and Rus Tuima from Plymouth have been selected after being assessed during training camps and seven rounds of U18 academy games by England's coaching team.
Alfie Petch said:
This is a fantastic opportunity and it is great to experience the intensity of England training routines. The Chiefs Academy schedule is a busy one, with England it will be a mental battle as well as a physical one”.
For Richard Capstick, this isn't his first time being selected by England. In 2016, he won a sought after place in the England U17 Development Squad and has since had the opportunity to play with England in South Africa. Richard said:
I learnt a lot from the first camp and developed my leadership skills.”
During his first camp with England Richard was lucky enough to spend some time training with Mario Itoje, a player he looks up to.
Rugby was a natural choice for Rus, his uncle captained the Fiji Men’s team and his sister plays for England’s Red Roses. Rus said:
It is an honour to represent the country and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with talented players from across the nation.”
Richard and Alfie have already had the opportunity to represent their country in this year’s RBS Six Nations U-18s Championship after playing against France for their first fixture of the season at Stade Jean Rolland, in Digne-les-Bains, on Saturday 3rd March.
This is an important time for the three of them, it is the start of their international and professional journey. Fellow Chiefs Academy student Marcus Street was part of the U18’s team in 2016 and since then has played in the Anglo-Welsh cup, had his Aviva Premiership debut with English Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs and has continued to progress with England in the U20’s squad.
Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Exeter College said:
Exeter College are very proud of the achievements of these students. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to progress their rugby careers and learn from other quality players from across the country. I'd like to thank the coaching team and the player’s families for their continued support, I am sure they are all as proud as we are and I wish all three boys the best of luck.”
At Exeter College we know that part of our student’s happiness depends on the activities that they get involved in out of the classroom. This is why we are committed to providing excellent enrichment opportunities. We also put our students feedback at the heart of what we do, hence our Learner Voice programme. You can read all about recent developments below, along with an update on money raised for the college charity of the year.
Student Representative Committee and the college charity
The Student Representative Committee (SRC) continues to work tirelessly to promote the voice of the students, through representation on the Board of Governors, SRC Team meetings, the Learner Voice and student clubs and groups such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group.
In addition, they are excellent ambassadors at various college events. They have run and been heavily involved with various national and college awareness events. These have included World Mental Health day and offering free sustainable water bottles as part of Health and Wellbeing awareness throughout January. They have also organised a Question and Answer talk with Exeter MP, Ben Bradshaw as well as leading the fundraising for the college charity.
The college charity this year is Mind and so far we have raised a fantastic £7,622. Students and staff across the college have been coming up with inventive fundraising schemes such as fairs, cake sales, fancy dress, running event, bake off competitions, as well as Christmas Jumper Day and the annual Festival of Carols.
The SRC will be working closely with the college over the next couple of months to put on a range of events and activities. Events will include LGBT History Month, anti-bullying awareness and events and activities to help students build their emotional resilience.
Enrichment at Exeter College
The cross college enrichment programme continues to develop with new projects being introduced. Enrichment gives students at Exeter College aged 16-19 the opportunity to test out new hobbies, get a skill or qualification and to make new friends. Enrichment enhances the core programme of learning at the college and helps students enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution.
New activities this year have included; weekly Mindfulness sessions, Reading Hack, Creative Writing and Photography.
We encourage students to record their successes and achievements while at college using their Student Record of Achievement. This document is accessed through the student’s eILP and includes data such as courses and qualifications and allows students to input information such as; employment history, volunteering hours, enrichment activities, successes, and work experience. Students can then use this information to write CV’s and applications.
Exeter College really listens to its students
The Learner Voice is a vital process for the college, as it provides students with an opportunity to discuss and generate ideas on teaching and learning, which will have a direct impact on quality improvement. John Laramy, Principal chaired the Learner Voice Conferences in November which was attended by over 150 students from all faculties. Feedback encompassed all areas of the college, with comments including:
Teachers are supportive, friendly and helpful”
Lessons are engaging, interesting and well structured”
Teachers are experienced in their fields”
The college is really welcoming”
Great support with progression advice”
There are lots of opportunities available for students”
Support with mental health is really good”
The following developments have been made in response to learner feedback:
Card payment options available in College cafes
New food options
Additional corridor seating
New enrichment activities have been launched
Faculty issues are addressed through regular Faculty Learner Voice meetings and the college gains further feedback through student surveys, the student portal and the SRC.
To keep students updated, the SRC also have their fortnightly Student E-Bulletin which is sent to over 6,500 students. This Student Bulletin gathers information from across the college to provide students with opportunities, advice and guidance. The Bulletin includes information such as; cross-college events, charity updates, bursary and travel information, tutoring updates, enrichment opportunities, Learner Voice feedback and responses, NUS student discount card offers, and progression and employability updates.
Four year apprenticeships start September 2018 in Exeter
Opportunity to become qualified aircraft fitter/technician
Opportunity for 15 applicants to take first step towards a rewarding career in aerospace engineering
Exeter College appointed as officially accredited knowledge provider
Open now for applications – full details at flybe.com/Careers
Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has today (7th March 2018) during National Apprenticeship Week, announced its own new aerospace apprenticeship scheme that, starting in September, will place successful graduates in the enviable position of being able to enter the workforce as much sought-after, fully qualified, aircraft fitter/technicians after just four years. ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ Exeter College, Flybe’s long-standing training partner, has been chosen as the preferred knowledge provider to deliver and assess the theoretical elements of the new apprenticeship programme.
The 15 successful applicants will join Flybe in six months’ time, receiving on-the-job practical training at its Training Academy engineering workshops and world-respected Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facilities at Exeter Airport.
Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, but faces a major skills gap and lack of diversity. That’s why we’ve joined forces with more than 1,000 partners for the Year of Engineering – a national campaign to show young people the huge variety and rewards of a career in engineering.
“Flybe’s new aerospace engineering apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic chance for young people to shape the future of how we travel. Apprenticeship schemes like this are a great route for young people to get into engineering and highlight what an exciting career it can be.”
Flybe CEO, Christine Ourmières-Widener adds: “As one of the largest private employers in the South West of England and as the largest regional airline in Europe, Flybe fully understands the need for the industry to have access to a skilled and qualified workforce. This is why we are thrilled to announce this exciting new apprenticeship programme with the academic support from Exeter College, with which we have established a long and enviable relationship.
“Our apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for school leavers to gain an industry-leading qualification. With aviation worldwide facing a shortage of technicians and engineers, we fully expect the programme to be received enthusiastically and become a much sought-after opportunity. It will pave the way to many rewarding and well remunerated careers in a truly dynamic industry.”
Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal Exeter College further commented: “After 10 years of successfully working in partnership with Flybe, we are delighted to support this apprenticeship programme. We are really lucky to be working with not only an international brand that is based here in Exeter, but also one that is so well connected to its local community.”
Flybe’s new apprenticeship scheme strengthens the long standing relationship it has forged with Exeter College since 2007 when it partnered with the airline as the lead academic partner prior to the Academy officially opening in 2009. The previous year, the first 33 students had enrolled and embarked on a four year Engineering Diploma course. To date, more than 200 students have successfully completed the course and moved directly into full time employment across the aviation engineering world as fully licensed aircraft engineers.
Could you bring your skills and expertise to help our Board change the lives of our learners?
We believe that the best boards are those that reflect the communities they serve and so we particularly welcome applications to join our Board from groups which are under-represented on Governing Bodies. We value and promote diversity and inclusivity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all. So, when a vacancy arises, appointments to fill gaps in skills and experience are made on merit, and to help our Board speak as the voice of our community.
As one of our Governors says;
“I have particular experience in equality and diversity in my work and being a Governor at Exeter College has given me a chance to use my skills to shape some of the College’s strategic thinking. It’s very rewarding working with fellow Governors from different sectors and backgrounds, who all have a voice when we make strategic decisions, and the Board has been strengthened by greater diversity. Seven years as a Governor has given me a strong sense of achievement and it is a privilege to be part of such a thriving College. I’ve also learnt new skills too, particularly in the college sector, finance and business.”
If you are interested please email your CV to the Clerk to the Board, barbarasweeney@exe-coll.ac.uk outlining the reasons why you wish to join the Board.
Exeter College has held its annual awards celebrating the achievements of exceptional apprentices and their employers.
More than 160 apprentices, employers, civic and business leaders, friends and family attended the glittered awards ceremony, sponsored by law firm Foot Anstey.
The evening at Sandy Park saw the celebration of achievements of 11 apprentice winners, five employer winners and the presentation of two special recognition awards.
Outstanding apprentice winner Niccolas Marshall, from Newton Abbot, who is an apprentice at Arconic was given the award of ‘Apprentice of the Year’.
The employer winners named at the awards were Horizon Childcare, MB Aerospace / Centrax, and swcomms. Meanwhile, the special contribution award winners were Jonathan Cresswell, from the University of Exeter, who was bestowed with the Apprenticeship Innovation Award, and Janet Francis, GWR, presented with the Contribution to Apprenticeships Award.
This year’s event marks an outstanding year, having achieved a record apprenticeship success rate of 83% and engaging the highest number of more than 1,000 apprentices. The awards took place on Thursday, February 22nd.
Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Exeter College, said: “Exeter College was delighted to spend the evening acknowledging some of the best apprentices and employer partnerships in the region.
“It showed that apprentices now have access to the very best employer training and technical education in the country. We would like to thank Foot Anstey, our sponsors, and all the employers that came to recognise the achievements of their exceptional apprentices.”
Simon Gregory, Chairman of Foot Anstey, said: “We were delighted to sponsor this inspirational event which showcased Exeter College's exceptional performance in promoting and developing its apprenticeship programmes.”
As well as nominated apprentices and employers, other key businesses and partners attended including Plymouth City Council, NatWest, the Met Office, the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Devon County Council, and Taylor Wimpey. Exeter College has a substantial network of more than 950 employers that support apprenticeships.
The evening was compered by apprentices Marie Moustache and Keri Ventre, who are both apprentices at Exeter City Council.
Karime Hassan, Exeter City Council Chief Executive and Growth Director, said: “In a successful economy like Exeter it makes sense to invest in growing talent. The apprenticeship programme at Exeter College brings so much more as it rewards and nurtures talent. Through the infectious enthusiasm of apprentices and employer satisfaction, it is building a lasting legacy.”
Guest speaker Dave Pearce, TV Producer and extreme explorer, spoke at the event. His life experiences provided inspirational words with his advice on ‘cheerfulness in adversity’, making the most of all opportunities in life and ‘determination and tenacity’.
Susanna Lawson, Co-Founder of OneFile the UK’s leading learning platform, used by all Exeter College apprentices attended the awards. Susanna has grown Onefile from a start-up of two people in her spare bedroom in Manchester to a multi-million pound company with 85+ employees. She spoke of the invaluable experience that apprenticeships offer students who are starting off on their career paths.
All of the guests were given table gifts of handmade fudge by Level 2 college apprentices.
The Apprenticeship winners were:
Shannalee Rea, from Plymouth, Brittany Ferries – Accountancy Apprentice of the Year
Maddy Geen, from Holsworthy, The University of Exeter – Business Administration Apprentice of the Year
Grace Northam, from Exeter, Brandon House Nursing Home – Care Apprentice of the Year
Jordan Picot, from Newton Abbot, Green Engineering – Construction Apprentice of the Year
Alicia Harrington, from Sidmouth, Leads To You – Digital Marketing & IT Apprentice of the Year
Lucy Warren, from Seaton, Pink Hippo Day Nursery – Education Apprentice of the Year
Tess Brock, from Honiton, the Met Office – Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Hannah Wightman, from Ottery St Mary, Saks – Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year
Ethan MacDonald, from Aylesbeare, Salutation – Hospitality Apprentice of the Year
Peter Gomes, from Teignmouth, DT Garage – Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year
Jamie Hatton, from Okehampton, Exeter College Central Fitness – Sports and Leisure Apprentice of the Year
Niccolas Marshall, from Newton Abbot, Arconic – Overall Apprentice of the Year
The Employer award winners were:
Small Business of the Year – Horizon Childcare
Levy Business of the Year – MB Aerospace / Centrax
New Employer of the Year – swcomms
The special recognition award winners were:
Apprenticeship Innovation – Jonathan Cresswell, The University of Exeter
Contribution to Apprenticeships – Janet Francis, GWR
A student from Exeter College and the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education has been chosen to play for the Welsh Rugby Team in an international Rugby 7’s tournament.
Will Thomas, who has been partially deaf since birth, has been playing since he was a young boy but it has never been easy. He explained that when he first started playing he found it very difficult as he couldn’t communicate with the other players but by the age of 7, and after his first proper game, Will and his team mates had worked out a way of communicating through using simple signs.
At the age of 14 he took a real interest in Welsh rugby and at that age realised he was really passionate about it. After winning over 15 games with his local team, Will moved to the Deaf Academy.
Will’s dad shares his love for Welsh rugby and it was him that entered him for the team. Will had to go to Cardiff for trials and spent weekends travelling there to train. It was here that the scouts first spotted him and chose him to represent Wales in the Wales Deaf Rugby Union.
The World Deaf Rugby 7’s event will take place in Sydney, Australia in April 2018 against numerous other international teams. This is the first major international Deaf rugby event for more than fifteen years. It will include teams from New Zealand, Japan and South Africa.
Will said he is proud and shocked to be picked and although he is nervous, he has worked hard for this opportunity.
After college, Will hopes to work with kids in the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). He hopes to be able to pass on his knowledge and experience and to be a positive role model. He has just been accepted to work with the NDCS as a volunteer and will soon travel to Birmingham for training, although he says he will always continue with rugby!
We wish Will every success in Australia and look forward to seeing how he gets on.
