Triumph on Two Fronts: Exeter College Shines in National Rugby and Hockey Championships

The Rosslyn Park 7’s tournament, known as the largest 7-a-side tournament globally, witnessed over 14,000 boys and girls competing fiercely. Among them, two teams from Exeter College entered into the fray, each aiming for glory in their respective categories.

In the Girls U18 ACE competition, dubbed the top tier for girls U18, our blue team geared up for intense battles. Drawn into Pool B against other AoC Performance College teams, including Henley College (Ealing Trailfinders), Loughborough College (Loughborough Lightning), Oaklands College (Saracens Rugby), and Worthing College B (Harlequins), our squad faced rigorous challenges. However, they displayed exceptional skill and fitness, eventually clinching victory against Worthing College A, the Harlequins Academy, in the final with a commanding 20-7 scoreline. Tilly Pulfer’s blazing speed earned her a hat-trick of tries, while Charlotte Wreford’s masterful control and strategic play earned her the title of player of the tournament.

Simultaneously, in the Girls U18 Open competition, our team in pink and black took on the challenge. Placed in Pool K on day one, they fought fiercely, securing a spot in the next round by finishing second, despite a narrow loss to Peter Symonds. Their determination shone through as they progressed to day two, ultimately triumphing in the final against Samuel Whitbread Academy with a 19-5 victory.

Meanwhile, in another sporting arena, Exeter College’s men’s hockey team showcased their prowess in the England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Tier 3 National Championships. After battling through the Devon and West of England rounds, they faced off against the nation’s best.

Their journey to victory was hard-fought. A crucial 2-1 win against Sevenoaks propelled them to the top of the group, with goals from captain Innes Rose-Price and Ronnie Horne securing the victory. Subsequent victories against Royal Russell and Sandbach solidified their place in the elite final. In a nail-biting final showdown, goals from Sol Bloomfield and Zach Simons, coupled with resilient defending from Tristan Peatt and Jacob Murphy, led them to a 2-1 victory over Worksop, clinching the coveted silverware.

Both on the rugby field and the hockey pitch, our teams showcased not only their skill and fitness but also their unwavering determination to emerge victorious, etching their names on numerous trophies of sporting excellence.

Find out more about our Sports Teams at our next Open Event on Wednesday 24 April.

Exeter College Athletes Shine on International Stage

Exeter College is celebrating an array of sporting stars as numerous students represent their country in various sports, both at home and abroad. This proud roster of talented athletes showcases the College’s dedication to fostering a culture of sporting excellence and supporting students in achieving their athletic dreams.

One such standout is Harriet King, Amelia Baines and Ruby Hatherly, competing in the AP Race International at the prestigious London Aquatics Centre for Great Britain. This event offers the next generation a platform to race alongside current Olympic and world champions, promising an exhilarating weekend of competition.

Two female and one male sport students smile at the camera in their blue academy kit. — Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott played for the AoC Sport England Hockey Team.

Joining the ranks of accomplished athletes is Evie Webster, a force to be reckoned with in BMX Racing. With an impressive track record, including placements in the last three World Championships for Britain and notable finishes in European championships, Webster continues to impress.

Ben Yunnie, excelling in Slalom Skiing, has made his mark with consistent top-10 finishes in the dry slope circuit. His ambitions are now set on the FIS competition in Bormio, Italy, Yunnie aims to further showcase his talent on an international stage.

Freddie Barlow, part of the GB talent squad in Modern Pentathlon, recently participated in the ‘Olympic Hopes’ competition and has competed internationally in various championships, displaying remarkable skill in multiple disciplines.

Five female rugby players smile at the camera in their blue academy kit. — Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Mia Ryrie, Kayleigh Priest, and Tilly Pulfer (left to right) played for England U18 or Scotland U18 rugby teams.

The College’s representation spans across various sports, with individuals like Harry Brett and Harry Hebard joining England’s U19 indoor volleyball team, while Amelie Andrew secured a spot in the U19 British youth sailing team, triumphing in events across Europe.

Moreover, Exeter College proudly boasts talents like Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott in the AoC Sport England Hockey Team, showcasing the diversity and depth of sporting talent.

The rugby arena witnessed stellar performances from Jed Findley, Luke Evans, Nick Lilley, Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Kayleigh Priest, Tilly Pulfer, and Mia Ryrie, representing England’s U18 and Scotland’s U18 rugby teams respectively.

Daisy Liu and Innis Rose-Price played for the Great Britain U20’s ultimate frisbee teams.

Not to be outdone, Innis Rose-Price, Daisy Liu, Ioan Sharpe, CC Addison, Toby Bullock, and Aaron Hale, make waves in ultimate frisbee, squash, netball, sprint kayaking, and football, demonstrating the breadth of sporting talent nurtured at Exeter College.

These exceptional achievements stand as a testament to the College’s commitment to nurturing excellence in sports and providing a platform for students to shine on the international stage. As these athletes continue to reach new heights, they serve as inspirations for future generations, embodying the spirit of dedication, passion, and unwavering determination.

Find out more about the Sport courses and opportunities available at Exeter College at the next Open Event.

College Coaching and Fitness Degree gets Certified by University of Exeter

Exeter College is excited to announce that for 2023-24 the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Coaching and Fitness (for 18+ students) is now certificated by the University of Exeter. The University is the new validating partner for the Foundation Degree which formalises the progression route for graduates from the FdSc into year two of the BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences programme at the University of Exeter.

The Foundation Degree is a two-year programme with a progression option into year two of the Exercise and Sports Science course at the University. Studying on this course will allow individuals the opportunity to study at the College and to train and compete in British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions for the University of Exeter. This is an invaluable opportunity for those aspiring players looking for a Higher Education qualification whilst exploring playing opportunities with the University of Exeter and Exeter Chiefs.

The College’s strong links with professional sports clubs (Exeter Chiefs RFC and Exeter City FC), educational organisations (Ted Wragg Trust), and sports development organisations (Active Devon and Exeter College Sports Development), provide numerous opportunities to develop students’ applied experience in a ‘real world’ context.

Rob Bosworth, Deputy CEO and Vice Principal at Exeter College said;

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Exeter and Exeter Chiefs. We have worked together to create seamless world-class career paths for our students. This will also enable us to retain and attract high-quality male and female rugby players in the local area.”

The extensive onsite facilities at Exeter College and proximity to the University of Exeter allows for collaborative thinking and sharing of resources where needed and opens up lots of opportunities for the Exeter College based students to access sports teams and other enrichment opportunities for a real university feel.

Alison Davidson, Director of Sport for the University of Exeter said;

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Exeter College to support talented athletes with their academic pathway into the University, through this new foundation degree. We are already seeing the benefits of those students joining our performance squads.”

Dr Matthew Campbell, Academic Programme Liaison for the University of Exeter on the new partnership added;

“We are thrilled to further enhance our relationship with Exeter College to now provide this exciting opportunity for students in our region. Our strengthened partnership not only allows us to contribute to the growth and development of a clear educational pathway but also enables us to make a positive impact in the local community due to the links nurtured by both the College and ourselves. By fostering academic and athletic excellence, we are collectively enhancing the prospects and aspirations of the students while enriching the area’s sports and fitness landscape.”

This course also has Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status which means it has been aligned to national occupational standards for sports coach, high performance coach and community coach, providing hands on practical coaching skills as well as academic learning.

Lucinda Sanders, Director of Higher Education and Adult Learning at Exeter College said;

“We are delighted to be able to offer more opportunities to study higher level coaching and fitness provision in Exeter with this Higher Technical Qualification. Our partnership with the University of Exeter has worked fantastically here, collaborating to be responsive to a local skills need for our key employer partners in the sport and fitness sector.”

It is expected that Exeter College students could make a significant contribution to the university’s High-Performance Sports Teams in the BUCS competitions with a clear and established pathway existing with the rugby teams. At least nine Exeter College alumni students represented the university in the men’s and women’s BUCS Rugby Final in the 22/23 season.

There are numerous benefits to students enrolled on the programme. They will have dual registration between the College and university, meaning they will be able to join their sports teams, access resources, and use the sports facilities.

For successful students, there will be the exciting opportunity for students to progress to the second year of the Exercise and Sports Science course at the University.

Find out more about the Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Coaching and Fitness.

Exeter College Football Star Signs with Swansea City AFC at age 16

Exeter College Football Academy student, Jack Fanning, has been offered a scholarship with Championship team Swansea City AFC, at the young age of 16. Swansea City Academy develops talented young footballers from age eight to 21. Jack will be playing with the U18 team, having previously played for Tiverton Town U16’s and Crediton United.

Jack, previously from Exeter School, is studying A Levels in Maths, French and PE. He will now make the move to Swansea as part of their Academy. He said;

“The Football Academy has put me in great stead for this new opportunity and my A Levels have broadened my educational knowledge as well so my time at Exeter College has definitely helped me.

“My tutor has been great, really helped me settle in and my teachers and football coaches have helped me and supported me all the way. I’m a little bit nervous but obviously very excited.”

Jack Fanning has previously played for Tiverton Town U16’s and Crediton United.

Jack Gill, Exeter College Football Academy Lead Coach, said;

“Since starting with us in September Jack has been outstanding, not only in terms of his playing ability, but also his attitude and leadership. Jack’s successful progression pathway into professional football makes him a role model for all current and future students. Our coaching team at the College football academy are all incredibly proud of Jack Fanning and wish him every success for the future.”

Based in the shadow of the Swansea.com Stadium, the Swans Academy is situated at Landore, a multi-million-pound facility where the next generation of first team players are being developed and produced from the age of nine.

The extent of the club’s accomplishment is reflected in the city’s immense pride of the club’s recent history with seven consecutive years in the Premier League, EFL Cup winners and reaching the last 32 in the Europa League.

Jack Chapman, Head of Academy Recruitment at Swansea City AFC, said;

“We’re pleased to welcome Jack to our Academy after a short trial period. He demonstrated that he has leadership qualities, is assertive and dedicated to improving himself. It was evident quite quickly that he had the motivation to return to the professional football club setting after a short time out. It’s always important in this game to bounce back after disappointments and have good, supportive environments around you and we feel that this has been the case for Jack through his involvements with Tiverton Town, Crediton United and Exeter College.

“We look forward to helping Jack develop further as a player and as a young man. He’s moving away from home, settling into a new City and group of peers but we definitely have the staff on hand to make that as smooth a transition as possible so that football can be Jack’s main focus. Hopefully he will enjoy his time at the club, grow, develop and make an impact not just in our Academy but in the professional game.”

Find out more about the Exeter College Football Academy at our next Open Event on 26 April.

Exeter College Netball Team Win First Ever College Treble

Exeter College is excited to announce that the Women’s Netball first team have achieved an incredible treble, becoming the first ever college team to win three illustrious national competitions in one season.

The playing squad consisted of Charlotte Steer (Vice Captain) GS, Ella Williams GA, Jemma Potter WA, Lily Tomlinson C, Caitlin Jeffery (Captain) WD, Iris Hindley GD, Hannah Rae GK, Abi Down GS, Lottie Armstrong WD, Abi Greenslade WD, Emily Churchill GD, Kitty Sampson C, Bronwin Stewart C, Annie Grief GD, and Tilly Spong WD. The team have won over 40 games in one season to be crowned the champions three times over.

Charlotte Steer, Vice-Captain said;

“It was such a proud moment for me, winning with all the girls I have grown up playing netball with was surreal. Winning one title was great but to become the first college to win all three was the best and I’m so glad we were all a part of it.”

The treble success began where the team became National Premier League Champions. Exeter College joined Barking Abbey, Hartpury, and Queen Ethelburga’s in Walsall at the finals, as the top four teams across the South, Midlands, and North Premier Division leagues. Exeter was drawn against Barking Abbey and won 37-26, during a competitive and physical game. The team then met Hartpury in the final securing an impressive win of 34-30 to take the first of the three titles.

“This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”
Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager

The team then fought hard again and won the gold medal at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships in Nottingham. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016 – which the Netball team also contributed towards by winning Gold. The squad won the title in a round robin competition over other colleges, including Hartpury College, Billborough College, Greenhead College, Hartlepool College, and Worthing College to take home the second of the titles and become the National College’s Champions.

The final achievement came when the team came out on top in an amazing and tight fought match against Hartpury, winning 41-40 to win the AoC Sport National Netball Knockout Cup. The AoC cup sees teams drawn from all over the country and having to win each game to progress onto the next round.

Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager, said;

“AoC Sport congratulate Exeter College for their outstanding achievement in winning the National Netball Knockout Cup, the Premier League play-off final and the gold medal at the National Championships. This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”

Hollie Greenaway, Academy Lead at Exeter College said;

“Winning just one of these competitions is a fantastic achievement and to be the best College in the country in your sport is an outstanding feat. To win the treble is simply phenomenal and I am so proud of every player that has contributed to the success of the team. A special mention must go to the rest of the Netball Academy players in the second and third teams. Their support of the players has been unwavering and as a whole Academy they have been a pleasure to coach.

“The first team have been dedicated in their commitment towards training over the past two years and the resilience they have shown to win over 40 games in total during one season and finishing by winning the treble is extraordinary and they will go down in history. I wish them all the best as they leave Exeter College and continue to play Netball at their clubs and University destinations.”

Sam White, Netball Coach at Exeter College said;

“This prestigious treble status is a huge credit to the demanding work that the girls have put in over the past two years. Even during the lockdowns, they worked tirelessly with Hollie and Lucy remotely over zoom with workouts and pair strength training which I believe increased their motivation, resilience, and their mental well-being. The players are an exceptional group of athletes and truly deserve this tremendous accolade. They are a credit to themselves, the coaches and the College and we could not be prouder of them.”

Exeter College students help the South West to glory at the AoC Sport National Championships

Students from Exeter College competed at the AoC Sport National Championships in Nottingham last weekend, coming home with three gold and three silver medals as they helped the South West region to finish in 1st place.

Over 60 students and staff travelled to the University of Nottingham where they battled it out against athletes from colleges across England and Wales during the three-day event. They competed in a wide range of sports including Women’s Rugby 7’s, Netball, Basketball, Men’s Rugby 7’s, Tennis, and Cross Country.

AoC Sport Director of Sport and Student Experience Dean Hardman said:

“It goes without saying that the past two years have been extremely difficult for everyone and especially young people. We were therefore delighted to see the return of the AoC Sport National Championships for the first time since 2019 and the much-needed opportunity for our talented athletes from across the country to compete against each other at this fantastic event.

“Given all the challenges colleges have faced throughout the pandemic, it is outstanding to see so many join us in Nottingham and to see so many students enjoying their sport and its many benefits. It has been a privilege to host them.”

Silver medals were earned in Men’s Rugby 7’s, only missing out on Gold on a head-to-head rule, Cross Country, and Tennis. Amazing resilience and teamwork were shown by Netball, Women’s Rugby 7’s and the Barbarians South West Women’s Basketball team, to bring home gold medals.

As well as individual glory, the teams were aiming to accumulate points for their region and win the prestigious Wilkinson Sword trophy. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword with a total of 140 points, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016. Yorkshire and Humber claimed the runners-up spot with 127 points and the South East came in at third place.

Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, Chris Wall said:

“It’s outstanding to have the National Championships back after a period of 2 years without them. All our students have enjoyed the regional qualifying competitions and those that were rewarded by winning had an amazing experience in Nottingham. Even more pleasing was how they conducted themselves and performed. Let us hope this remains an annual event for the foreseeable future.”

More than 1500 students took part in 12 different sports at the University of Nottingham and surrounding areas. The event was brilliantly supported by 282 staff, 91 colleges, 45 student volunteers, countless officials, not to mention the AoC Sport team.

League Table: Wilkinson Sword competition

Region	Total Points	Final Position
South West	140	1st
Yorkshire & Humberside	127	2nd
South East	121	3rd
East	107	4th
West Midlands	101.5	5th
East Midlands	85.5	6th
North West	81.5	7th
North East	59.5	8th
London	52	9^th
Wales	27	10th

Exeter College help South West top AoC Sport National Championships table

Exeter College Women’s Rugby Scores Big with England U18 Selection

Women’s Rugby in England is in an exceptionally good place, Women’s Rugby in Exeter is not only in a good place but breaking down barriers and making waves.

Riding that wave is the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy, in partnership with Exeter Chiefs. The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy teams are nearly unbeaten this season. They have won the Rosslyn Park 7’s, and as South West Champions will go to the Association of Colleges National Colleges Championships to represent the region. Recently they narrowly missed out against Hartpury in the England Colleges Rugby Football Union (ECRFU) Showcase Finals Day.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter.”
Susie Appleby – Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side

With Exeter Chiefs currently in 3^rd position and in the hunt for the play-off spots in the Allianz Premier 15’s and unbeaten in the Allianz Cup, it is no wonder that rugby in the South West is going from strength to strength.

Susie Appleby, former English female rugby union player and now Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side, said:

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter. Since forming the Exeter Chiefs women’s team, the Exeter College women’s programme has really grown in status and levels of performance. We have a really good relationship with Dave Kimberley and Eilidh Sinclair, and the fact we now have 5 players in the England Under 18s squad speaks for itself. The future is bright.”

With five students from the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy chosen to represent England in the U18’s, things are only set to get better. Daisy Womack, 18, is one of these women. With training and studying full time she has a lot on her plate, but she says it is worth it.

“I think for a lot of us girls, it has been a dream since we were younger, but it is now becoming more realistic, and it’s been a really good experience. College has given us a more professional environment where we are training most days, with access to the gym and great coaches and that has really helped.”

Chris Wall, Academy Manager says the future is exciting; “With the Centre of Excellence run by Patricia Garcia and our Women’s Academy Lead Dave Kimberley, as well as the clubs new academy structure, this creates the infrastructure to identify and nurture local players. In turn, this creates a bigger pool of players which can enjoy rugby, develop, and thrive in the Exeter area. With the current partnership and collective vision, the sky is the limit!”

Abby Middlebrooke is living proof that this partnership works. Having started her college journey on a Sport BTEC, then an apprenticeship and now studying for a Coaching and Fitness Degree – she has done all this alongside representing Devon and South West rugby teams before moving on to England U18’s, Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC and now England U20’s.

Speaking about her progression, she says; “When I came to the College, the course involved training every day and doing analysis, which replicated the life of a professional rugby player. This was much better than before, when I was only training once or twice a week at grassroots level. This kickstarted my physical progression as well as learning a lot more about rugby, specifically about my position. There was also a lot more exposure to the England coaches because of playing fixtures up and down the country and we were playing against a much higher standard.”

The Exeter College Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is run through the College’s partnership with Exeter Chiefs and is an RFU endorsed scheme for 16–18-year old’s, requiring 12 hours per week of Rugby specific delivery alongside student’s full-time course. Selected students can choose to study a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Sports and Exercise Science, or a choice of A Levels. Find out more.