HNC’s Academy and Talented Athlete Programmes support students studying at the College to achieve highly in both their academic studies and in their chosen sport. These renowned sporting programmes, in which students play at an elite level in both team and individual disciplines, are often a springboard for students who are hoping to pursue their sport further, and during this special event, their successes from the past year were recognised and celebrated.
This year has seen some incredible successes across a wide variety of sports. Notable achievements for the Academy teams include the Women’s Football Academy winning their league and reaching the National Play-offs, with team members Isabella Lobley, Olivia Conway and Ella Rejiba securing USA University ‘Soccer’ Scholarships on the back of this year’s performances. The Men’s Football Academy team also showcased some exceptional talent this season, representing Yorkshire and the Humber in the AoC Nationals, finally placing third in the championship, a record achievement for the College. And the Cricket Academy team continues to go from strength to strength, with Cricketers Brad Sylvester and Finn Brookes being selected to play for Yorkshire CCC Academy and Derbyshire 2nd team, respectively.
Our Talented Athletes have also had another strong year, competing nationally and internationally in a range of sports. Golfers Aaliyah Hryniewieckq – Irwin and Ruby Mclellan were placed winner and runner up respectively in the Yorkshire County Open at Howley Hall recently, with both players currently competing in tournaments throughout the season, with the Irish open starting next week. Cyclists Archie Fletcher and James Stewart are also enjoying a range of successes on the track. Archie has recently arrived back from Germany having secured a professional contract with 360 Cycling for the next season, and James continues his development with Team GB in cyclo-cross.
During the event, each Academy team were recognised for their achievements over the past academic year. You can see a full list of students who have been voted ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Players Player of the Year’ below. Additional recognition also went to Albie Earle, who has played for both the Men’s Football and Cricket Academy teams for two years- remaining fully committed to both sports and never missing a session. Milton Greenwood has also been recognised for his outstanding contribution to Cricket, for scoring 5 wickets against MCC.
Jamie Marsden, Head of Faculty Sport Academies, comments “Here at HNC we support our elite sports men and women to successfully balance their studies and their chosen sport, allowing them to achieve highly in both. This year has seen some incredible highs for our Academy teams, who as always have continued to go from strength to strength, embodying the College values of commitment, motivation, resilience and courage. This has also been reflected in the hard work of our Talented Athletes, who continue to achieve national and international success in their individual sports. I am incredibly proud of our talented sporting stars, and I wish those who are in Year 13 every success in their exciting next steps. Trials have now begun for our next cohort of Academy players in Cricket, Football, Netball and Basketball – our brand new Academy programme starting in September – and I very much look forward to many more successes in the future!
Netball First Team
Player of the Year | Madison Box |
Players’ Player | Isabel Foley |
Netball Second Team
Player of the Year | Lydia Morgan |
Players’ Player | Morgan Hirst |
Women’s Football Academy
Player of the Year | Ella Rejiba |
Players’ Player | Molly Shackleton |
Men’s Football Academy A
Player of the Year | Lewis Stephenson |
Players’ Player | Michael Roberts |
Men’s Football Academy B
Player of the Year | Tyler Brennan |
Players’ Player | Albie Earle |
Men’s Cricket Academy
Player of the Year | Joe Pyrah |
Players’ Player | Finlay Hill |
Men’s Cricket Development
Player of the Year | Finlay Brennan |
Players’ Player | Harry Allen |
Paul Futcher Memorial Award | Albie Earle |
Talented Athlete of the Year | Milton Greenwood |