The Manchester College’s men’s football team crowned Association of Colleges champions 2023/24
The hard work and sacrifices have paid off for The Manchester College’s men’s football team, who are celebrating after winning the Association of Colleges North West Men’s Regional League 1.
18 students studying courses at the College were part of the squad that amassed 35 points from 14 league games over the course of the 2023/24 academic year.
The squad, who competed against seven other colleges based in the North West and finished the season with only one defeat on their record, pipped Hopwood Hall College to the title by three points following a long, competitive campaign, which involved three training sessions and a match each week.
Sport and Public Services Tutor Jake Richardson managed the College’s men’s football team to 11 wins this campaign and has reflected on his season in the dugout: “This year has been really special. There are some incredible athletes in the North West Men’s Regional League 1 and the standard of football on show has been very high.
I’m really proud of our students for working hard week in, week out. It’s an unbelievable group and they’ve shown a relentless desire to improve. This team represents everything that our College is about – togetherness.
Jake concluded: “I’ve been able to watch our students develop and grow as individuals and a team throughout the season. They’ve encountered challenges and hurdles on the way and the lessons our students have learnt can be applied to all aspects of their lives, including their studies.”
Special mentions to Charlie Atherton, who collected the Coaches Player of the Year award and has secured a football scholarship at a Division One university in America for next year, Lewis Docherty, who was the team’s top goal scorer with 30 goals in 14 games and voted Player of the Year by his teammates, and Omogbolahan Solarin, who is celebrating after being name Student Athlete of the Year across all sports.
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