Simon Panes, Filton College’s Director of the Bristol Academy of Sport - which includes the highly acclaimed Filton College Football Development Centre - will receive the Award on the pitch at Old Trafford during half-time of the International England v Austria match.

It was in January this year that Filton College celebrated its successful bid to The FA to become a Charter Standard College. The accolade is the benchmark for quality in setting top standards for providing the best opportunities for young people who wish to develop their footballing talent whilst balancing their education.

Filton College was among a select handful of 11 further education establishments in England to win the much-coveted accolade of FA Charter Standard status and is also one of only four to be recognised for its work with both male and female teams.

A vital part the Football Development Centre’s role is to encourage youngsters to maintain a high-level interest in the game while also gaining precious academic qualifications.

Filton College’s Male Football Development Centre (FDC) won the National title for its strong ethos that recognises and encourages the talents of players whilst not compromising their overall education and welfare.

The male FDC currently has 50 player students in two squads of 25, which benefit from the FDC’s unique set-up which allows players the opportunity to participate in football alongside a vast array of academic courses, such as GCSE’s, NVQ’s, A-Levels and National Diplomas.
Filton College has forged strong partnership links with Bristol Rovers Football Club and six boys are now regularly training with the first team squad, two of which have signed full professional contracts. 

This season 13 players have come through from Bristol Rovers Centre of Excellence which is run from the College’s new £17.5 million sports training complex known as WISE (West of England Institute of Specialist Education), which is also the first team training base.

Filton Colleges Sports Development Officer Anna Sullivan, commented: “The Bristol Rovers link is extremely important, as our A Squad players are considered for their U18s. We already have players now playing regularly for the reserves. Last year 22 of our 25 A Squad played for thier Reserves, and we expect to exceed that this year with some very exciting youngsters in the scheme.”

“This is a huge honour for Filton College and mirrors our large investment to football in recent years”, commented Kevin Hamblin, Principal at Filton College.

“It is pleasing that we have been presented with this award based on our work last season, before our new facilities were unveiled. This award therefore reflects the coaching standards and our professional approach at the College. The new facilities will raise our appeal even higher."

If you would like further information on Filton College’s Football Development Centre, there will be an open day on October 8 between 10am-1pm at the WISE campus. Alternatively, you can contact: Anna Sullivan on 0117 909 2615.