Stoke Gabriel FC & South Devon College

STOKE GABRIEL'S aim to become one of the most successful amateur football clubs in the county has taken a giant leap forward after joining forces with South Devon College to develop opportunities for all players in the area - men, women, youngsters and those with disabilities.
The two already share facilities - Stoke using the College's indoor sports hall and state of the art gymnasium at Vantage Point for winter training, and the College playing their home games at Broadley Lane in the British Colleges League.
Now, through the Devon FA, the College is to provide courses for male and female players to qualify as coaches and match officials.
And the students will be available to work with young players at Stoke, opening the way for Stoke players and club officials who also wish to gain coaching qualifications.
Commented club chairman Mike Calf:. We're proud to be associated with one of the Football Association's top 10 Focus Colleges in the country for developing football opportunities for young people.
"We've already announced plans to include a new clubhouse, changing facilities and a grandstand at Broadley Lane next season, while the College - just judged by OFSTED to be 'outstanding' in all areas of provision - will have a new sports coaching centre complete with classrooms, treatment rooms and fitness centre as part of a multi-million pound Phase Two expansion."
Stoke currently have three senior pitches for teams in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League and WBW Solicitors South Devon League, plus four mini-soccer pitches for seven junior sides and a girls' team.
The College, too, has a well established, high quality football development programme under the direction of former Bournemouth, Exeter City and Torquay United assistant player-manager Alex Watson.
The scheme includes one women's and two men's teams in the British Colleges Under-19 League, while a team for students with learning disabilities - 'The Inspirations' - compete in the Devon FA's Ability Counts League and recently won the South West Regional Championships.
On top of that, the College has plans for a ladies' football development programme to include regular training, coaching and playing matches, all linked to the Stoke Gabriel ladies' team with Broadley Lane the venue for tournaments and Festivals of Football for youngsters of all abilities, including the disabled.
Matt Burrows, Head of Sport and Outdoor Education at the College, told the Herald Express:
"We always welcome opportunities to work with community partners, and Stoke Gabriel FC have tremendous vision and desire to succeed.
"It's a fantastic partnership which suits everyone and is an excellent opportunity for all our learners."


http://www.southdevon.ac.uk/page/2334