George has been at Southend United Community & Educational Trust for just over 1 year, enrolling onto the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Sports Coaching and Development programme in August 2022. When George began his journey within the education department, he was quite shy, but showed a lot of confidence in his aspiration/career goals. George joined us knowing he wanted to pursue a career in the sports industry as he was part of Premier League Kicks programme at Eversley Leisure centre, where he was first introduced by our community / education team, who encouraged him to progress onto the college programme.
During the term (May – July 2023), George continued to complete his work to the high standards he always has. His attendance and punctuality have been excellent. He’s consistently working towards the higher criteria for all units, where he achieved distinction grades for units C1 Coaching skills and Unit A Careers in Sport and supported the trust with our PL kicks sessions and school delivery for his work experience hours.
Alongside his excellent standard of work, George has positively improved his performances in training / matches and as a reward, he was invited to trails with the Southend United Academy. Following stand out performances and a positive attitude towards academy staff and the coaching team, George officially joined the academy for the 2023/24 season. In this period of transition, George remained humble, was respectful to all staff members within the trust, academy and football club and is now part of our ‘life of a learner’ recruitment video for potential new students, showcasing his experiences and opportunities here at Southend United.
To top off a fantastic year for George and the last term of the academic year, George represented the First team during preseason friendlies against non-league opposition in Canvey Island and Bishop Stortford respectively.
This was a fantastic achievement for George and all staff connected to the trust, academy and football club. We are extremely proud of his achievements both in the classroom and on the field.
Head of Education Andy Edmunds had a few words to say about George ‘I have had the pleasure to teach George from January 2023 and I am extremely proud of his development, as a person and as a player. George is a talented individual who is well respected by ALL tutors and staff within the trust. George is extremely grateful for the help and support offered by the department, and we wish him all the success, as he continues his development within the football club’.
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