Ability counts as college team scores five-year winning run

Star football players at BMet 's Sutton Coldfield College have proven their top-class sporting ability after securing a record five-year regional and national winning streak.

In partnership with The Albion Foundation, the victorious college Ability Counts 'Albion One ' football team, is an extra-curricular football programme for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Since 2017, students on the team have remained undefeated after competing against a variety of quality teams - at both a regional and national level.

Regional tournament success has included games against Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Newcastle under Lyme colleges.

In the national arena, learners have beaten teams including Salford City, Blackpool, Sunderland, Lancaster, Suffolk, Newham, Weston and Swansea colleges.

Highlights for the Sutton Ability Counts team include:

• Remaining unbeaten in the AOC National Championships to successfully retain their title. The tournament stretched over three days, with the side playing nine winning games representing the West Midlands in Ability Counts football.
  
  
• In winning the regional finals, they scored 19 goals and conceded just 2.
  
  
• In May 2020, the team were nominated for the AoC team of the year and came runners up as highly commended.

The nine-man-squad trains twice a week at the college 's home ground at Boldmere St Michaels, alongside coaches from the official charity partner of West Bromwich Albion Football Club - to assist with the delivery of the men 's football programme.

Through the rewarding programme, learners gain enhanced football skills, team building, communication and social skills - to name but a few.

The ability counts football programme uses the beautiful game to improve students' day-to-day life skills, raises self-esteem and encourages the education of young people, who may see further education as a daunting proposition.

Stuart Jamieson, head coach for the Ability Counts Sutton Coldfield College football team, said: “We are extremely proud of the team 's record win which is a true testament to not only their talent, but also to their hard work, commitment and positive team bonding.

“We are looking forward to seeing them further exceed their goals, as we continue with our programme that brings about a winning formula. ”

To find out more about the programme that is part of BMet 's sports academies, click here or contact [email protected].

Find out more about our sports academies at our next open day event on Saturday 26 June here.