TWO students from Duchy College Stoke Climsland, part of The Cornwall College Group, have secured funding to help them develop their skills as football coaches.

The FA Activators programme is an initiative developed in partnership with the Association of Colleges and is designed to support the grass roots of the game, encouraging more people into the sport.

Gemma Wicket and Ryan Matthews, both of whom are studying a Level Three BTEC Extended Diploma in sport, will be attending a number of training sessions to help them in their new role, including one session at the home of English football; Wembley Stadium.

Ryan Matthews said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen for the Activators programme and am really looking forward to getting more people involved.

“I am already coaching a couple of local youth teams in Callington and Launceston as well as the Ladies’ team at Launceston; all of which is beneficial to my future career as a Sports Coach.”

The pair have both received funding to support them through the programme and its hoped they will play a fundamental role in growing and developing football at the college and in the wider community. Another key element of the programme is to increase the participation of women in football.

Team Lead for Sport at Duchy College, Darren Evans, said: “The Football Activators Programme is a great opportunity for both Ryan and Gemma to gain valuable work experience in the industry and for them to help inspire others to get involved in the game.

“Both students are now working hard to encourage their fellow students to get involved in working within the community and are setting up programmes with other clubs and organisations.”

Both students have completed their first regional training event in Taunton with the next one being held in Wembley in the coming months.