The Association of Colleges (AOC) hosted the England’s College Football Association (ECFA) men’s phase one trials at our Enfield Centre on 25 October.

There were four CONEL representatives from the football academy trialling in front of the AOC and Tottenham Hotspur coaches.

The AOC visits regions all over the country hosting trials for college players. Successful trialists move onto phase two and so on until a 24 man team is created with the best college players in the country. Students can be put forward by their college for exceptional ability.

Charlton Academy goalkeeper and CONEL student Akan George said: “I travel from Harlow everyday to be here (CONEL) because of the good facilities and coaches. I think I played well even though I’m currently injured so hopefully I get through. I also study Sports Science Level 3, which will hopefully help.”

Those who make it to the final squad will be rewarded with a football tour of Italy, enrolment onto the group’s training camp with a fixture at St. Georges Park, and fixtures against Australia and Wales in the coming year.

Senior Competitions Officer at AOC Sport, Ian Barber, said: “This is the first time we have come to London for a while. Good chance to see the talent in the area and good chance for lads to play at country level. Also great to come to The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and use their great facilities.”

Trials continue throughout London until 2 November. CONEL has expressed interest in providing facilities for the trials in the coming year.

 

Westminster Kingsway College recently welcomed a group of 16 students from Hyejeon College in South Korea. The students, specially selected by Hyejeon College, took part in a 3 week bespoke training programme designed to improve their Culinary and Patisserie skills.

The programme offered students a unique experience to study in the heart of London, with the added benefit of studying in the medium of English.

Students participated in practical skills training with WKC chef lecturers Miranda Godfrey and Ian Sutton in WKC’s renowned training kitchens, utilising the high quality, specialist teaching facilities and real working environment. Students were also given an exclusive opportunity to shadow chefs at some of London’s top restaurants; Jinjuu, owned by TV celebrity chef Judy Joo, and Galvin at Windows, Michelin star restaurant at the Hilton Park Lane.

The programme concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating the achievements of the programme.Students were presented with fantastic opportunities to engage with industry through workplace shadowing and guided visits around London’s most iconic food markets. The group also visited luxury catering company, Baxter Storey, to meet with the Chef Manager who is also a WKC alumni.

Students also attended the college event ‘A Profession for all’; a celebration of the food industry featuring celebrity chef guest speakers including Ruth Hansom (Chef, Westminster Kingsway alumnus, the first female winner of the Young National Chef of the Year title and star of BBC2’s MillionPoundMenu). The event offered a selection of culinary workshops and opportunity to network with chefs, award-winning lecturers, bloggers and restaurateurs. These enrichment activities provided a unique experience for students to learn about current trends and hot topics in the sector and witness first-hand the coordination and management of events.