From classroom to kick-off: a student athlete’s journey with the London City Lionesses

Balancing college life with elite-level sport is no easy task, but for Capital City College (CCC) student athlete Ellie Johnson, determination, self-belief, and the support of the college’s Sports Academy have helped turn her ambition into reality.

Ellie is studying Level 3 Sports and Exercise Science at our King’s Cross campus. She is also part of the Sports Academy, a programme that helps high-performing athletes balance elite-level sport with academic study.

Through structured training and performance development tailored around athletes’ commitments, the academy allows students like Ellie to pursue both education and sport at the highest levels.

Alongside her studies, Ellie maintains an intense training schedule with the London City Lionesses, a major achievement that reflects her dedication, commitment, and discipline. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey so far.

What’s your training schedule like with the Lionesses, and how did you make the team?

A: I train with London City Lionesses five times a week, with a game during the week and sometimes another on the weekend. I joined the team by trialling at the start of the season and was immediately offered a contract.

Are you playing in any matches right now? If so, where?

A: We play league matches on Wednesdays at our home ground in Kent, with away games at places like Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground. Next week, we have away matches in Newcastle and Liverpool. We also compete in Women’s Cup fixtures, playing against teams like Luton Town and Dalish Hamlets, and in the PGA Cup, where we face different league teams on the weekends. Our next cup game is against Liverpool in January, and we hope to progress to the next round.

What are your plans after college? Would you like to play football full-time?

A: After finishing my course, I hope to be offered a professional contract with London City Lionesses or join another club at the professional level. Playing football full-time is my ultimate goal.

Ellie’s journey to football stardom while still studying at college highlights the impact of CCC’s Sports Academy in helping talented athletes develop their skills and gain exposure to elite sporting environments. The course Ellie chose allowed her to showcase her abilities and step confidently into a professional football career.

Through dedication, structured support and hard work, she has carved a clear pathway forward, showing that with determination, ambition, and the right guidance, students can achieve both academic success and athletic excellence, turning their dreams into reality.

Want to pursue your sporting passion alongside studying like Ellie? Why not explore the range of courses we offer? From Sports and Exercise Science to Sport, Fitness and Active Leisure and more, we have something for everyone, whatever your goals.

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