News & Events

December 2023 edition – Education Term 1 report

Head of Education Andy Edmunds has provided an update on the progress of the SUCET Football & Education programme.

Our 91 BTEC Level 2 & Level 3 students have continued to progress well within their chosen course, with students focusing on their assignment work and some re-sitting their GCSE English and Maths during the first term.

Our second year students have explored ‘pathways’ where some have applied for University, USA scholarships, Apprenticeships and our Foundation Degree. These are all next steps for our learners, either into employment or higher education, after they complete their studies in June 2024. 

Our Year 2 students have received vital information through ongoing workshops / conversations with our CEO Dale Spiby, Academy Manager Danny Heath, First team player appearances, Development officers, and external partners. This shows the togetherness between the football club and the community trust. 

Recruitment for our education programmes for Sept 2024 continues to go from strength to strength, with more school events attended and booked in; successful open event run during October Half term; partnerships with more local non-league and charter standard clubs plus student application forms are increasing. Interviews will soon take place for our 24/25 cohort.

We will be hosting more open events in February and April 2024 respectively, showcasing the exciting opportunities for current year 11’s when they finish secondary school. Details of these events can be found here: 

https://southendunitedcommunityandeducationaltrust.coordinate.cloud/project/49468

SUCET football results continue to be positive with the A team remaining unbeaten so far this season. Both B & C teams continue to challenge and have shown improvement from last season. Head of Coaching Alex Clark & his coaching team provide excellent training sessions and our facilities create a positive environment, which allows students to reach their full potential. Students have also had the opportunity to play in-house friendlies against the Southend United Academy, who compete in the National League U19s. This has been a useful experience for students, so they can compete against academy players but also allows academy staff to watch players in certain positions, creating that positive link.

Our education provider Southend Adult Community College, partners and trustees have worked extremely hard behind the scenes to support both staff and students, alongside our positive relationship with the football club. 

Applications are still open for September 2024 start. If you wish to find out more information or apply for the 2024/25 academic year, please visit our website www.sufccommunity.co.uk or contact me on [email protected] 07538 350457.

Andy Edmunds

Head of Education