Seventeen students from Tottenham visited the University of Cambridge as part of Estudiantes London, a sport-for-development club that uses the power of sport to drive academic excellence.
The club draws the lion’s share of its participants from Haringey 6 Form College but is open to anyone aged 13-19 who is committed to their studies. To be able to participate in UEFA-coached football training sessions as well as show case matches, students must show an excellent attitude to their education.
Matches such as the one against Cambridge serve two purposes. Firstly, their prestige helps drive the project forward and gives students an exhibition match to strive for. Secondly, and more importantly, they are there to remind students that their talent and excellence can see them gain outstanding opportunities if they show the necessary dedication.
This year, the Estudiantes team, who compete in the LNFS England league, have travelled across the UK to take on teams from varying levels of the football and futsal pyramid, including a tour and match at the leading sports university in the world at Loughborough. The students were reunited with their formers team-mates Fabio Teixeira and Tenzin Dhongak. Both are graduates from Estudiantes and Haringey 6th Form College, who have since joined the International Futsal Academy to complete their degree at Loughborough.
Haringey Sixth Form student athlete Owen Locke is a great example of the work of Estudiantes. In the last year, Owen has gained his FA Level 1 in football and futsal coaching qualification, refereeing licence, and is currently taking his FA Level in Talent ID. As one of the top young futsal goalkeepers in England, he has recently joined Genesis Futsal Club and been a stand out performer in the Futsal Premier League.
Despite the complications of COVID-19, students have participated in over 200 training sessions across volleyball, futsal and football since September 2020, with regular trips and showcase matches organised to provide outstanding opportunities for the participants.
Russ Lawrance, CEO Haringey Sixth Form Educational Trust said:
“The work that Estudiantes have done at Haringey Sixth Form College has really boosted participation and opportunities for our students; it has strengthened relationships and helped students cope in challenging times. The students now feel more comfortable communicating with their teammates, staff and other students. The added bonus is also the high quality experience – it’s not only inspirational, it raises expectations, this is the ‘can do/will do’ attitude which is so important. I am delighted with the quality of coaching from Estudiantes London.”
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact: 07930 395314 or info@estudiantes.co.uk
