Sport students selected for pitchside experience at Spurs match

New City College Sport students had the chance to get pitchside when they were chosen to be ball boys and girls for a Spurs v Blackburn Rovers U23 match.

The students, who are studying the Level 3 Sport course, and are part of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Development Centre at our Epping Forest and Tower Hamlets campuses, were able to see behind the scenes of an important club fixture and get up close to the action.

Paul Griffiths, Tottenham Hotspur Football Development Centre Programme Head Coach at NCC, said: “This was a brilliant opportunity for the students. It gave them an insight into the preparation and work that goes into every game. For some, it was their first time at a major match, so to get the chance to be on the pitch at this world class stadium will be something they will always remember.”

He said the students had to be fully engaged and show initiative throughout the game to ensure that it went smoothly. They were fully briefed beforehand about what was expected of them in their role as ball assistance, their responsibilities and the importance of keeping the game running non-stop.

Above: Student Sib Khan enjoys the visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The students were: Epping campus – Adam Margetts, Ryan Smith, Jamie Brooker, Terry Miller, Finley McKie, Sib Khan and Luke Hall. Tower Hamlets campus – Khalid Ahmed, Arley Watt and Sonny Curran.

Luke Hall said: “It was an amazing experience. It was the first time I had been to the new stadium and to be right beside the pitch watching everything was just incredible.”

Sib Khan agreed, saying: “I loved watching the game and the players.  Seeing them up close made me realise how good they are and helped me to improve my own game. It was a great experience!”

Paul said the college would be looking to take up the opportunity again for more deserving students.

Above: The students are briefed on their ball assistance role at the match.