CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SPORT
SCRAPBOOK
A WINNING FUTURE 2025 - 2026
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INTRODUCTION Check out all the exciting activity our sports students have done this academic year. These opportunities and more could await you here at Wigan & Leigh College.
SPRINGBOARD TO SUCCESS Located within Leigh Sports Village, which is a site for elite athletes who play for the likes of Manchester United Women’s team and the Men’s U21s as well as the Leigh Leopards Rugby League team, you will have access to the latest fitness facilities. We are proud of our Sports Leadership Academy and the work our students do with local schools. As a result, we have achieved the the School Mark Games Gold Award for two years running.
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ELLA TOONE AWARDED MBE Lioness Ella Toone, who studied Level 3 BTEC Sport & Exercise Science at Leigh Campus, was one of the national team members who were instrumental in pushing the prominence of women’s football. Ella netted a crucial goal as England overcame Spain 2-1 after extra-time to progress to the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and went on to score the first goal of the historic final against Germany, which led to England taking home the trophy and putting women’s football firmly in the spotlight for future generations. She reached a milestone in 2025, making her 200th appearance for Manchester United Women – a club record. Ella has also been awarded an MBE after being named in the King’s New Years Honours List. The midfielder benefitted from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) that the college is accredited. We support our athletes with a dual career, offering a flexible approach to studies alongside their professional sport commitments.
OFFICIATING SUCCESS Congratulations to our Level 2 Sport & Physical Activity student, Karla Carr, who won Female Referee of the Year at the Wigan Referee Society. Super League official, Tara Jones MBE presented her with her trophy. A great achievement and well deserved.
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COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR HARLEY Students and staff from our Pagefield and Leigh campuses came together to celebrate Harley Edwards-Andrews’ life. Our college community held a football tournament, with everyone wearing a blue armband as a nod to Harley’s favourite colour. Harley wasn’t only a popular student, but also a passionate football and rugby player, having played for several local clubs over the years. All funds raised will be donated to Royal Bolton Hospital.
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MEN’S RUGBY RECAP Our Men’s rugby team were promoted to the North West Elite League in the seeding competition before Christmas. We are currently sitting 2nd in that competition, with notably victories against Cronton Sixth Form (twice), Hopwood Hall Academy and Barrow Raiders Academy.
PING PONG PARKINSON
Our Sports Leadership Academy students joined Steve Rowe from PingPongParkinson™ for the launch of an amazing programme.
and cognitive abilities after being diagnosed with the disease, it was great to see everyone come together in the sports hall to pick up the bat and get going.
Our students joined members of our local community who are living with Parkinson’s for a welcome and introduction from Steve on how the sport of table tennis can benefit people living with the condition.
Over the last few months our students have been developing their skills in leading the activities while serving the community and seeing first-hand the improvements of fine motor skills and movement as well as the social rewards that the game can offer to the clients.
Hearing the inspiring story of the founder, Nenad Bach and how the sport improved both his physical
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SAFFIE YATES
STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Saffie Yates completed her Level 3 Sport Science gaining Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction grades. Originally, she was planning to pursue a degree in sports rehab but saw an opportunity to go into an apprenticeship with BBC Sport. Now, Saffie has become a Researcher/Assistant Producer in their team. What a great achievement!
Martha is a striker for Man Utd Women’s Academy and has been at the club since the age of 13. She was the top goalscorer in the 24/25 season.
MARTHA ALLINGTON
Fun fact: At the time, Martha was the youngest woman in Europe to be sponsored by Nike! Originally from Millom, Martha chose to come to Leigh Campus due to the proximity to training. “It made sense to come to Leigh to study as it is close and the college helps me to work around my schedule too. I enjoy the Level 3 Sport Science course as it’s I like to learn more about the sport injury prevention and physiology side of things.”
Level 3 Sport Science student, Oliver gained some great university offers to progress his studies. The former Lowton Church of England High School pupil is getting future ready for a career in physiotherapy. Oliver has been gaining work ready skills while on work placement with The Bridgeman Physiotherapy Centre and he also attended a workshop day at Royal Bolton Hospital, where gaining an inside knowledge helped with his interviews were he was able to talk about all the different rotations that are offered. Oliver said: “This course has helped me to use evidence-based practice and increasing my anatomical and physiological knowledge. The sports massage module gives us the chance to gain a VTCT qualification, and this was one of reasons I chose this course too, as it could allow me me to open my own business in the future.”
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OLIVER LORD
MASON COTTON Former Rivington & Blackrod pupil Mason is thriving on the Level 3 Performance & Excellence Rugby League Pathway, delivered in partnership with Leigh Leopards. The course allows him to balance his studies with focused rugby training and performance development. A second rower for the college team, Mason also captains Leigh Leopards’ first scholarship side. “That was a big achievement for me,” he said. “Moving into the academy this year was another milestone and brings me closer to reaching the first team.” Mason is one of only two academy players to sign a professional contract, giving him opportunities to train with the Leopards’ first team. “It’s another level and pushes me to improve my training and overall approach to rugby,” he added. He values learning from former professional Martyn Rigyard, whose coaching links college and academy development, helping players progress through the pathway. The course combines academic study with rugbyspecific learning, including officiating, coaching, individual development, and strength and conditioning, alongside twice-weekly training and midweek fixtures.
OLIVIA LEECH Level 3 Sport Science student Olivia plays for St Helens Women’s Academy and made her senior debut in March 2026. “I loved it, we won by two points against Barrow, and it was such a great experience.” Alongside playing, Olivia coaches with Leigh Leopards’ Learning Disability Rugby League team. “I love seeing how happy rugby makes them - it helps to breaks down stereotypes.” The former Deanery High School pupil will progress to study HND Sport & Exercise Science at our University Centre after completing her Level 3. “I love my course because it combines different areas of study and gives us opportunities to explore research,” she said. “I’ve completed projects based on my interests and an EPQ that helps my CV stand out. The tutors have also supported me in balancing my studies with rugby.” Olivia hopes to work in human performance, with a particular interest in how neurodiversity affects athletic performance and how sport can support neurodiverse individuals.
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STUDENTS TACKLE FARMER STRONG Level 3 and HND Sport students got stuck in with some full-body training at Farmer Strong in Bolton. The students worked in teams to tackle obstacles like rope climbs, farmers carry, tyre flips, cardio and more. This experience expanded their knowledge of training, fitness, and testing, and enhanced their understanding of how to operate a fitness business.
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN THE LAKES Sport and Public Services students completed a range of outdoor activities in Low Bank Ground, Coniston with Wigan Council. Head of Sport and Public Services, Gareth Hates said: “It was great to work closely with local stakeholders to support our learners in achieving their assessment criteria through a range of outdoor activities.” This programme took place over the course of a few weeks and is a fantastic example of learning beyond the classroom, where students were able to build confidence, gain employability and real-world skills.
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STUDENTS REPRESENT COLLEGE IN GM SKILLS COMPETITION Well done to our Sport and Public Services team who finished third overall at the Greater Manchester Skills Competition. It was a true test of mind and body and a great way to showcase their skills at a regional level against students from across Greater Manchester. The competition included a varied mix of activities including basketball, cannon assembly run, a data analysis task, CrossFit, coaching and making a presentation on Euro 2028.
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FORMER STUDENT NOW TRAINEE TEACHER Jack Bridge completed the Level 3 Sport Science course before progressing to Edge Hill University, where he studied BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport. And now he has returned to college on his journey to becoming a college lecturer. He is currently working in the sports department on the PGCE Further Education and Skills Sector course. “We did some coaching on the Level 3 Course which inspired me, and I’ve always been interested in sport.”
“Being named Year 1 captain on the Football Development Programme has pushed me to improve both on and off the pitch. The standard in training is high and you’re expected to work hard every session, but that’s what helps you develop quickly as a player. The coaches treat you like a footballer, not just a student, and they expect you to take responsibility for your performance and your attitude. “The programme has helped me improve my decision making, communication and consistency in games. Playing regularly as part of a team has built my confidence, and being captain has developed my leadership skills, especially in organising the team and setting standards. “The facilities are quality, and you get access to everything you need to improve physically as well as technically. Using the gym and 3G pitch regularly has made a big difference to my fitness and overall performance. “It’s not just about football either. The course has helped me understand the game more through topics like coaching and performance analysis, which has made me a smarter player. This programme is for players who are serious about improving and are willing to put the work in every week.”
ALFIE PEOPLES-GWINNETT SPORT NATIONAL EXTENDED DIPLOMA FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
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BRAGA
Students on the Football Development Pathway took their training to the next level with professional coaches in Portugal. They focused on technical ability and training methods before competing against over college teams in Braga, Portugal.
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MARTYN RIDYARD Martyn has taken charge as our Head of our Rugby alongside his role as Head of Youth at Leigh Leopards. The former half-back, who has 17 years of playing experience in the professional game, is one of only three players to score 2,000 points for Leigh Leopards during his playing career. “I want to help make the college rugby team stronger, which can open another pathway for young talent to get through the system into the professional game with the Leigh Leopards Academy. “I have really enjoyed the role since coming in and getting to learn with the college students - I find it rewarding. I’m looking forward to building on strengthening the relationships between the club and college. “I want to make sure that we set the standards, it’s not just about being a good rugby player, it’s about being a good person too – showing attitude and commitment.”
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DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE Students on the Football Development Programme undertook a strength and conditioning session in the Performance Hub on Leigh Sports Village. Being a sports student at our Leigh Campus means you’ll get access to some fantastic facilities to enhance your practical learning.
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