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New College History

  • 18/07/13
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A brief history of New College

New College History
New College opened in 1984 with a football team playing friendly football fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. Football developed into an Academy in 1996 and between then and 2002, when it became a Senior Club in its own right, New College explored joint ventures with Swindon Town FC, Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Supermarine. New College finished mid-table in their one season in the Hellenic League in 2002-03 before ground issues moved the club into the Wiltshire Football League

The academy is chaired by ex Swindon Town and Welsh International Paul Bodin who is also youth team coach at Swindon Town. Coaching is directed on a day to day basis by Ian Howell who is part of the Academy Youth coaching team at Chelsea. He is assisted by Rob Hopkins a full time college lecturer who has experience of coaching at Leeds United and Birmingham academies. They are assisted by Matt Cosnett, a member of the coaching staff at STFC Centre of Excellence

Students join New College to follow an educational program for one, two or occasionally three years, together with their football coaching and competition. It is not an Old Boys club, although in any season one or two ‘leavers’ may continue before making the step up to what we hope is a higher level of football.

The academy currently runs three representative sides. The under 17's play in the Wiltshire Youth Floodlit league on Thursday nights. This side is managed by Matt Cosnett. The under 18’s play in the South West Counties Youth league versus academy sides from all of the major non league sides in the South West. This side is managed/ coached by Mick Burke.

The open age squad now plays in the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League, step 6 of the non league pyramid. This side is managed by Rob Hopkins. Rob is assisted by his coach Matt Cosnett.

Paul Smith, Rob Hopkins and Eric Stott work behind the scenes. Paul works as the club treasurer, Rob fulfils the role of club secretary and Eric works fulfilling the role of Match day Secretary for the Hellenic league side.
The Charter Standard Scheme is best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all.

New College Academy achieved this prestigious award in 2009 and has held it ever since.

The FA Charter Standard Clubs program, supported by FA Community Partner McDonald's, was launched in February 2001 and is a core component of The FA Football Development program.

The project is aimed at all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League, players, children and parents find a club in their local area that meets FA standards.
New College Honours
Wiltshire Premier Football League: 2009-10, 2008-09

Wiltshire Schools FA U 18's Cup 2010/11 , 2009/10, 2008/9
(Or Wiltshire Colleges Shield ) 2007/8, 2006/7
Or Wiltshire Schools and colleges Cup ) 2005/6

Wiltshire Youth Challenge Cup 2010/11, 2006-07
2001-02, 2002-03 (as Swindon Supermarine Youth)

South West Counties Youth League Cup 2003-04
1996-97 (as Swindon Town FC)