Scholars top of class at Derby

At a time when results on the pitch haven’t been kind to Derby County, there are lots of positives to be taken from the work being undertaken by their scholars.

Head of Education and Welfare, Bill Morley, says that he has been heartened by the impressive feedback he has received as a result of their Ofsted inspection. “We were pleased to welcome the Ofsted inspectors into the club this week. Lead inspector, Sandra Summers, accompanied by inspector Ian Smith and Dave Mantle from Premier League Learning, spent a whole morning watching aspects of the fitness conditioning and technical/tactical programmes, as well as talking to all of our first-year scholars.

“It was particularly pleasing that the inspectors gave very positive feedback on their meetings with the scholars – especially that they had gained a very favourable impression of the youngsters social skills.

“The visit was a good follow-up to the news received earlier in the week that all second-year scholars have now successfully completed their Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football.”

Bill picks out one of last year’s scholars as a shining example of the club’s impressive work. “Jason Beardsley made his first team debut in the Carling Cup game against Blackpool earlier in the season. He has been totally focussed and committed during the two years of his scholarship – and his attitude and application deserved this success.

“It was the culmination of two years hard work while has brought him full framework completion on the ASE programme, a double distinction for his BTEC National Certificate in Sport and success in the Level 2 FA Coaching award.”

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