The sports department were asked to go to St George’s Park
because we were the 100th college to sign up to team 19 and we were
awarded a plaque and a wall banner.At the St George’s Park there are over 24 England teams
which train at this venue and the referees do all their fitness testing.
We were given a tour around the facilities and started off
in reception where they have 150 mannequins to represent each year of the
football association. We were shown the Sir Alf Ramsey pitch which cost 1
million pounds; this pitched is clean everyday by the grounds men to keep it in
good condition. There are 300 tyres which go into making that football pitch.
All the facilities at venue are rented out this pitch costs £300 an hour.
A championship
football match could take place on that pitch and a small international friendly.
There is also a 60 meter running track next to the pitch and these records all
the data of people participating can see if they are carrying any injuries and
to see where they can improve on.
We were shown the Wembley replica pitch which is made up of
97% of natural grass and 3% of fake grass. The men’s national England football
team train on this pitch. Burton Albion and Nott’s County often use these
facilities to train and prepare for match day.
Some of the students ran up the hill where the England team
have to run up and pass the fitness test. “This was a very challenging hill to
run up at pace“ said Matt, student at Hereward College.
We saw the 1966 England football kit which was worn in the
world cup final, also we saw a famous wall where players had signed and we had
to discuss who signature was who’s.
We were taken into the boot room where all the boots are
hanged up for the players. We found out that Steven Gerard cleans his own boots
unlike most of the other footballers.
We had a question and answer session with some of the
coaches about what you have to do to work in the sport industry most students
felt this was really helpful and are now looking into all the different work in
the sport industry.
Later on in the afternoon we were playing football on the
David Beckham pitch with a coach and we were learning all different skills such
as turning with the ball, shooting, passing and commutating with each other. Shiv, another student, said: "I really enjoyed the numbers game where you had to go on and
take on your mates.”

Just before we returned from the trip we were playing small
sided games against each other and the coaches joined in.
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves and look forward to
further outings in the commutating.
The day was an excellent opportunity for
the students of Hereward College to experience the brand new FA facility. Team
19 has allowed Football at Hereward to expand and develop. following this
amazing trip, we hope the numbers taking part in Football will increase further
at Hereward.
During the day, our students were also able to quiz
staff members at St George's Park and hopefully consider routes into Sport for
themselves after College life. The day concluded with a high quality coaching
session and a chance for our students to show off their skills.” said Mark
Hardin, Sports Department Leader at Herewar.
Sheila Fleming, the college's Principal said: “The students seemed to really
enjoy the day and were very enthusiastic about playing football and enjoying
the facilities - at times I thought we'd struggle to get everyone off the pitch
to go home!
I would also say the Team 19 staff were also very committed and enthusiastic about the visit and were really keen to celebrate Hereward being the 100th college to join the project.”
I would also say the Team 19 staff were also very committed and enthusiastic about the visit and were really keen to celebrate Hereward being the 100th college to join the project.”
By Matt Jarvis & Luke Glover
Sports Blog Reporters