Two Hartlepool College of Further Education footballers had a dream come true when they represented their country as part of the English Schools Football Association squad. Connor Short and Shahban Mohammed both belong to the College’s Football Academy, an innovative and highly successful scheme that allows student athletes from all over the College to combine their normal studies with high quality sports coaching.
Gaining places on the English Schools squad involved a thorough selection process, but the teenagers both showed the dedication, skill and hard work needed and faced Australia at St, George’s Park, the home of the England Football
Association, before facing the home nations in the three-game Victory Shield.
Ian Clark, Head Coach at the academy said “Connor and Shahban are a dream to coach, very hard working, always listening and real team players. This is a fantastic achievement for any young footballer.” Darren Hankey added “To succeed in sport takes
focus, persistence and a willingness to keep trying no matter what, and these are all qualities that are also essential on our courses too. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense to support students who have sporting as well as career ambitions in a way
that combines both”.
