Football at JCC – 2024/2025
The 2024/25 academic year has seen football at Joseph Chamberlain College thrive as part of a wider relaunch of the college’s sports enrichment and competitive programme. With ever-growing participation, newly relaunched teams, and exciting new partnerships, football has become one of the most popular and successful activities among students.
A Thriving Partnership with Birmingham City FC Foundation
A standout highlight of this year’s development has been the launch and continued growth of a valuable partnership with the Birmingham City FC Foundation. This collaboration has enabled the delivery of an established Premier League Kicks session throughout the academic year, offering inclusive and structured football sessions for students.
In spring and summer, the programme expanded to include a brand-new female-only Premier League Kicks session, promoting greater accessibility and encouraging more female students to get involved in the sport.
One of the year’s most exciting moments saw participants from the college’s Thursday Male Football Team take to the pitch to play at St Andrew’s Stadium – a truly memorable experience, and a wonderful time was had by all. Click here to see photos and read more about this incredible experience!
Competitive Football Success: Male and Female Teams Shine
The JCC Male Football Team was relaunched this year and has made a major impact in its first full season. Competing in a league alongside other Further Education institutions with more established squads and greater resources, the team performed exceptionally well – finishing second in the league and establishing itself as a serious contender for future seasons. This is a massive achievement, and the college is incredibly proud of the newly-relaunched football team for making such a huge splash in their first full season – truly, well done!
At the same time, the newly-formed JCC Female Football Team has had an outstanding first year. Students took part in AoC league fixtures, friendly development tournaments, and matches across the region. These opportunities have allowed the team to build confidence, develop key skills, and gain invaluable experience through regular competitive play.
High-Quality Training and Facilities
Both the male and female teams have trained consistently on the college’s state-of-the-art 4G multi-sport astro pitch. Sessions have been delivered by Rhianne Oakley, a professional footballer, West Bromwich Albion Women’s F.C. player, West Bromwich Albion Women’s F.C. Supporters’ Player of the Season, and an extremely valued member of the JCC staff team.
Training has taken place regularly before and after college hours for both teams, providing students with flexible opportunities to prepare for AoC Sport competitions while maintaining and excelling in their academic commitments.
Football for All: Widening Participation at JCC
Beyond competitive fixtures, the college has continued to offer a wide range of recreational football opportunities for all students.
This has included:
-
Indoor and outdoor football sessions throughout the college day
-
Turn-up-and-play sessions (including male-only and female-only sessions)
-
5-a-side and 6-a-side football leagues held after college hours
These inclusive programmes have helped create a strong football culture across the student body, encouraging participation, physical activity, and enjoyment for all.
Enrichment, Qualifications and Beyond
Thanks to the partnership with Birmingham City FC Foundation, students have also benefitted from work experience opportunities and the chance to gain qualifications beyond their A-Level or BTEC studies. These additional experiences help broaden students’ career prospects and personal development, both within and beyond sport.
“Whilst football is not the only successful sport at JCC, during the 2024/25 academic year the college’s football programme has gone from strength to strength, both in terms of competitive and recreational opportunities for JCC students and has been a popular choice amongst the student body,” said Chris Hewitt, Sports Development Manager at JCC.
Thank You and Congratulations
Joseph Chamberlain College extends its sincerest thanks to Birmingham City FC Foundation for their continued support – the college is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with such an established organisation. Their involvement has made a significant difference in enhancing the sporting offer at the college, and we look forward to building on this success in the coming academic year.
The college would also like to extend a massive congratulations to all the students who have taken part in football at JCC this year – whether as part of the competitive squads or through recreational sessions. Their commitment, enthusiasm and team spirit have made 2024/25 a truly memorable year for football at the college.
Looking Ahead to 2025/26
With strong foundations now in place, the college is excited to continue expanding football opportunities in the 2025/26 academic year. Plans are already in motion to grow the programme even further, providing more chances for students to train, play, compete, and succeed through football at JCC.