Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) proudly highlights the remarkable achievements of its students, Preston Hopwood and Ryan Crawford, who represented the England Colleges National U18 Team at a prestigious international football tournament held in Italy.

Under the guidance of Mo Hopkins, BTC’s Football Performance & Development Manager and a coach for the national team, these two standout athletes showcased exceptional skill and leadership on the global stage.

The event, hosted at the renowned Roberto Del Bianco Stadium, featured collegiate teams from countries including San Marino, USA, Canada, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Ukraine, and Wales.

Despite the challenging competition, the England team, with significant contributions from Hopwood and Crawford, advanced impressively, eventually facing host nation Italy in the finals.

Mo Hopkins reported,

Preston Hopwood, serving as team captain, and Ryan Crawford, as our leading striker, were instrumental throughout the tournament. Their performance not only exemplifies the high-quality training they receive at BTC but also their dedication and sportsmanship under pressure.

Hopwood demonstrated his capabilities with a goal and an assist, while Crawford, with his aggressive forward play, scored two goals over the course of four games, cementing his role as a critical player for the team.

This tournament provided not only a platform for high-level competition but also a valuable cultural exchange, with teams from multiple countries participating. It was an enriching experience for all involved, highlighting the global nature of collegiate sports.

For additional details about Team BTC and Sports at Bridgwater & Taunton College, please visit our Sport page.