On successful completion of her GCSEs at Preston Academy in Yeovil, Erin Bloomfield decided to study the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise at Bridgwater & Taunton College. Previous to starting college Erin was a County level Girls footballer, representing Somerset. This led to the opportunity to become part of the Dual Career programme that is run in partnership with Yeovil Ladies Football Club. The programme allows gifted female footballers the opportunity to experience an academy set up whilst playing in the WSL1 Academy League.
Erin settled in to college life quickly, producing work to a high standard and achieving a range of higher criteria. Her transition to the Dual Career programme has been equally as quick, as just last year she was playing grassroots football.
Erin said,
“The Dual Career programme is a great opportunity because it has allowed me to train full-time to a high standard, whilst being able to achieve a nationally recognised qualification at college that will enable me to progress to university.”
Recently Erin has had the opportunity of training and playing with the Yeovil Ladies first team, who currently play in WSL1, the top women’s football league in the country. On Sunday 10 February, during an FA cup match against Birmingham Ladies, Erin came on as a substitute in the 76th minute and scored with her first touch of the game!
Course Leader for Sport and Exercise Science Alex Leach said,
“It’s great to see Erin developing on and off the pitch. She is developing an impressive academic pedigree, whilst clearly developing as an athlete. The Dual Career programme has given her, and several others, a great opportunity to experience a professional environment whilst also enabling them to receive an exceptional education. We are all proud of Erin’s achievements to date, and look forward to hearing about her future successes.”
Come along to one of our Open events or Taster Days to find out more about the College’s fantastic Sport opportunities and unique partnerships with professional clubs.
Photo credit: Lee Collier.
