Telford College sports students enjoyed an exclusive question-and-answer session with a Premier League football star during an online link-up to the Wolverhampton Wanderers training ground.
Belgian midfielder Leander Dendoncker took time out to speak to a group of students on the college’s level three BTEC sports course.
Telford College has been running sports performance and excellence courses in conjunction with the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation since 2016, giving unprecedented access to players and club facilities.
The level two and three courses offer progression routes into higher education, apprenticeships, scholarships and job roles in sport – plus valuable tips and advice from stars at the top of the game.
A regular enrichment programme includes visits to both Molineux Stadium and the club’s Compton Park Training Ground for practical and theoretical workshops to add value to course units and assessments.
During this week’s Q&A with Leander Dendoncker – carried out on zoom due to current lockdown rules – the Telford College students got chance to pose a wide range of questions.
They asked him how he kept fit and healthy during lockdown, how to maximise recovery after games to reduce risk of injury, and what it is like working with Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The 25-year-old, who has previously won league and cup titles with Anderlecht in Belgium, also spoke to the students about how the Premier League compared with other competitions.
Telford College sports tutor Jason Jones said: “Leander answered all of these questions, plus more, addressing each of the individuals asking the question by name.
“He gave a thorough insight into his day-to-day routine, and spoke about his journey from being a young grassroots player to playing in the Premier League.”
Telford College students also learn to play the ‘Wolves Way’ on their course through regular training and competitive fixtures within the EFL Community & Education Football Alliance League.
They get chance to represent the club, wearing the famous old gold and black, to take on teams such as Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Manchester City providing a huge footballing experience.
Ash Bowler, learner manager of sports and public uniformed services at Telford College, added: “This Q&A with Leander was another example of the great opportunities this Wolves course can offer to students.
“The opportunity to speak directly with Premier League footballers about life as an elite performer, and gain an insight into what it takes to be a professional athlete – are invaluable.”
For more details about the Wolves courses, and the rest Telford College’s sport curriculum, see www.telfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/full-time/sports
