Aston Villa Women’s student athletes will have joined thousands of students in collecting their exam results on Thursday morning.
Unlike many of their peers across the country, the club’s student athletes balance their education alongside intensive training and match schedules. The club’s dual-career pathway emphasises the importance of athletes staying on track with their academic studies, whilst pursuing a professional career in the First Team. Although this is no easy task, the end of the 2021-22 academic year and season saw many Aston Villa Women student athletes celebrated for balancing their education and football commitments simultaneously.
At Sutton Coldfield College’s end of year awards, Evie Rabjohn, Olivia McLoughlin, and Emily Fletcher all received recognition for representing their country at international level. Evie was also celebrated as the college’s Sportswoman of the Year and came third place in Pearson’s BTEC award – a national event which is highly competitive.
Aston Villa Women’s Academy and RTC also celebrated Student Athlete of the Year awards for the first time, with Mary McAteer and Milly Round winning for the U21 and U16 age groups respectively – both being excellent role models in their schools and at the club.
Girls & Womens Pathway
WSL Academy and RTC Education Lead, Layla Salter said: “These awards are a credit to the hard work and dedication it takes to be a student athlete at this level. We have had numerous girls and young women throughout the pathway gaining recognition from their schools, colleges, and universities for their commitment and success both on and off the pitch, which is fantastic to see.”
With the new academic year and season on the horizon, Aston Villa Women look forward to working with trusted education partners once again. In doing so, we strive to ensure that student athletes are well supported and have multiple opportunities open to them in their future careers.
