Nelson & Colne College ex-student: Rachel Brown-Finnis could be heard on BBC’s broadcast of the women’s EUROs final on Sunday, watched by over 17 million viewers across the globe. Rachel commentated alongside Robyn Cowen as England beat Germany 2-1 in extra time to claim the first English title in 56 years!
Before kickstarting an incredibly successful pro-football career, Rachel – originally from Burnley, was a student here at NCC where she juggled playing in goal for Liverpool ladies’ pro team and studying for her A levels.. Now Rachel’s playing days are behind her, she lends her voice to both punditry and commentary teams at the BBC and BT Sport. Rachel also had a weekly column in the Guardian’s sport section during the 19/20 football season.
Rachel’s tale of life beyond the college is just one of many success stories from our talented alumni. Far from being the only ex-student to lend her voice to a huge BBC broadcast, former NCC pupil Samantha Oxborough made a grand appearance on Thursday night’s commonwealth games opening ceremony with her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem being heard by millions around the world! In addition, just this week we have had three of our Burnley FC shadow course students receive scholarships from colleges in America to go play and study stateside – an opportunity that Rachel herself took advantage of as she attended the University of Alabama in 1998 under a football playing scholarship.
If you are leaving school this year and have been inspired by Rachel’s journey and the Lionesses inspiring tournament success then our Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team and Post-16 Girls programmes may be for you. Both programmes enable students to study a Level 3 Diploma in Sports Coaching & Development as well as take advantage of our unique partnership with Burnley FC in the Community. Combining practical football experience with academic studies, students will train 3-4 times a week and represent Burnley FC in the national youth league – all whilst studying at our state-of-the-art Nelson or Accrington campuses and receiving a level 3 vocational qualification equivalent to three A levels.
If you are interested in the BFC Shadow Youth Team programme, or any of the other fantastic opportunities we offer simply follow the links below.
https://www.nelson.ac.uk/16-18/vocational/level-2-sport-football/
https://www.nelson.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
https://www.nelson.ac.uk/16-18/
Telephone: 01282 440200
