Staff and Student Success at AoC Sport Awards for NSCG
19 June 2025
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been recognised twice at this year’s Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport Awards, which celebrate the highest successes of young people in Further Education sport and physical activity, as well as highlighting the dedication of staff, who support and nurture those learners to success.
John Johnston (JJ), Coach of the Andy Griffin Football Academy (AGFA) at NSCG won Highly Commended in the Outstanding Contribution to College Life category for his work implementing college wide player reports to support the development of the 113 AGFA players.
Over the past year, JJ has revolutionised player development by introducing detailed one-to-one player reports for all 113 learners, using analysis software and video tools to provide clear, actionable feedback. His work has helped increase attendance among academy players to 92.3%, above the college average, and boosted retention to 100%.
Beyond the pitch, JJ has gone above and beyond to support students’ wider development, arranging one-to-one mentoring and leading the organisation of an international football tour to Lisbon later this month for 57 students.
JJ has also created exciting professional opportunities for learners through partnerships with national and international organisations. From enabling students to take part in UEFA B Licence coaching sessions, to working with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to involve learners in elite-level officiating assessments. Most recently, he facilitated a Staffordshire FA referee course that will provide a path to paid work for 17 students and is championing initiatives to expand the AGFA's women’s football offering by getting involved in Staffordshire FA’s 'Stepping Over the Sidelines'- an initiative that encourages women and girls into coaching and officiating roles.
Speaking on his award, JJ said: “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised by the AoC and to be involved with projects that give young people a stepping stone into the sport that they love. I’m looking forward to building on the good work so even more young people can get involved with football and benefit from the opportunities it brings.”
Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport student, Theo Nkrumah-Adom, was also recognised with a Highly Commended Award in the Inspirational Student of the Year category.
Theo has been a key part of the College community during his time at NSCG, representing the Students’ Union as Sports Activities Officer, being a key player for the Academy of Sport Basketball team and even volunteering as a coach for the newly formed Girls Basketball Team.
Dedicated to creating inclusive sporting opportunities for the College community, Theo arranged open basketball sessions for students to try out the basics of the sport as well as recruiting additional Sports Ambassadors to lead on enrichment sessions.
Alongside his studies and sporting commitments, Theo also works for the local council as a Support Facilitator, where he supports children and adults with complex needs and plans to study Social Work at Keele University in September.
Theo said: “I’m really proud to have been recognised with a Highly Commended Award. It means a lot to know that the work I’ve done to support others through sport has made an impact. Being part of the NSCG community has helped me grow so much and I’m looking forward to carrying everything I’ve learned into my future career.”