College presents alumni award to Port Vale goalie
Port Vale FC goalkeeper, Sam Hornby has been presented with a BMet Alumni Award. The former Sutton Coldfield College student received the honour in recognition of his academic achievements and career success.
“I feel privileged to have been presented with this award,” commented Sam. “Like many people, I came to college expecting to come away with a qualification. Through a great relationship with the sports coaching staff and other students I gained more than that. Their advice and encouragement naturally led to me supporting the football teams through coaching and by being at some of their games.”
Sam, 22, studied a BTEC Sports Performance and Excellence qualification at Sutton Coldfield College from 2012-2014.
He signed his first professional contract with Burton Albion FC in 2015 and spent 2016 on loan to Brackley Town FC and Kidderminster Harriers FC.
In June 2017 he signed a two-year deal from Burton Albion to Port Vale FC, making his goalkeeper debut in the Carabao League Cup 1st Round against Leeds United FC. He is currently on loan to Chester FC.
BMet Principal Andrew Cleaves said: “Our Alumni Awards to celebrate the impact that further education can have on an individual and we’re proud to recognise how far Sam has come over the last few years.
“His progress from a college-based football programme to turning professional, along with his willingness to give something back to other students make him a worthy alumni award recipient.
“It’s great for us to showcase him to others as an example of someone who fully benefitted from the college learning ethos and environment.
“We congratulate him on his award and wish him the best for the rest of the season.”
During his studies, Sam helped the men’s football first team win the West Midlands Colleges Premier League, the West Midlands Under-18 County Cup and win gold at the Association of Colleges (AoC) National Sports Championships. He also represented the college in Volleyball and Cricket.
“All my time at the college was enjoyable,” Sam went on to say. “I chose to study here purely because of the football programme.
“During the last two years, I was playing for Redditch United and also doing some training at Burton Albion. BMet supported me with this, providing me with a specialised timetable that let me keep up with my college work and training schedule, plus any extra-curricular activity. There’s no way I’d have been as successful without this help and encouragement.”
Sam also helps the Sutton Coldfield College’s Men’s Football Academy with some goalkeeper specific training sessions.
ENDS