When the England football team were preparing to take on the world in Qatar, a Bury College A-level student was preparing to represent Great Britain in a different kind of football.

Daniel Schofield, 17, recently represented Great Britain's under-17s American football team against the Austrian national team in Austria.

The sport is growing in popularity across the country and there are now local teams appearing across the country. Daniel got into the sport at a young age thanks to the influence of his dad and brother. He now plays for the Chorley Buccaneers.

Daniel, who studies A-level Sport alongside A-level Biology and A-level Psychology spoke about his sporting highlights so far: “It was great getting to represent Great Britain in November; I’ve also been part of a national championship-winning team on two occasions.”

The former Mount St Joseph’s pupil was also thankful for the support that Bury College has given him: “All of the tutors have allowed me to take days off to travel and have also shown a lot of understanding when I’ve returned.”

Lauren Glossop, Daniel’s Sports tutor, added: “Daniel is an exceptional student, he studies A Levels and chose the BTEC Sport National Certificate along with two A Levels here at Bury College. Daniel is in his second year at college and competes for GB, I have not had any students that are on an elite pathway for American Football – in fact, I didn’t even realise Great Britain had a National American Football team. Daniel has unknowingly created awareness and continues to do so for his sport and team. I have been lucky enough to watch footage of him training for his sports analysis unit, I have also been able to watch him execute skills in real-time as part of assessment at College. Daniel is clearly a natural athlete and very passionate about his sport.

“Daniel is a great example that a young talented athlete can still prioritise their education but still balance it with their elite pathway commitments. Daniel never fails to complete homework, meet deadlines or attend lessons, even with his sports commitment. We enjoy having Daniel as one of our sports students and continue to support him in his success, we have no doubt Daniel will have a career in the elite setting of sport with the attributes he has and is demonstrating here.”

Our Sports courses allow students to turn their passion for sport and fitness into a career within a dynamic and rewarding sector. Find out more by clicking here: https://burycollege.ac.uk/courses/a-level/level-3-sport