Robins pass with flying colours

Ilkeston FC's delighted officials say Christmas came early for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Robins after their academy got the thumbs up from education inspectors.

In their first ever Ofsted inspection, the academy at the New Manor Ground combining courses for careers in the sports and leisure industry with coaching passed with flying colours, receiving a rating of ‘Good’ from inspectors who observed and interviewed staff and students.

Ilkeston FC Chairman Dave Mantle, whose company SR Education delivers the educational aspects to the club’s 40 scholars, is hailing the Ofsted verdict as ‘a very important milestone for the football club’ and a ‘tremendous achievement’.

Mantle, who has seen Ilkeston’s youngsters reach the FA Youth Cup’s Second Round Proper with a number also forcing their way into manager Kevin Wilson’s plans this season to match their academic success, said: "To come through the Ofsted with flying colours is really pleasing. It sheds a positive light on all the hard work that’s being done by the coaching and teaching staffs."