STUDENTS at Pool Academy have returned to the classroom this month, but over the summer they were further afield visiting Milan.

Every year a group of students from the school visit a top European football club and this time it was AC Milan. The sun shone on the students during their time in Italy and the group enjoyed training on the grounds of the famous club as well as playing in some local fixtures. 

As well as playing football, the students also got to watch an exhilarating game and sample some authentic Italian pizza. They also toured the San Siro Stadium and its museum. The stadium, named after the Milanese district in which it is located, is considered one of the symbols par excellence of the city of Milan, as well as one of the most famous sports facilities in the world.

During the trip Pool Academy made history as the school was honoured with a special plaque commemorating them as the first English team to ever play at Como, a city near Milan. This award was presented by the assistant mayor of Como, making the occasion even more memorable. 

Pool Academy provide sporting opportunities for young people from the moment students join them in Year 7 with hockey, netball, football, and rugby amongst the most popular sports. As students progress through the school, the opportunities continue to grow with options ranging from mountain biking, climbing and athletics to gym fitness and archery.

The school has its own brand new all-weather astro pitch and sports fields, as well as a sports hall, tennis hard courts, a dance studio, netball courts and fitness suite. They have more than their fair share of sporting stars and their girls' football team regularly make it to the regional and national finals, as well as students earning individual places in the South West and even UK squads.

Expressions of interest are already open for next year’s trip which will be to Valencia in Spain to visit the Valencia CF grounds. Applications for secondary school places are now open and the deadline to apply is October 31.

Nick Ward, principal at Pool Academy, said: “At Pool Academy we know the value sport adds to every student’s education and offer a wide and varied programme of sporting activity designed to stretch and challenge even the most able. We recognise the importance of sport as part of a student’s wellbeing and that is why our offering is broad and inclusive.

“These annual football trips to top European clubs are a real highlight in the calendar as they allow students to hone their sports skills, along with helping them to develop a sense of adventure.  Students are already signing up to visit Valencia next year!”