Hartpury College student Jack Copland has signed an extended scholar contract at Swindon Town F.C after playing for the League Town side on a temporary basis of late. The signing is another endorsement of Hartpury Sport’s dual career pathway – which enables young student athletes to gain an Ofsted outstanding education whilst training with our Sports Academy, ready to transition into the elite and professional ranks.
The talented goalkeeper has just completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Football) with the highest grade possible (D*D*D*).
Jack has been playing football in Spain since the age of 9, returning to the UK with his family in 2020. He enrolled at Hartpury to continue his academic and football development where he quickly demonstrated an excellent attitude combined with his abilities as a goalkeeper.
Jack also joined Tuffley Rovers in Gloucester where, in addition to playing for the U18s, he became established as a regular in the Hellenic Premier League. He also helps to run the Ledbury Goalkeeping Academy.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Hartpury College,” said Jack.
“The environment at the college helped me develop not only as a footballer, but also as a person. I can’t thank the staff and my fellow students enough for the support and encouragement they gave me. Their support has allowed me to be ready and in the best possible position to take this opportunity at Swindon Town,” he added.
Shaun Gluyas, Lecturer in Football Studies, and a Junior Development Football Coach at Hartpury College, said: “As a group of staff at the college, we’re all incredibly pleased for Jack and proud of how he has achieved this thoroughly deserved opportunity. Jack is not only very talented as an athlete but has been dedicated to all aspects of his development from both a footballing and academic perspective, and we look forward to following the next steps in his journey.”
Students can improve all aspects of their game with access to leading specialist facilities including two all-weather 3G pitches and eight grass pitches. Hartpury’s £10million Sports Academy facilities include human performance and biomechanics laboratories and rehabilitation suites, a support team comprising strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and nutritionists complement athlete preparation and analysis. Students playing and training with Hartpury’s 10 competitive Sports Academies are supported to achieve success in their academic learning as well as their sport, with training timetables designed to fit around their studies. Students can study a range of BTEC diplomas and A-levels rated Ofsted Outstanding at Hartpury College.
As a Dual Career Accredited Site, Hartpury is an important extension of a network of universities partnered with TASS – which is backed by Sport England – delivering core support services to student athletes.
Learn more about Hartpury College sports diplomas and Hartpury University sports degrees.
