“Inspiring student volunteer of the year awarded by the Association of Colleges talks about her sporting life and ambition to become a teacher and football coach in the future.”

Nefeli is an aspiring athlete and budding football and netball player with the NewVIc Knights teams. This year, Nefeli was recognised by the Association of Colleges Sport Awards 2023 and awarded Volunteer of the Year. She is currently in her second year of studying Level 3 Level Extended Diploma in Sport - Development Coaching and Fitness. She was a former Cumberland Community School student. We caught up with Nefeli to find out a little more about her journey so far.

What made you choose NewVIc?

“My sister was a former student at the college and suggested for me to come to NewVIc where she progressed from. My sister knew that my passion is sports and that if I were to study sports at NewVIc, I would have many opportunities that will help build my future.

I came to the Open Day and the atmosphere at NewVIc was amazing. Everyone was very positive, kind, and helpful. I learnt about The Sports Academy who explained to me all the opportunities they give to students to become better athletes and coaches. That was another reason why I wanted to study here.”

Why did you pick Sport- Development Coaching and Fitness to study?

“Whilst growing up in Greece I would always take part in different kinds of sporting activities. I knew that as a young child I enjoyed playing sports, such as football and volleyball.

My passion for sports grew bigger when I joined the football team in my secondary school and continued this at NewVIc. I decided that this is what I would like to study in the future.

Studying Sports in NewVIc has also helped me get my Level 1 in football coaching. With my time given to volunteering in sports I also won the Student Volunteer of the Year from the AoC which I am very proud of.”

Newham Recorder:

How have you found sixth form so far?

“I really enjoy studying in NewVIc. My teachers have helped me a lot to improve as a person as well as a student too. My knowledge since my first year has developed so much and I am very proud about what I have achieved so far.

I love taking part in activities put on by the Sports Academy. They put on different activities every lunch break and after classes finish for students to get involved in. I take part in most of these and if I’m not participating in them then I am assisting the coaches.

Taking part in the many sporting activities. I have developed my skills playing football - as practice makes perfect - and my coach is working very hard for us to get the best results. In the last academic year, the female football team were first in the league. Such a proud year, every single one of us in the team are very proud with what we achieved with our teamwork and communication skills.”

Is there anything you wish you had known that you do now?

“In the beginning, when I started coming to the college, I was petrified that I would not be able to make it through the academic year because of how difficult studying my subject felt at that time. It was different from school. But a week later I felt very confident about myself and I started believing in myself even more and here I am in my final year.”

Who is the most inspiring person you have ever met?

“If I am honest I cannot just choose one.

The most inspiring people I have ever met are the coaches in the Sports Academy: Katie, Paul, Sufyan and Charles. These coaches try their best to help the students by arranging different types of activities that people my age would enjoy doing and excel in.

I have to say that I am very proud and thankful to them all for taking me various sports and helping me become a better version of me and believing in myself more.”

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc?

“Don’t let other people influence your opinions about what you want to study and achieve and where. There will always be people who will make fun of whatever decisions you make, but at the end of the day, you should do whatever you think is best for you. Use your own experience and mind to make your choice NewVIc!”

So what’s next?

“After I finish my studies at NewVIc I see myself studying Sports at university. I want to become a PE Teacher in the future. I will also keep working as a football coach and hope that I will be able to get my Level 2 in Football Coaching. Watch this space!”