USP College a stepping stone to professional sport
- Posted 01 May 2024
Sporting connections have changed the life of an ambitious young rugby player just months after joining.
Storm Sport Academy gives students at USP College an opportunity to compete at the highest level in sport.
While studying at USP College Seevic Campus, in Benfleet, students can complete a full professional training programme, with strength and conditioning sessions and game analysis in various sports.
Isaac Mayungbe joined the college in September, studying A-levels in maths, computing and sports and exercise science, alongside training and competing as part of the college’s Sport Academy - Storm.
He dreams of going into a career in sport science physio or cyber security – with his choice of college and unique course combination meaning he can strive for both.
Since joining the college, the 17-year-old has been given the opportunity to take part in trials for Saracens rugby club in London.
After going through the process with hundreds of other keen young sportsmen, he was one of just a handful picked to go through to the final stages and is now part of the premier club’s under-17 squad.
He said: “We had to complete fitness sessions and a series of mini games. I was anxious and found it all quite overwhelming as we trained at the StoneX Stadium. A week later, they called to say they saw I had potential.”
Isaac now trains weekly with the Saracens team, with gym sessions, team tactics discussions and on-field training, plus games each weekend during the season.
He credits USP College for giving him such opportunities so soon into his education with the college.
Having the balance of being able to study sport and my other subjects in this way was quite appealing. Being able to follow what I want to do as a career while playing rugby – which is another pathway I am following – is brilliant. Being able to do both at the same time – why would you turn that down? I couldn’t find an opportunity like this anywhere else.
What I am getting to do here at USP is more like what you would expect at a private school. Most of the boys I train with at Saracens are from private schools in London. It is quite unusual for a college to have a rugby team that goes out and competes, like we do with Storm. We have enough players here for a first and second team, and almost a third team!
After just six months here, I have done so much already. It has changed my life. The opportunities it has given me within the first six months is crazy.
Isaac has also had success at the college, being part of the team who recently secured Silver Medal at the AoC National Championships in Nottingham.
Athletes keen to explore their talents and future in netball, rugby, basketball or football should visit uspcollege.ac.uk/life-at-college/sports/ for more information about trials and the application process.
Any student is able to compete as part of the Storm Academy. Become a part of the No.1 post-16 sports academy in Essex!