AoC monthly spotlight: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) has announced that Jack Nunn, a standout student and footballer, has been signed by Serie A club Cagliari FC. This incredible opportunity marks a significant leap in Jack’s footballing career, transitioning from the 11 tier of UK football to one of Italy's premier leagues. Jack left Bristol last week, flying to the island to take up residence in his apartment and has begun pre-season training with a hope of first cementing his place in the Under-20 side, and then pushing for inclusion in the first-team.

Over the past two years, Jack has balanced his vocational business studies with his football commitments under the expert guidance of Head Coach David Hockaday. Jack's journey began with Bristol Inner City prior to joining SGS College, but his talent quickly shone through at SGS College, where he made an immediate impact on both the college teams and partner clubs Stoke Gifford and Mangotsfield United FC.

Jack's path to Cagliari was paved through his exceptional performance with the England Colleges Football Association (ECFA). After a rigorous selection process, Jack was chosen for the ECFA squad, which toured Italy. It was during this tournament that Cagliari FC scouts took notice of his skills, leading to two sets of trials, medical assessments and a permanent move to the Serie A club.

David Hockaday, Head Coach at SGS College, expressed his pride in Jack's achievements by saying: "Jack joined SGS College in 2021 as a promising young midfielder with great physical potential. Being one of the youngest in his age group, he was a late developer but quickly adapted to full-time training with us at SGS College. Across our football academy our motto is "hunger and belief" with Jack having the hunger to succeed. At 16, Jack excelled at Stoke Gifford United in the county league, then thrived under Glyn Ashton at Mangotsfield United. His versatility as a CDM, box-to-box midfielder, number 10, striker, and occasionally center-back, led to his selection for the English Colleges National Football team. Jack's journey has included multiple trips to Sicily, where he has embraced the football, culture, and language. Now, as he embarks on his professional football career, everyone at SGS is incredibly proud of him and wishes him the very best".

Similarly, the college's Curriculum Director of Personal and Social Development said: "Watching Jack grow over the past two years has been a pleasure. This move to Cagliari FC is a once in a lifetime opportunity that reflects Jack's dedication and the high standards we set in our SGS Sport Academy. He embodies the ethos of our program and has fully embraced the pathway we've created with our partner clubs."

This milestone highlights the success of SGS College's commitment to developing young talent both academically and athletically. For more information about SGS Sport programmes, please visit SGS College Football Academy.