Winning the Blues: Birmingham academy’s premiership award

An E-ACT academy’s innovative link with a Premier league football team has resulted in a special award from the club.

Shenley Academy Principal Ruth Harker received Birmingham City FC’s community award marking the significant contribution of the E-ACT academy in supporting the football club’s prestigious youth academy.

Shenley is responsible for the ongoing education of young footballers at the club and the partnership has proved highly successful. Young stars of the future have completed various courses at Shenley, and some are now planning to move to higher education.

Mrs Harker described the partnership between the academy and the club as extremely beneficial to both sides.

She said: “Winning the award was a very pleasant surprise and I think it underlines the value of our ongoing partnership.”

The awards night took place at Birmingham’s ICC, attended by more than 1000 guests. The trophy was presented by the football club's Community Director, Dean Holtham.