STUDENTS at the Global Premier Soccer, based at Rivers Ibis Health Club, are not just talented footballers, but have brains as well.

Academy manager Ashley Baynham said: “Like other academies, we have achieved many things such as having a player signed by a professional club and winning leagues. However, the one thing we are extremely proud of is the grades and academic achievements of our students.

“Many achieved Distinction, equivalent to A* at A-level, and our lowest grade was a Merit which is grade C, so we are incredibly proud of the achievements and the pathways we can offer. This year, more than 50 per cent of our students are going to university."

He added: “Our academy is going from strength to strength, and this year we have seen our best results with 53 per cent exceeding their target grade and 39 per cent achieving the expected grade.

“In our second year, 12 boys are going on to further education, with the remaining five pursuing a job or an apprenticeship within sport.”

Head of education, Cheryl Williams, commented: "The education of our students comes first and in order to be selected for (football) fixtures, students must attend all lessons and complete all work set."

  • IF GPS scholars ever feel the need to find out about refereeing then they won’t have to look far – as Reading are blessed with several senior officials.

Peter Hitt, who has returned to match action this season, Geoff Pithers and Tom Walton are in the 68 to early 70s age group and will be taking charge once again in the Reading Saturday and Sunday leagues.

I hope the players give them the respect they deserve.

  • AHEAD of this week’s AGM, Reading Cricket Club have reassured their members they intend to fight off the continuing attempts by the hockey club to build another pitch.

A statement says: “There may come a time when we relinquish Sq1 (square one), but it’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future. As long as we can fend off the hockey section from taking over we’ll remain at Sonning Lane for many years to come. We will be celebrating our double centenary in 2023, so that’s something to look forward to.”