Millfield footballer trains with former Manchester United captain in Ecuador

Millfield footballer Nico Cottle trained with former Manchester United player and captain Antonio Valencia recently.

Upper Sixth student Nico travelled to Ecuador during half term and spent two weeks with professional club AV25 Club Deportivo after reaching out to one of their players to enquire about the possibility of joining in with their training. The club has recently been founded by former Manchester United player Antonio Valencia, who was captain under the reign of club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Nico’s time with the club concluded with him playing a training game in which he was placed on the same team as Valencia, who was one of his footballing idols growing up.

17-year-old Nico joined Millfield in the Lower Sixth on a football scholarship, and studies BTEC Sport and Business Studies. He decided to join the school to work with the top-level football coaches and maintain a high level of education while still pursuing his football.

Nico, who is from Winscombe, Somerset, said “It was an incredible experience, and I was astounded by the quality and speed from all the players. It was a big step up going into the adult game and I learned huge amounts in the short time I was there. It was also a humbling experience to see others less fortunate but still with the same love and enthusiasm for football. I am so grateful for the opportunity the club gave me and for welcoming me as one of their own.”

Millfield’s Football programme has a notable reputation as an academy-level development pathway. By emphasising development and personal growth, the programme seeks to create technically gifted young players in a holistic, technical, professional environment, which includes physiotherapy, an on-site nutritionist, specialist coaches with senior professional backgrounds and world-class facilities. Notable alumni include England and Aston Villa Centre Half, Tyrone Mings, with others playing from League 1 to the National League.