Poppie
Study Type: School Leaver Vocational
Study Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Studied: Sport
Disability is no barrier for black belt taekwondo instructor Poppie
Going to Broomfield Hall to study Sport has turned a long-held dream of becoming a sports instructor into reality for taekwondo player Poppie.
And her experience with Derby College Group (DCG) has shown that having a disability needn’t be a barrier to achieving what you want to do in life.
Poppie, 22, has autism and was formerly at a SEND college, so not in mainstream further education.
But, after switching colleges and taking sport courses at DCG, she’s now a full-time coach at her local taekwondo club, Derbyshire Dragons, teaching her martial art to children and adults across the county.
After being named Student of the Year on her Level 1 Sports course at Broomfield, Poppie progressed to Level 2 Sport before moving onto the Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry in Leading Community Activity BTEC.
A fourth-degree black belt in her sport, she also recently entered the Inclusive Taekwondo World Championships and has previously won a gold medal in her individual category.
Poppie said: “I’ve been doing taekwondo since I was eight. It’s a sport that is all about pattern sparring, self-control and respecting each other.
“I’ve wanted to be a sports instructor for about 10 years but didn’t think that was possible because of my autism.
“The staff at Broomfield, though, supported me so much. They were so patient.
“I struggle with deadlines sometimes, but they gave me the time I needed to finish my assignments so I didn’t panic and rush them.
“At Broomfield I played so many sports, including football, basketball, volleyball and badminton.
“I enjoyed them all and really liked it when local children came into college to try out different sports.”
And Poppie’s mum, Claire, could not be more grateful to DCG for their support and understanding.
She added: “The staff at DCG have been amazing with Poppie.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble for them. If there was ever a hurdle, they’d find a way to get over it.
“Poppie’s experience at Broomfield has shown that people with disabilities can achieve their dreams. Some of the children she instructs have autism too.
“It’s inspiring for their parents to look at Poppie teaching them taekwondo and see what their own children could be capable of.”
The staff at Broomfield, though, supported me so much. They were so patient.