NSCG Student Crowned English Colleges FA Player of the Year
16 September 2025
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) student, Ruby Millington, has been named as the English Colleges FA (ECFA) Player of the Year.
The award is presented in memory of Luke Buckingham, former ECFA coach who passed away in 2015 aged 30, after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Ruby studies Level 3 BTEC Sport and Exercise Science at NSCG and plays for the Andy Griffin Football Academy, winning the West Midlands Regional Championships with the team. Outside of college, Ruby represents Stoke City FC and last season helped the team secure the league title, while scoring 35 goals and being named the Supporters’ Player of the Season.
This year, Ruby’s talents earned her selection for the England Colleges Football squad, taking her to Italy for the tournament, where she was once again named both Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer.
Ruby was also the first ever recipient of the Gordon Banks Award for Sporting Excellence at Newcastle College’s 2025 Celebration Awards.
Talking about her award, Ruby said: “I am absolutely honoured to receive this award, especially in remembrance of Luke. A huge thank you to everyone involved and their support throughout my first year at college.”
Todd Bailey, Curriculum Manager for Sport & Public Services at NSCG, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of Ruby’s outstanding achievement in being named ECFA Player of the Year in memory of Luke Buckingham. This award is a fitting recognition of her exceptional talent, determination and commitment to both her studies and football.
“Ruby has demonstrated remarkable skill on the pitch, consistently excelling at college, club and national level, while also being a fantastic role model for her peers. Her success is a testament to her hard work and the support of her coaches, teammates and family. We are delighted to celebrate this milestone and excited to see her future accomplishments.’