Lincoln Pawlak and Alex Pavan’s journey to Doncaster Rovers

Lincoln Pawlak, a centre-back from Yarm, and Alex Pavan, a winger from Northallerton, are juggling a football apprenticeship at League One side Doncaster Rovers with a full-time academic programme at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

The students, both 17 years old, are working towards a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching, equivalent to three A-levels, alongside daily training sessions at Doncaster’s Cantley Park.

Alex Pavan looks on as Lincoln Pawlak does push ups (Image: HCFE)

Their progress on and off the pitch has already led to success, with Lincoln recently earning a two-year professional contract with Doncaster.

Lincoln said: “The college has been great – the course is really engaging as it aligns with what we’re doing in the apprenticeship, and both aspects of work mix together well.

“I’ve been able to take the learning from the academic course and apply it to the apprenticeship and vice versa.

“I’m looking forward to having a good qualification to fall back on if needed.

Lincoln Pawlak with Hartlepool College’s former Doncaster winger Ian Clark (Image: HCFE)

“I’m excited to move on in life and have that safety net no matter what happens.”

Lincoln is on loan at Ossett Town.

Alex, who is on loan at Hebburn, said: “The college course is very enjoyable and the teachers are supportive.

“We learn about lots of aspects of sport that support our football training, for example, content around diet and nutrition.

“At Doncaster Rovers the training is high quality, but I know my education and qualifications will always be there.”

Ian Clark, head of performance at Hartlepool College and a former Doncaster Rovers winger, said: “After teaching Lincoln and Alex last year, both lads had the opportunity at the start of the 25/26 season to move to League One side Doncaster Rovers.

“We were then approached by Doncaster and the players to continue and complete their full 12-unit Extended Diploma.

“The lads come in around their training schedule and work very hard and diligently to complete work.

“Their attitude and application is outstanding.

“More fantastic news was the fact Lincoln was given a two-year professional contract in October and both players often train with the first team.

“We as a college are proud of their achievements.”

Stuart Swift, head of academy at Doncaster Rovers, said: “Both Lincoln and Alex have applied themselves really well in our building since joining the club.

“They have both contributed to the U18 achievements so far and are developing individually.

“They have a good work ethic which you can see from the work they are doing at Hartlepool College and engage with analysis and the wider multi-disciplinary team programme.

“Both lads are now gaining experience on loan in non-league which is imperative to their individual journeys and gaining an understanding of senior men’s football.”