20 of our students recently competed at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships in Nottingham.  AoC Sport is the lead organisation for sport and physical activity in colleges.  Students travelled to the University of Nottingham where they battled against athletes from colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland during the three day event.  This year Farnborough students competed in golf, cross country, badminton, tennis and basketball.

Ryan Golesworthy won a bronze medal with the South East tennis team, whilst Izzy Lawson picked up bronze in the golf.  The South East men’s cross country team, including students Aaron Enser and Ethan Kendall, secured team silver whilst the women’s team, including students Emily Jones, Emily Spencer- Jones and Emmie Savory, took victory with gold. The badminton team, consisting of Nick Pipe, Sophie Mercure, Mattie Tennant- Smith, Finn Saunders and Callum Mitchell, won the team silver medal for the second consecutive year.  Our women’s basketball team, made up of students Fredrica Hempson, Triana Peart, Carmela Manalo, Bivika Balal, Olivia Treacy, Jescintha Subbiah and Emily Brent, dominated their games, bringing home the gold medal. 

Emma Stephens, Senior Curriculum Manager for sport and physical education, said, “A fantastic weekend was had by all.  Every student from the College brought home a medal - you can’t ask for more than that!”

As well as individual glory, teams were aiming to accumulate points for their region to win the prestigious Wilkinson Sword trophy.  The South East won the coveted title for the third year in a row, finishing with 210 points, ahead of arch rivals the South West, who claimed the runners-up spot with 168 points.  West Midlands placed third with 160 points, six points clear of the Eastern region in fourth place.

AoC Sport Managing Director Marcus Kingwell commented, “Despite tough times for colleges, more than 130 took part in this year’s National Championships, which proves just how much colleges value sport and recognise its positive impact on students. Sport is a great way to engage directly with young people. It’s been a privilege to help over 1700 students enjoy the excitement, teamwork and friendship that comes from being part of this amazing sporting event.”