Students with disabilities excelling in sports and business at Welsh college

STUDENTS with additional learning needs and/or disabilities are enjoying sports success at Coleg Cambria.

ILS (Independent Living Skills) learners at the college’s Northop site have excelled in a series of competitions this year.

The seven-aside football squad was battling for top spot in the Association of Colleges North West Panability League and secured second place, above teams including Petty Pool Vocational College, Blackpool and Fylde, Lancaster and Morecambe, Newbridge, and Myerscough Colleges.

ILS cohorts have also participated in Boccia, handball, netball, and even a colour run, while contesting four categories in the recent Skills Competition Wales.

ILS lecturer Steve Pearson said the experience was “hugely valuable” to the students.

“Competing in team sports on a local and national stage is a great experience, helping build confidence and camaraderie among the students,” he said.

“In football, we won a tournament against three other colleges and have developed as a team all season, so I’m very proud of all the learners. They have been a credit to the college in multiple areas.”

As well as sporting activities, the campus has introduced a boxercise club as part of Active Cambria and continues its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) provision.

“Each session and sport have a different number of students but across the board we have seen a rise in young people partaking in these activities and other health and wellbeing programmes,” said Steve.

“Inter-site tournaments have proven popular and competitive and were a good opportunity to challenge and stretch the students.

“We’ve even started a car valeting venture for different charities: the Gleam Machine, which has brought out their entrepreneurial skills and been a big hit with customers – we are currently booked up until the end of May!”

He added: “It’s all about building confidence for the students’ future lives and careers, which has been hugely valuable, and we continue to work on increasing participation for our female students with a new initiative called PAL (Positive, Active, Leaders).

“We will look to build on the success of Skills Competition Wales and our sports teams, to evolve the offer. This will provide our ILS learners with many opportunities to enhance their skills, experience, and development, in a fun yet competitive environment.”