National Football Awards
Bridgwater College has been honoured by the Football Association and the British Colleges Sports Association with the presentation of two national awards in recognition of the outstanding delivery of football programmes and initiatives for students across the College and within the local community.
The prestigious national Football Focus College of the Year, which was presented to Bridgwater College, was hotly contested by colleges from across the country, along with awards in five other categories for specific football developments. Bridgwater College was nominated ‘oscar style’ for three of them and was successful in achieving the national award for Best Partnership Programme for work with developing coach education programmes with Somerset Football Association, developing coaching opportunities for students within local Charter Standard Clubs and for taking a national lead with a football specific Step into Sport programme.
Jason Gunningham, Head of Sports and Services and Director of the Men’s Football Development Programme said, “This is a very proud and privileged moment for all of the staff, students, clubs and organisations that have been involved in the many and varied aspects of our football provision. To be recognised as the best in the country is a truly special honour. I would like to pay special thanks to the Somerset Football Association for providing such solid support for everything we do, Prodec Ltd for their football NVQ education programmes, our community clubs and the students and staff under the direction of Luke Buckingham who engage in all aspects of our football delivery. All of this results in us being able to deliver Ability Counts football programme, Male and Female Elite development programmes, small sided football, Futsal, volunteering and Leadership programmes, officiating and coach education, enrichment football and football coaching NVQs.”
For more information, contact either Lisa Flahant 01278 441216 or the Media & Promotions Team on 01278 441271.