Stratford-upon-Avon College’s Sport and Public Services students went head-to-head recently in an interdepartmental football match; testing technical skill and teamwork ability.
Level 3 Sport students and Level 3 Public Services students braved the rain and wind to take part in a football match at Shottery Fields. Though the Public Service students put in a valiant effort, the Sport students secured the win.
Sport students have been undertaking a coaching module as part of their course with many of them choosing football as their focus, so this match allowed them to test out their learning in a practical scenario. Public Services students have been working on leadership skills, so this also gave them a chance to apply their learning in a practical setting.
Though the weather was against them, students really enjoyed the match. Sport student Alex McDonald, 18, commented on what he took from the experience: “Winning was definitely our main goal! But it was great to play against another team who were feisty. We were able to use the skills we have been training and developing.” Luka Catani, also 18, added: “It was great to be able to apply our training to a competitive environment and to test our abilities. It was great fun!”
The Sports team (pictured left) and the Public Services team (pictured right) played a fantastic game
Sports lecturer, Enrique Cardenas, organised this collaboration along with Public Services lecturer, Kim Jones. Enrique details the benefit of such a competition: “It is excellent from a learning point of view but also from an enrichment one. It is great for the students to compete as they get to test out their skills against different competitors, rather than just their classmates.” Kim added: “The Public Services students really enjoyed it. They can apply their learning regarding leadership and teamwork but it’s also great for the students to take part for fun!”
Enrique also comments on what he hopes this kind of competition can develop into: “I want to continue this type of competition using not only other sports but also to reach out to other departments and maybe even other local schools.”
The College looks forward to seeing the next match, though hopefully next time without the need for an umbrella!
