New College has a long sporting history, with students who have gone on to a professional career in rugby, cricket and football. The skills and training that help them achieve that are developed in the competitive matches that the college plays week in, week out. And it was after coming top in the Yorkshire and Humber region this season that New College was asked to compete in the national Association of Colleges finals.
The AoC Sport National Championships finals, now in their 41st year, are a celebration of sport in colleges and take place across 13 different sports over three days. In total, 48 students from New College competed in Nottingham last month, coming home with 2 medals as they helped the Yorkshire and Humberside region to finish in fifth place.
Male and female students competed in a variety of events including cross-country, men’s and women’s squash, men’s and women’s volleyball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, men’s football, women’s rugby union and men’s hockey. Students from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland competed in the finals held at the University of Nottingham.
Two stand-out performers were Ben Socket, who won silver in the boys squash, and Grace Clark, who won gold in the girls squash. Ben competed in a nail-biting final against the South West, and narrowly missed out on a gold medal. These results further highlight the squash talent of the town and the partnership between New College and the Pontefract Squash and Leisure Club.
Head of Sport, Tom Shepherd, said, “The AoC championships weekend is a perfect higher education experience for our students. The team spectate and support each other between events, creating new friendships and making meaningful memories. Students and staff at New College Pontefract have contributed massively to the success of the region once again. Thank you to the PE staff for their efforts and energy to make this 2019 event memorable.”
You can find all of the photos from the event here: http://www.aocsportchamps.org/news/photos
