Supported Learning Football tournament is a winner for College students

A supported learning football tournament organised by Forth Valley College’s Active Campus Coordinator Dean McKirdy, in partnership with the Falkirk Foundation, brought together five colleges recently at the Falkirk Stadium.

Teams from Forth Valley College, Fife College, City of Glasgow College, Perth UHI, and Edinburgh College, alongside a team from the Falkirk Foundation, took part in the event on Wednesday 20 May, with more than 60 players from supported learning programmes taking part. 

Forth Valley College – who’s team ended up winning the tournament - were represented by a mix of students from Alloa and Falkirk Campuses and their squad consisted of:  Alfie Black, Ashton Kirton-Vaughn, Jay Jay Jardine, Tristan Steggall, Joe Marshall and Mason Ford from the Rural Skills Workstart programme and the Pathway to Rural Skills programme, and Cameron Welsh from the Falkirk Campus based ACE programme. Lecturers David Pine (ASW) and Graham Leebody (LDW) were also on hand to assist the team both on and off the pitch.

Forth Valley College brought the trophy home after a great display of football - winning four out the five group stage games before coming out on top against The Falkirk Foundation Centre Forward Programme team in the final.

Dean McKirdy, FVC’s Active Campus Coordinator, said: "It was incredible to see such a fantastic turnout and the strong sense of community it created. What made this tournament so special wasn’t just the football itself, but the real impact it had on everyone involved. Whether participants were stepping onto the pitch for the first time or already had strong footballing abilities, every individual had the opportunity to get involved, challenge themselves, and be part of something positive. 

“A huge thanks also to the class of Sports Students from NQ Sports and Fitness for helping out on the day and refereeing the matches".

Declan Kidd, Programmes Officer at The Falkirk Foundation, said: "The tournament went great. It showcased supported learning classes from different colleges in the country coming together, building new friendships and walking away with a smile on their faces. The event also built on the Falkirk Foundation and Forth Valley College’s great partnership. The hope is this will become an annual event with more colleges getting involved.”

Anyone looking to find out more information on how to get involved in sports at the College should contact Active Campus Coordinator Dean McKirdy at: dean.mckirdy@forthvalley.ac.uk