Sport helps Reaseheath students get ‘Fit for Work’
Foundation and Entry students are benefitting from an innovative project encouraging them to take up active sports for life.
Around 200 students are enjoying dedicated sessions in Reaseheath’s gym and at local leisure centres thanks to a ‘Fit for Work’ programme put together by our Sports and Foundation Departments.
The project aims to make sport more accessible to our foundation and entry students by offering them one hour of physical activity a week. It is hoped that this will encourage the less active to incorporate sport into their daily routine and to enjoy the long term mental and physical benefits of a more active lifestyle.
‘Fit for Work’ will run for three years at a total cost of £76,242, almost £61,000 of which has been awarded through National Lottery funding from Sport England, the national body which champions sporting habits among individuals and communities. The remainder is being met by Reaseheath.
The funding application, made through our sports department, was supported by Active Cheshire, the lead body for sport in Cheshire and Warrington, and Everybody Sport & Recreation, which delivers leisure in partnership with Cheshire East Council.
As well as using our own sports facilities, students attend small group sessions at local venues such as Nantwich swimming pool and the Victoria Centre, Crewe.
The project launched in September and is already proving popular, with students gaining confidence in the use of gym equipment and enjoying sports such as boxercise, badminton, volleyball and dodgeball. Two trampolines are also being purchased. Student feedback is used to influence the activities on offer.
There are also plans to involve our own sports students as supervisors and coaches, enabling them to earn teaching hours and work towards sports leader awards.
Foundation lecturer Simon Warman is overseeing the project. He was supported in the initial launch by college sports maker Sarah Ruff.
Sophie Evans, Curriculum Area Manager for Sport, explained: “We believe that this project will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities who often lack the confidence to access physical activity.
“Hopefully these students will be encouraged to follow a healthier lifestyle and that will be helpful for them in their future careers. It fits in well with our aim to increase sport participation across all college departments.”
Alex Fox, a Foundation Countryside student said: “I think this is a great idea. I’ve always wanted to join the gym and now I’ve had an introductory session I’d like to continue and get more active.”
