College is a good sport

The Support for Learning department at New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell campus has recently introduced sport to the curriculum, aiming to highlight the positive effect it can have on its students.

The 12-week programme started with football and students have been kitted out with brand new strips and equipment to boost their learning experience by Glasgow firm Ailsa Project Management.

Suport for Learning lecturer Adam Fairweather said: “The support from Ailsa has been invaluable as it has provided us with the necessary equipment to run each of our football sessions.

“The brand new strips are fantastic as the students really feel part of a team and love the thought of having their own numbered strip.”

Ailsa provides a comprehensive range of specialist consultancy services to the property, development and construction industries.

Managing director Stuart Dennett said: “‘We are delighted to support the students at the college in any small way we can.

“A number of the guys in the office are very keen on football and we thought it would be a way of supporting the college in developing the additional skills and life experiences that being part of a team can bring.

“We are pleased the strips have gone down so well with the students and we intend to continue our support in the future.”

Adam has been developing the sports curriculum since last year, looking at successful programmes run by Perth College and Scotland’s Rural College, as well as seeking advice from a partner college in Madrid.

Around 24 students are involved with the programme and this has already grown to include golf, with a relationship being established with Lochview Golf Club.

Adam said: “The students are enthusiastic and passionate about sport and surprised themselves about what they’ve already achieved in a short time.

“Many of the students have asked about local football teams and this is hopefully the next step to develop partnerships that will allow links for continuation after college hours and courses.”