LMC Students Compete in AoC National Championships in Nottingham

A group of 12 students have just returned from the AoC National Championships in Nottingham, where they represented the North West region in the Pan Ability football tournament.

Now in its 46th year, the AoC Sport National Championships is the largest annual FE student sporting event in Europe, bringing together more than 1,300 competitors from across a wide range of sports. Participants qualify through regional tournaments held throughout the academic year.

Having secured their place in the National Championships by winning the regional heats earlier in the year, the team travelled to the games knowing that they would be playing against the best 7 teams from colleges across England and Wales.

The two-day event was held at Nottingham University’s David Ross Sports Village, with the students able to enjoy the top-class training facilities during their eight games over the sunny weekend. 

Lewis Parr, who is studying Sport & Public Services, was proud to have been selected to play in the team.

It feels like a privilege and an honour to have the opportunity to play football against the best teams in the country at such fantastic facilities.

Although the team missed out on the medals this year they still had lots to celebrate, winning a fantastic match against Barking & Dagenham College and holding USP College to a 1-1 draw. Goal scorers Elliott, Tyler and Connor were justifiably proud of their footwork, but the successes were down to some fantastic teamwork from all the players, with LMC keeper Callum Greenaway making a series of spectacular saves throughout the tournament.

Chloe Dixon, who along with Lexi Scarr was one of only 2 female players in the finals, had a great run of games and proved that she was more than a match for her opponents.

I feel so proud of my team, we worked very hard to get here. Everyone should be able to play football; gender shouldn’t come into it. It doesn’t matter what gender you are, if you want to play, you should be able to play.

The team spent 3 days away from home, playing 8 matches in total, and were sponsored by the George Fox School Educational Charity, who very generously provided the transport, kit and accommodation costs, helping to remove financial barriers for local families and ensuring the students could focus on their performance without worrying about costs.

Liam Williams, who teaches on the Sport and Public Services Pathway and coaches the team alongside colleagues Stephen Hurst and Vini Hardman, was incredibly proud of the team’s performance.

This is the 3rd time we have made it to the finals, and this was the most successful year for us so the students should all be proud of their achievements. From the very first kick-off right through to the final whistle, the students played with passion, determination and integrity. If there was an award for fair play, LMC would have been the champions of the tournament.

Pan Ability football at LMC is a mixed-ability, mixed-gender sport which is open to all learners who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The teams play in local and regional tournaments throughout the year. For more information contact l.williams@lmc.ac.uk