Blackburn College students celebrate sporting success

Blackburn College has achieved sporting success in cricket, football and basketball at recent Association of College’s (AOC) sport competitions.

The College’s basketball team reached the AOC North West Regional Tournament for the first time since 2016, with Level 3 BTEC Sport Students also helping to officiate the tournament having completed their England Level 1 Table Officiating courses. 

This was due to Blackburn College being the AOC Basketball hub for the North West, which meant that students had the opportunity to help with the organisation of AOC tournaments as well as competing in tournaments. 

While Blackburn College’s PAN Ability Football Team reached the final of the AOC North West Competition, losing by one point against Lancaster and Morecambe College.

The College’s PAN Ability Football Team won the North West League Tournament in December at Witton Park in Blackburn. Blackburn College hosted the tournament, with Blackpool & Fylde College, Burnley College and College Cambria all taking part. As the tournament host the College’s Level 3 BTEC Sport Students were given the opportunity to plan and run the event.

Under new Coach Dan Finch, Blackburn College’s Men’s football Team won three out of their first four league games, beating Myerscough College 4-3, Blackpool and Fylde College 22-1 and Nelson and Colne College 3-2 whilst in the Association of College’s Cup, they reached the third round for the first time in the College’s history, losing out to Reaseheath College. 

Physical Activity Coordinator Karla Hacking said: “I am extremely proud of the sports coaches and sport staff at Blackburn College who have helped organise these opportunities for the students. 

“It is great to see the students taking part in sporting events again after the pandemic meaning sport was put on hold. The students are enjoying their time at college, making new friends and developing important life skills which had been affected by lockdown. 

“The volunteering opportunities is also a huge plus as it keeps those students who don`t want to compete involved in something positive. Seeing the Colleges` sporting teams succeed is amazing.”