European Students Benefit From Sporting Programme In Sheffield

European students have boosted their skills as part of a cultural exchange programme in the city organised by The Sheffield College.

Sixty-eight students studying sport at ROC Nijmegen School in Holland recently spent two weeks in Sheffield as part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ project.

During their stay, the 17 to 24-year-olds took part in an action packed programme including boxing, curling, football, gymnastics, hill walking, ice hockey, skating and orienteering.

The Sheffield College’s international department organised the visit, which was funded by Erasmus+ and lasted for two weeks until November 26th. The international students were based at the College’s Hillsborough campus, on Livesey Street.

Angela Foulkes, Principal and Acting Chief Executive, The Sheffield College, said:  “Sheffield has an outstanding international reputation for sport, and we were proud to be able to showcase the city. We play a major role in training the next generation of talent through our sports related courses and partnerships in Sheffield, and it was great to share our expertise with European sports students.”

Organisations that supported the programme included Attercliffe Gymnastics Academy, Ice Sheffield, Sheffield United Football Club Academy, Ingle Boxing Gym, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Sheffield Steeldogs Ice Hockey Club.

Leontine Toussaint, from ROC Nijmegen School, said: “It is a good experience to see how the sports culture is in a different country. Because of the variety in the sport programme, the students were able to experience different kinds of training. The host families made them feel at home and they had the time of their lives.”

Student Romy Berghuis said: “We had a lot of fun in Sheffield exploring the city and meeting very friendly people. Thanks for the warm welcome!” Student Bart Jillinsen added: “It has been awesome. We took part in a lot of sport, and had a lot of fun. I will never forget it.”

Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport, and aims to modernise education, training and youth work across Europe.

About The Sheffield College: A further education college that provides full-time and part-time academic, vocational and professional courses to approximately 16,000 young people and adults every year. It has a £321 million economic impact on the city annually. The College offers a broad range of qualifications including apprenticeships, vocational diplomas, A Levels, access courses, and foundation and honours degrees, and has four main campuses: City, Hillsborough, Olive Grove and Peaks. Call 0114 2602600.