Sports students launch Believe and Achieve squad

A group of sports students from Tameside College have been selected to become the first squad members for the Believe and Achieve Trust’s Coaching Academy.

The Coaching Academy was launched on Thursday 13^th September by trust founder, Alison Williams and Tameside College sports department staff members. It aims to create student leaders who can coach, inspire and develop others via sporting activities and volunteering.

Alison was inspired to create the academy in memory of her son, Alex Williams, who contracted meningitis aged seven and used a wheelchair as a result. He attended Tameside College as a sports student and worked to break down barriers in sport for people with disabilities.

Alison, said: “Alex would have been absolutely ecstatic about the whole project. He inspired others with his passion and determination and the Coaching Academy is our way of carrying on the amazing work that he did. Until someone tries a sport they won’t know if they love it or not so it’s so important that we give that opportunity to everyone regardless of their circumstances.”

The new squad members will now lead activities for students on a day to day basis in the college and also at external events and outdoor trips such as watersports, rock climbing and more.

There are four categories of members, each with different responsibilities: member, captain, mentor and ambassador. As each student completes more volunteering and coaching hours they will move up the ranks.

Rebecca Jones, curriculum leader for sport at Tameside College, said: “These students have all been selected because of their potential to become fantastic role models in sport. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their skills, give something back and network with possible future employers. I am very excited to see how well they will do.”

To find out more about sports courses at Tameside College, call 0161 908 6600.