Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) is celebrating the success of its exciting new partnership with Active Campus Dumfries and Galloway, which is providing an action-packed programme of student-led sporting activities on campus.
Working in tandem with Active Campus Dumfries and Galloway, 23 students from DGC’s Level 6 Sport and Fitness course are giving up their free time to organise 40 sport sessions over a 10-week period, creating more opportunities for everyone to get active during the college day.
The initiative ─ across six different sports ─ lets students gain invaluable hands-on experience and allows them to apply their classroom learning in a practical environment and take on key responsibilities such as refereeing and umpiring
The on-campus programme has strengthened the links between DGC and Active Campus, showing the positive impact of partners working together within further education and across the wider community.
Ben Tinning, Level 6 Sport student, said: “I’ve loved being involved in this project. It’s given me the chance to take part in my favourite sports and also socialise with students and staff during lunchtimes, which has made a difference to my overall mood and wellbeing.
“The experience has helped me develop my coaching style and confidence ─ that’s had a positive impact on my classwork too. I feel more motivated and prepared in lessons. Being part of this programme has been one of the highlights of my course.”
Paula McMinn, Sport and Fitness Lecturer, Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “This partnership has been extremely successful. We have seen a significant increase in student confidence, alongside the development of strong leadership skills and a genuine sense of community between Active Campus and Dumfries and Galloway College.”
Connor McGeorge, Active Campus Coordinator, Dumfries and Galloway College added: “It’s fantastic to see how our Level 6 Sport students have progressed through their involvement with Active Campus. They began by participating in sessions, and then on to assisting with delivery and are now leading sessions for their fellow students.
“In a short space of time, they have developed their coaching skills while gaining great experience. It has been extremely rewarding to see their growth as leaders within the college sporting community.”