STAFF and students from Bridgwater College enjoyed a week of activities and conferences at St George’s Park, Staffordshire, for British and England Colleges Football Association Sports Week.

The week began with Bridgwater College and Bridgwater Town Ability Counts Football Team competing in a national five-a-side competition, but after making it through the group stages they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

In recognition of outstanding commitment to England Colleges Football provision, Bridgwater College was awarded a place in a National Female Team Nineteen Festival on the David Beckham Pitch at St George’s Park.

London 2012 Gold Medallists Etienne Stott and Tim Baille gave an inspirational insight into their journey to Olympic glory.

The duo gave a presentation to over 150 college sports staff from across the country, highlighting the key role colleges can play in supporting talented athletes.

The week finished with a conference focusing on the impact and development of young volunteers, and their role in helping to build and sustain sporting opportunities.

Courtney Steele, 18, of Bridgwater College, was awarded a free place in recognition of her role as South-West Young Volunteer Representative, while fellow student Tom Britton, 20, of Bridgwater, won a free place as a reward for becoming South-West Young Male Volunteer of the Year.

Tom, who is studying for an HND in Sport and Exercise Science, said: “It was a great insight into the value and power of volunteering, and I left feeling motivated and inspired to keep up the work I’m doing.”

Luke Buckingham, Sports Development Manager at Bridgwater College, said: “To have such a diverse involvement in a national college sport event is testament to the outstanding commitment of our staff and students, and a reflection of the breath of provision we’re able to offer at Bridgwater College.”