Walsall College signs up for AoC Sport Inclusion Pledge

Walsall College is signing up to the AoC Sport’s (Association of Colleges) new Inclusion Pledge Campaign.

The college’s pledge centres on encouraging students to get more involved in sports activities and keeping physically active during lockdown.

Activity Alliance research shows that four in five disabled people would like to be more active, whilst two thirds of disabled people would like to take part in activity with both disabled and non-disabled people.

Lecturer and Sports Co-ordinator for Supported Learning, Andy Higgins said: “The health and wellbeing of our learners should never be overlooked, particularly during lockdown.

“We are keen to add more variety to the activities for students in our Supported Learning Sports Academy. For example, last year we hosted the AoC Sport’s West Midlands region’s boccia tournament. We will be capitalising on this in future.

Andy added: “We also want to further extend our sports provision to supported learning students on other courses. This will give them an even more rounded college experience. We hope everyone can develop an exercise and fitness routine they can utilise long into the future.”

With Supported Learning sports students currently unable to train, play and compete in a way they usually do, they are staying active in other ways. Students and staff are using the Runkeeper App to record the walking, jogging and cycling activities. They are also doing online exercise classes.

Supported learning students on other courses at the college will be encouraged to join in with these and other initiatives.

The Supported Learning Sport Academy is also aiming to participate in football league fixtures in the spring.