Students studying Football Coaching in Community Settings at Bridgwater College recently helped to run the annual Somerset Schools Football Tournament for U11 boys and girls.

36 teams from schools across the county attended the event that was organised by SASP, and run in Partnership with Bridgwater College and the Somerset FA. The competition was run over three days and split into 3 categories; girls team, small school and large school.

Portishead Primary School became County Champions in the girl’s tournament, while St Benedicts Primary School in Radstock became small school champions and Midsomer Norton Primary School won the title for the large school. The winners will go on to compete in the south west regional championships in Keynsham, with the hope of reaching the national finals later in the year.

Steve Gass, School Games Organiser for SASP said,

“Bridgwater College Academy and Bridgwater College provided first class support to ensure the three county finals took place. The students were excellent, not only in their refereeing, but also their dedication to adopt a team and support them throughout the day by offering coaching support and encouragement. Despite challenges on the day, including bad weather and freezing temperatures, the students performed superbly. I now look forward to working with them again to plan for next year’s competition!”

Student Bradley Palmer, from Bridgwater said,

“I really enjoyed the tournament, it gave me a chance to work in an environment where I didn't know any players or coaches. This helped with my coaching skills and helped develop new ways of working with people.”

Jamie Laird, Course Leader for Football Coaching in Community Settings at Bridgwater College added,

“Each student played a valuable part in the day. With more than 360 children attending the event, the students’ organisation, co-ordination and pre-competition preparation was vital and ensured that the event was a huge success. School staff and pupils could not speak highly enough of the students and the support they gave on the day. They looked and performed professionally, with no task ever being too much. Each individual was a credit to both themselves and Bridgwater College.”

If you would like more information about studying Football Coaching at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.