Sunderland College chosen as a sport ‘Inclusion Hub’

Sunderland College will play a leading role in promoting sport for disabled students after being selected as an Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport Inclusion Hub. 

One of only 12 across the country, the hub will see 50 students participate in sport and physical activities, recruit Inclusive Ambassadors and host local development opportunities for other colleges in the North East. 

Working to achieve AoC Sport’s vision of ‘every student active’ each hub will form a national network to share best practice and ideas of how they have proactively and successfully engaged disabled students. 

In return, the inclusion hubs will receive bespoke support from the AoC Sport Disability Development Officer, a free Activity Alliance Inclusive Activity Programme course to upskill their inclusive ambassadors and staff, alongside funding and many other benefits. 

There will also be the chance for those without disabilities to gain vital knowledge and an understanding of working with and coaching disabled participants, while partnerships with governing bodies will offer progression routes within sport. 

Sports activator, Lewis Pye, said: “We are delighted to be named one of the inaugural Inclusion Hubs, further ensuring disabled students have access to the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. 

“The hub will be full of events and activities for all to get involved in and will send a clear message that disabilities should not and will not be seen as a barrier to enjoying the sports they love.” 

To find out more about the Inclusion Hub and how to join, or if you are interested in becoming an Inclusive Ambassador, email lewis.pye@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk.