Sunderland College student athletes win AoC Sport Awards

After several Sunderland College student athletes were nominated for the Association of College’s (AoC) Sport Awards for their efforts and achievements in sport this year, Emily Cassap and Travis Anderson won ‘Sport Performer of the Year’ and ‘Achievement in Disability Sport’ awards.

Representing the successes of student-athletes in Further Education, as well as the dedication of staff, the AoC Sport Awards are an opportunity for colleges and sixth forms across the country to showcase the inspirational achievements in sport over the past academic year.

England international Emily Cassap, was nominated after enjoying a successful 2023-24 both in the classroom and on the pitch and was named winner in her nominated category.

She said: “I feel so proud that I have won such a prestigious award for something that I love.

“Through the college, I get the opportunity to balance my education and football, giving me the ability to do both things as they’re equally as important to me.”

Travis Anderson was also nominated due to his dedication needed to study his qualification alongside achieving what he has in athletics and balances both extremely well.

He added: “I just want to say thank you to all my support group at Sunderland College, I am very grateful to the AoC for my award. By winning, it has shown me that hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed and that you always have to believe in yourself.”

Emily reached the Euro U17 Championship final with the Lionesses this year and is an outstanding student-athlete who is on course to achieve high grades in her A-Levels. As well as featuring for the national team, she also won the treble with Sunderland Women’s U23 team.

Travis has been part of the Durham Institute of Sport for the last four years, highlighting his obvious talent in a very competitive sport and field. This programme helps to support and develop athletes in the Durham area over all sports who are ranked in the top ten in the UK with physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, nutrition and physiology and free access to any council leisure facilities in County Durham.

Student categories for the AoC Sport Awards include Team of the Year, Inspirational Student of the Year, Student Volunteer of the Year which is strictly for Leadership Academy members, Achievement in Disability Sport and Student Performer of the Year.

Michele Di Mascio, Head of Sports Academies, Partnerships and Wellbeing said: “Hard work certainly pays off. It is fantastic to see student-athletes being rewarded for their success, commitment and contribution to sport and physical activity.

“Emily and Travis are unbelievably hard-working individuals who continue to show this on a daily basis, with their education and sport. It is a pleasure to work with them both and great to see them receiving the recognition that they fully deserve.”

The AoC Sports Awards shortlists were announced on 23rd May, seeing Emily and Travis take the title of winner for ‘Sport Performer of the Year’ and ‘Achievement in Disability Sport’ Awards.

John Rushworth, Associate Principal for Enhanced Curriculum at Sunderland College, was also highly commended for the ‘Hall of Fame’ Award for his dedication in supporting students in their sporting achievements.