<p paraeid="{56eea5ff-c6ed-42ce-9344-2c91bc08f189}{174}" paraid="1967173483">Last week <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sport</a> learners held another instalment in their series of sports and exercise festivals.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{56eea5ff-c6ed-42ce-9344-2c91bc08f189}{201}" paraid="1611224397">The festivals are a fantastic initiative put in place in order to engage local schools and boost the presence of inclusive sport practice within the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{1}" paraid="1171525437"><a href="https://weston.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/WC_STA_Marketing/_layouts/15/…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Read more about the festivals here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{10}" paraid="1558775464">The most recent event was a football festival in partnership with local Uphill-based school, <a href="https://www.westhavenschool.org.uk/&quot; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Westhaven</a>.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{29}" paraid="436424569">According to Head Teacher, Jamie Peacock, “Westhaven is a specialist school, and a unique environment, for children and young people who experience complex barriers to learning.”&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{37}" paraid="443570240">The festival, which took place at Loxton Campus in our Health and Active Living Skills Centre, was an excellent opportunity for both Weston College and Westhaven students to collaborate and engage in a fun-filled, active-focused afternoon.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{49}" paraid="1526312479">Our Sport learners planned, set up and carried out a circuit of fun activities centred around improving football skills which the Westhaven learners eagerly participated in.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{83}" paraid="376369969">Jack, Sports Academy and Enrichment Management, said “We’re really excited to be growing and building local links with local stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide sport and enrichment to the community.”&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{83}" paraid="376369969">&nbsp;</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0N1A5823.JPG" data-align="center" data-entity-uuid="4dff2925-2230-4488-bfd5-b87ca2994064" data-entity-type="file" alt="Westhaven students at Weston Sport Football Festival" width="547" height="471"><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{97}" paraid="1004631141">&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{97}" paraid="1004631141">Sports learners, Ella and Skyia, had this to say:&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{117}" paraid="836082947">“We had the opportunity to work with the Westhaven students, teaching them the basics and getting them involved in sport.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{136}" paraid="36045031">We think this is important because we’re practicing valuable skills that we’ll need in our future coaching careers.&nbsp;It’s also really important to encourage inclusivity in sports and exercise.”&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{172}" paraid="1416776561">Amazing work guys!&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{178}" paraid="4872376">To learn more about Sport courses at Weston College, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p paraeid="{685e0582-5d92-4132-b6b4-4b6a662eb1ad}{178}" paraid="4872376">&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jack, a former <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… </a>student at Weston College, has recently made his debut in this year’s <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/royal-london-one-day-cup-2022-12976… London Cup</a> at the Oval. At just 18 years old, Jack impressed in the match against Surrey, claiming two for 33.</p><p>There was a great<strong> </strong>crowd out to support Jack, and despite the downpour, Jack was still able to enjoy himself, claiming this as the “high point of his career so far, hopefully with more to come.”</p><p>Starting his Cricket career at Congresbury Cricket Club at just 6 or 7 years old, he moved to Clevedon Cricket Club at the age of 13 where he has played ever since.</p><p>Jack told the <a href="https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/club-news/jack-pleased-to-have-… County Cricket Club</a> about how he felt when he was told he was in the squad for this year’s Royal London Cup: “I’ve played a lot of Second XI cricket for Somerset, so when I was told that I was in the squad for the Royal London Cup I was overjoyed. I really couldn’t explain it to be honest. It was amazing and to get my chance was even better.</p><p>“The Pathway at Somerset has helped me massively. I have been involved since a young age and all of the coaches have helped me along my way and given me different ideas to help me to get to where I am now.”</p><p>Jack was a sports student at Weston College, completing his course last year, and now on a gap year to figure out what his next steps are for his future. His aim, however, is to have a Somerset contract, commenting: “Somerset Cricket is in my heart, and I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”</p><p>Huge congratulations to Jack, we can’t wait to see what you achieve in the future!</p>