<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Our Year 1 </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Level 3 Sports Coaching &amp; Physical Education</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students have kickstarted the New Year by coaching the future generation of local primary schools. They held fun and engaging activities to keep the young learners active, including games like Curling and Boccia.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Our learners took control in planning the activities of the day, making sure they were executed flawlessly and explained clearly for younger children to understand. They began by giving the children a demonstration as to how the sports are played, how to gain points, and the best techniques to use.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Sports coaching learners demonstrating curling in the sports hall&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9cf872a7-78ef-42fc-a787-1d1906fa78be" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During the demonstrations, the students explained the points system and acted out what they should do, while also purposefully losing a turn to reinforce to the younger learners that winning isn't everything, but rather it is the taking part that counts.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students then split off into groups and coached individual schools, helping them with their techniques and keeping score to identify a winner out of the red and blue teams. The students had 30 minutes for each activity in order to give them plenty of time to get used to the game and give each young person a fair go.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This exercise was an excellent way for our learners to improve their coaching skills and confidence as they had to explain in a clear and concise way that was easy to understand, but also gave them the chance to be both patient and encouraging as they worked with the children.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Well done to our learners for coaching the primary school children with the professionalism and confidence required to succeed in their future careers.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Sport and Fitness courses, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Students from various subjects, including </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">,&nbsp;came together to host a memorable Christmas Fair this holiday season, raising funds for Weston Hospice Care. With festive games, delicious treats, and heart-warming activities, the event brought together the public, students, and staff for a day filled with joy, fun, and community spirit.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event was publicised to local charities, hospices and care homes to bring them together this Christmas and get them in the festive spirit. All our games and activities were made to be accessible and inclusive so some of our guests gave our Christmas games a go and won a handful of chocolates.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners played a significant role in making the Christmas fair a success. The day featured free festive games for both the staff and the visitors, including&nbsp;throwing 'snowballs’ at reindeer cups, magnetic darts, Christmas bingo, and hoop toss onto reindeer antlers. Guests also enjoyed arts and crafts sessions with pipe cleaners, pompoms, wreath kits, and colouring activities, alongside unique handmade ornaments created by Art and Design learners.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Resident throwing a snowball at reindeer cups&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16e3fc70-d10c-4d15-9be7-2f95dfa60808" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The event offered something for everyone: a lively ‘Strictly Just Dance’ session judged by students, yoga, accessible walking football, and running football. The tombola and raffle raised money with its abundance of prizes, while the Craft Café served tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury bites. Guests could also get tinselled hair and enjoy live performances by Music students, set to a soundtrack of classic Christmas tunes.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;3 learners with raffle prizes selling raffle tickets&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9db52e2-c1ba-4adc-832d-f785af5b0197" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students and residents playing Christmas Bingo&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f948fbf-a6a6-4ee0-a581-9b9c99ecc027" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Music learner singing and playing the guitar to an audience&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17110a45-e6fa-4566-abdf-b6dc8c47fa3c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Christmas Fair was dedicated to raising funds for Weston Hospice Care, with proceeds from raffles, the tombola, handmade ornaments, and donations supporting the hospice’s vital work. Residents and staff from Weston Hospice Care, Acer House, Orchard House, and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston attended, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special guests included the Mayor of Weston-Super-Mare and, of course, Santa Claus himself.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our guests, Laura, said, “it was a very enjoyable morning. My favourite part of the day was the young man playing the guitar.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The entire event was made even more festive as students and staff wore Christmas jumpers and accessories, creating a cheerful and welcoming environment. Learners enthusiastically led activities and engaged with visitors, ensuring smiles and laughter filled the day. It was a celebration of togetherness and a wonderful way to support a meaningful cause during the holiday season.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Learners with Christmas photo props&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31565b3d-8e40-4da6-b6b8-38c3b171328b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Fair and celebrated the festive season with us, and thank you to our learners for stepping up and helping with the event.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…; target="_blank">Health and Social Care</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; target="_blank">Sport and Fitness</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…; target="_blank">Art and Design</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">, or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; target="_blank">Music</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses next September, click here.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Weston-super-Mare AFC, in partnership with Weston College, is inviting talented young footballers aged 15 to 19 to an exclusive Academy Trial Day.</p><p>The event, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of players, will take place on 3rd January, and offers a unique blend of professional coaching and educational opportunities.</p><p>The Academy Trial Day provides a platform for participants to showcase their skills while exploring pathways that combine football and academics through Weston College’s tailored programmes.</p><p>Event Highlights:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Professional Coaching: Participants will train with Weston-super-Mare AFC’s experienced Academy staff and gain valuable insights into the professional football environment.&nbsp;</li><li>Pathway Opportunities: Learn about Weston College’s innovative educational programmes designed to help students balance athletic and academic pursuits.&nbsp;</li><li>Player Development: Compete alongside current U16 players and challenge yourself against talented peers in a high-level training session.</li></ul><p>Simon Panes, Academy Director at Weston-super-Mare AFC, said: “We at the academy strive to offer the perfect footballing pathway built around full-time education. The club and the academy are now attracting players from a larger geographical area due to its success and high profile. All our staff aim to improve every facet of the academy and the standard of player within. We look forward to welcoming you to our January trials to showcase your talent.”</p><p>Jack Gadd, Student Engagement Manager at Weston College, added: “We’re delighted to be offering this exciting opportunity, alongside Weston-super-Mare AFC.</p><p>“We’re passionate about providing learners with pathways that support them in achieving sporting success, and this established partnership is the perfect example of this. Through opportunities such as these, our learners can achieve both their sporting and academic goals.”</p><p>Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.&nbsp;</p><p>This is an exceptional chance for young players to take their football journey to the next level while planning their future with Weston College’s support.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/weston-collegeafc-football-trials">For further details and to reserve your place, please click here.</a></p>