College students tackle Twickenham

Barnsley Sports Academy’s rugby team from Barnsley College were given the opportunity to take to the field at the home of English rugby, Twickenham.

As part of the Rugby Football Union’s T1 Rugby scheme, a new non-contact form of the game, that reflects the characteristics of rugby union, students participated in an eight-a-side game. This gave the mixed gender team the opportunity to showcase their touch rugby skills in the stadium, where the England national team plays its home fixtures.

“I first started getting into rugby because my dad played and I enjoy the sport. To have this opportunity to play at the home of England was a dream come true.”

Students also had the opportunity to tour the stadium, visiting the Royal Box, Player’s Tunnel and England’s changing room where they learned about the match day preparations and routines of international rugby players.

Lewis Collingwood, a T Level Carpentry and Joinery student, said: “What I liked the most about playing at Twickenham was being able to just walk around the England changing rooms and play on a world class pitch.

“I first started getting into rugby because my dad played and I enjoy the sport. To have this opportunity to play at the home of England was a dream come true.”

Dave Findlay, Tutorial Learning Mentor and Rugby coach, added: “Several students got a once in a lifetime experience to play at the home of England rugby. All students represented the College fantastically and we couldn’t be any prouder.”

You don’t have to be studying sport to be a part of our Sports Academy – all students are welcome. Our Sports Performance Academies include Football (male and female), Golf Academy, Rugby Union, Refereeing, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Health and Fitness, Inclusive Academy, Futsal, Individual Athlete Academy and Esports.