Collyer’s celebrate securing sports centre funding

The project’s main focus is on making it’s facilities more inclusive. In addition to new state of the art disability changing rooms there will be improvements to their reception area, the introduction of a social/viewing area for spectators, increased storage space and improvements to the lighting.

The college has ambitious plans to develop sport, and its community sports centre is a key part of this. John Burroughs (Collyer’s Sport), said: “This is a massive step towards achieving our wider sporting plans. Community sport is a crucial part of our strategic plan, and will enhance the opportunities for us to grow participation not only amongst our students but also within the wider community.”

Within this project, Collyer’s will be working in partnership with Horsham District Council’s Reaching Higher team to develop inclusive sport locally. John explained: “Now that we have secured this funding we can build on the great work that the Reaching Higher team is doing, by launching a series of new sports, including wheelchair basketball, cricket, badminton, cycling and football.”

As the QEII’s new 19 plus facility is based on the Collyer’s site, clear pathways will be available for these students to take part in community sport right on their doorstep.

This ethos of ‘Sport for Life’ is reflected in the college’s overall sporting objectives, and by providing pathways into community sport, it is hoped that more students will migrate into club sessions and continue to play sport locally beyond their time at Collyer’s.

In addition to the inclusive, focused sports, a number of other partner clubs and organisations (including basketball, badminton, rounders, table tennis, tennis, archery, netball and football) will now be based at Collyer’s. John believes college sport plays a key role in addressing the drop off rates in Sport post 16.

He said: “Our long term plan is taking shape.

“The idea is to increase participation amongst our students, by working with our feeder schools and local clubs to provide sustainable opportunities through community sport. The successes will be showcased through college competition”.

Collyer’s principal, Sally Bromley said: “Collyer’s is privileged to have such a dedicated team of staff who look to provide our students with extensive enrichment opportunities alongside success in examinations.

“The improvements to our current sport facilities will be great for the students and also the local community.”