Sports Academy Superstars Win Two Titles at AoC National Sports Awards

Sports Academies at Loughborough College attended the virtual Association of Colleges (AoC) National Sport Awards this week, where they scooped two national titles.

Beating out over 1,500 teams from across the UK, the College Women's Rugby Academy won the Team of the Year title, in recognition of their national and international success over the last year, including their AoC Sport Regional and National Champion titles, and 6^th place finish at the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament.

Sharing his excitement, Head of Elite Sport at Loughborough College, Matt O’Dowd said: “This is a huge achievement for the Women’s Rugby Academy and their coach, Brad Jones. They have had an incredible year, so it’s great that they are able to be celebrated on the national stage.” 

The Loughborough College Sport Academies programme also returned with an outstanding win, earning the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award for their ongoing dedication to EDI principles. 

Citing the commitment to equality and understanding, the judging panel highlighted the number of EDI online courses all 600 students in the Academy system must complete before they are allowed to join and train with the programme. The Sport Academies were also praised for their enthusiasm for social activism, spotlighting the dedicated LGBT+ History Month and Black History Month fixtures, held to raise awareness of these events in February and October, respectively. 

Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, Corrie Harris added: “Winning two titles at these awards is an outstanding achievement for our students, staff, and everyone who supports them. We are so proud of the holistic and inclusive approach our Sports Academies take, and are pleased to see them be recognised for their ongoing commitment to our students.”