Lancashire School Games works with UCLan sports students on 200-strong tournament
School children from around the region have put their handball skills to the test at a regional tournament hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
More than 200 years nine and 10 boys from 13 schools took part in the Lancashire School Games Handball Competition at UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. Organised by Lancashire School Games and facilitated by UCLan sports students and England Handball, the winner, Lancaster Royal Grammar School, will now to represent the county in the North West Championships later this year.
Lancaster Royal Grammar School teacher Jonathan Viney said: “The boys have had a fantastic day. They played some excellent handball against some very good opposition and were delighted to come away as winners. The venue was superb and the tournament was well run and organised. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Around 20 second year sports and PE students from the University helped to run the tournament, including helping the organisers, coaching and officiating the matches. Lancashire Sport funded a training course for all of the UCLan students through England Handball.
"It’s been a fantastic experience and great to work with England Handball in a sport that most of us previously knew little about."
Lecturer Chris Gunn from the School of Sport and Wellbeing said: “The students have performed admirably in helping to run this tournament, which has given them lots of practical experience and vital links with local schools. It’s all about improving their employability skills and building confidence.”
Second year sport studies student Lewis Williams commented: “It’s been a fantastic experience and great to work with England Handball in a sport that most of us previously knew little about.”
Schools from all over Lancashire took part in the under 15s tournament. The head of boys’ PE from Ashton Community College in Preston Tom Waring said: “The boys have shown real commitment and stepped up today, coming away with the bronze medal. The facilities are fantastic and the UCLan students have done a great job of running a professional event.”
It is the first year that UCLan has hosted the countywide tournament. Lancashire School Games Organiser and Heysham High school teacher Tim Fletcher added: “It’s taken a big team effort to run the competition. The venue is ideal and the UCLan students have done a great job so hopefully we’ll be back next year.”
