After qualifying to represent Yorkshire & the Humber in recent months, a group of talented Bradford College cricketers travelled to the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships this weekend.
With 2025’s edition taking place across various venues in and around Nottingham, the yearly event is described as ‘a celebration of competitive sport in colleges, providing recognition, enjoyment and a unique opportunity for students to compete’. Through various regional tournaments, hosted by AoC Sport throughout the academic year, teams and individuals battle it out for the chance to represent their wider region on a national scale.
Success at recent qualifiers in Pontefract ensured it would be Bradford College that represented the region in ‘Indoor Cricket’ over the weekend of 4th-6th April.
Zain Ahmad (Personal Development Officer), who travelled to Derby as support to students competing, said: “This experience gave our students opportunities to grow, develop, and showcase their talent. Being able to witness the squad’s daily progress with their character, resilience, and ability to overcome setbacks was incredible! The whole weekend perfectly captured everything we’re about and why I love being part of Bradford College.”
As for the cricket itself, the team from Bradford College found themselves in a group with Hills Road Sixth Form College, Middlesbrough College, and Newham College of Further Education. A busy schedule of matches, including a 5th vs 6th final on the Sunday of the tournament, saw our budding athletes secure 6th place out of a total 12 teams.
On top of their sporting excellence, students were in attendance for the event’s special opening ceremony and enjoyed various other activities across the weekend accompanied by coaches Ijaz Khan and Sachin Madass.
Addressing competitors at the opening ceremony, Professor Jo Maher (AoC Sport Director) said: “These Championships recognise the journey of over 7,300 students who competed in regional qualifiers to earn their place at the National Finals. They celebrate the talent, commitment, and sportsmanship of the 1,300 of you here to represent your region, college, and sport.”
This was the 45th edition of the AoC Sport National Championships, which remain as Europe’s largest annual sporting event for Further Education students.
Do you know someone interested in igniting a passion for sport at a college with extra-curricular opportunities like this? With limited places still available for September 2025, explore all the Sports & Fitness courses on offer at Bradford College here.
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