NSCG Academy of Sport Celebrate Annual Awards Evening

The awards ceremony that took place on Wednesday evening was a wonderful celebration for everyone at the Academy of Sport. It highlighted the outstanding achievements of the athletes, volunteers and sports teams who represent NSCG.

The Sportsperson of the Season was awarded to Niamh Harding. Studying BTEC Health & Social Care, Niamh has represented the college in three different sports – Football, Badminton and Volleyball. She has been selected for the England Junior Volleyball training group, as well as showing great dedication to playing the Senior National League. Adding to her accolades, Niamh also represented NSCG in the Regional Badminton Championships, where she qualified for the National Championships. Her enthusiastic and positive manner makes her a natural team captain and she is very much a leader both off and on the court, helping coach juniors within her local Volleyball club and using her experience to help others grow in the sport. Niamh is an excellent role model for all female sport students at the college and is an inspiration to all at the Academy of Sport.

The Male Elite Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Louis Coggins. Picking up a variety of sports from a young age, particularly in Hockey, having represented his county at the age of 10, to making extraordinary progress to representing England. Louis has continued to show his dedication to the sport during his college career and was awarded the Jack Dulson Award for his services to Junior Hockey. With his exceptional talent, Louis was offered the opportunity to study a Diploma in Sporting Excellence in Volleyball. Within the College Volleyball Academy, Louis has led the team in what has been the most successful year for the academy. The men’s team achieved gold at the AOC National Championships and the National Knockout Cup, Louis also guided the mixed team to win the National Knockout Cup. Three medals is an incredible achievement, showing Louis as an incredible student with an admirable conduct towards his sport.

The Female Elite Sportsperson on the Year was awarded to Hollie Maddox. The last two years have seen Hollie study a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play Learning and Development, as well as her excellent performance in Netball. Hollie’s commitment both on and off the course has been first class. This year, she was selected for the Netball England Colleges Squad which has seen her play nationally and internationally. Hollie is a player who leads by example, has a great mentality, and is an inspiration to all players at the Academy of Sport.

The Team of the Season was awarded to the NSCG Volleyball Team, consisting of 29 players across the men's and ladies groups. This season has been an excellent showcase of their talent, with the team being the first ever NSCG squad to reach the Association of Colleges (AoC) National Knockout Cup Finals in the men’s, ladies and mixed competitions, bringing home gold medals from all games.