HSDC students appointed as AoC Sports Ambassadors

HSDC is very proud to announce that three students from Havant and South Downs campuses have been appointed as Sports Ambassadors as part of the nationally recognised Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Sport Student Leadership Programme. HSDC strives to be a national leader in extracurricular enrichment, and is incredibly proud of these students. 

 

This programme will see these ambassadors champion physical activity, wellbeing and inclusion across HSDC’s community, reflecting the College’s commitment to offering an enriching and welcoming extracurricular experience for all learners. 

 

HSDC’s new AoC Sports Ambassadors are:

• Yasmeen Amer, Havant Campus
• Esther Olusuyi, Havant Campus
• Josh Canaway, South Downs Campus

 

Throughout the year, these ambassadors will lead work across three national campaigns - Wellbeing (Yasmeen), Inclusion (Josh) and This Girl Can (Esther) - with each student responsible for supporting coaching, event delivery, development and marketing of their campaign. They will also produce a self-development portfolio to help document their leadership journey, reaffirming HSDC’s strong commitment to honing the skills and experiences of its students. 

 

Yasmeen, Precious and Josh are incredibly passionate about their sports, with all three of them already being proactive members of the college community, advocating for sport as a vehicle for meaningful and inclusive change. 

 

Charlotte Stubbs is HSDC’s Co-Ordinator of Be Active, the College’s extracurricular sports programme. Celebrating the impact that these ambassadors are set to make, Charlotte said: 

 

“We are delighted to welcome the new cohort of sports ambassadors and look forward to supporting them as they develop exciting opportunities for students to get active, build confidence and feel part of our college community.”

 

Yasmeen, who is in her second year of studying A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, will be in charge of the Wellbeing campaign, focusing her efforts on volleyball and tackling the stigma surrounding mental health. Her work is also focused on highlighting the benefits of physical activity on the mental wellbeing of young people. Speaking about what she hopes to achieve through being an Ambassador, Yasmeen said:

 

“I’m excited to make a real difference by running volleyball sessions that bring students together, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and make sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

 

Esther is currently studying A Levels in Psychology and English Language, alongside an Extended Project Qualification, and is leading the This Girl Can Campaign. Within this, Esther is ensuring that these opportunities are available for girls at the College to promote equality in the sporting world. When asked about this, Esther said:

 

“I believe that if girls are encouraged to participate in more sports, it will inspire them to try new things! I’m currently working on improving their opportunities in tennis, pickleball and padel. My advice to anyone trying to start a new sport is to just do it - it will improve your confidence and wellbeing!”

 

Josh Canaway is currently studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Football Performance and Coaching at South Downs Campus. His focus is on improving inclusion in sport at HSDC, and one of the ways in which he is achieving this is by helping to coach and develop the football skills of Vocational and Foundation Students at South Downs. Speaking about being made an Ambassador, Josh said: 

 

“I’m investing in this leadership course to build confidence and develop the skills I need to lead and promote sport effectively. It’s very rewarding and important to promote inclusion and create opportunities for everyone.”

 

HSDC’s involvement in the AoC Sport Student Leadership Programme highlights the College’s ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive student life that empowers young people to explore new interests, develop their leadership skills and feel part of a supportive community.

 

From the Be Active programme to an extensive selection of student societies and academic enrichment, HSDC continues to expand opportunities that help students shape their futures both inside and outside of the classroom.