HALESOWEN College has launched a brand new project to get young people moving following a £95,000 grant from Sport England.

The college is working with Dudley Mind in its ‘Get Active’ scheme to promote the link between healthy minds and exercise.

As part of the project, the college has launched an ESOL football group for girls and boys, with training every Tuesday and a girl’s gym session on a Thursday, while new outdoor tennis tables have also been a hit with the students.

Plans for the future include a buddy walk, with health and social care students joining forces with Halesowen WI, an ‘US Girls’ project working with hair and beauty students, and a range of sports clubs including disability sports sessions.

Rebecca Bond, of Halesowen College’s sports department, said: “We have a great range of facilities already but the grant from Sport England will help us to bring in new resources and target those students who need to move more.

“It will also help students experience new ways of being active and get them to try something new.”

The college has also announced that former student Sandeep Sumel has been nominated for the prestigious Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize.

The national award was set up in memory of Keith Fletcher, formerly the director of Open College Network South West Region, recognising students’ commitment and dedication to study.

Sandeep completed an access to social science diploma and was one of the six Halesowen College students to receive a Learner of the Year Award organised by Open College Network West Midlands.

Hilary Gardner, access to HE manager at Halesowen College, said: “I am thrilled that Sandeep’s hard work and determination has been recognised and I have every confidence that her time at university will prove to be equally successful and rewarding.

“She is determined, inspiring and dedicated.”