Seven students medal as UCS College Group shines on the national stage in Derby
Students from UCS College Group have returned from the British Schools & Colleges Trampolining National Championships with an impressive set of results.
Team UCS travelled to Derby Arena with eight students and two staff members. The group qualified earlier this year at the Southern Regional Championships in Weston. They competed against teams from across the UK and delivered a strong performance.
Strong results at national level
Students trained weekly alongside their studies. They showed real commitment and focus throughout the year. As a result, seven of the eight competitors returned home with medals. This is an outstanding result at national level.
UCS College Group runs the only trampolining programme of its kind in the South West. The programme has been in place for over 20 years. During that time, it has produced national champions and medal-winning teams.
Medal winners
Students achieved success across several categories:
Mike Oleksiyevets — 1st (Elite) – Level 3 Sports Coaching, Bridgwater College
Grace Russell — 1st (Mixed Intermediate) – Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance, Taunton College
Eyob Mamo — 3rd (Novice) – ESOL, Taunton College
Girls’ Novice Team — 3rd
Gracie Gawenda — 7th (Cat 1 Elite) – Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprentice
The UCS Novice Team also performed well. Students from different courses worked together and supported each other throughout the event.
More than medals
The event was about more than results. Students supported each other and showed great team spirit.
Trampolining scholar DJ McCarthur travelled with the team and offered support on the day. His encouragement helped students stay focused during the competition.
Team UCS Manager Jamie Laird also played a key role. He served as a South West flag bearer during the opening ceremony. He led athletes into the arena and represented the region on a national stage.
A standout performance
One of the standout moments came from Eyob Mamo. He is an ESOL student at Taunton College. He only started trampolining in September.
Despite this, he secured third place in the Novice category. This was his first national competition. His result shows real dedication and progress in a short time.
Reflecting on the event, trampolining coach Kate Owen-Finch said:
I’m incredibly proud of all the students. To return with so many medals is an amazing achievement and they represented the College brilliantly.
Kate Owen-Finch
Team UCS Trampolining Coach
The results show the strength of the UCS College Group sports pathway. Students can develop their skills while continuing their studies. They also gain the chance to compete at a high level.
To register your interest in next year’s Team UCS trampolining squad, or to find out more, please email Sport@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.