Students host football tournament in aid of The Joshua Tree

Coleg Llandrillo students organised a football tournament to raise awareness for children’s cancer charity The Joshua Tree.

The Joshua Tree supports families affected by childhood cancer in North Wales and the north west of England, with a focus on improving emotional wellbeing and mental health for the whole and wider family.

Learners got involved after family support workers from the charity visited the Rhos-on-Sea campus to talk about their work.

Jaani Lane, Jack Owens, Josh Jones, Haydon Newman and Jack Weaver, who are all studying Level 3 Business, arranged a 5-a-side competition on the college’s 3G sports pitches, with proceeds going to The Joshua Tree.

The enterprising students publicised the event around campus, and even got lecturers on board to play the winning team in the final.

Six teams entered the competition, won by Bryn’s Babies, who went on to beat the staff team 3-1.

Jack Owens said after the tournament: “It’s been great to be out here today raising money and awareness for such a deserving charity. The Joshua Tree is all about supporting families with children who have cancer, so it’s a really good charity to support.”

Sara King, family support worker for The Joshua Tree, said: “What’s really good for us is to have more events across North Wales to raise awareness. It’s been great that the college has given us this opportunity.

“We came in to talk to the students about The Joshua Tree and they had lots of ideas as to how they could help raise awareness. They’ve done really well organising this event, and have been really enthusiastic.”

Business lecturer Sian Longley said: “I have been very impressed with the way in which the students have organised and carried out this event. It has been a great success, and they have developed excellent business skills.

“We hope to continue our partnership with the charity next year and run another similar event."

Conor Merrick, Programme Area Manager for A Levels, Access, Business & Education, said: “It was an excellent event, which the learners put a lot of effort into organising to make it a success for a wonderful charity. It was great to see so many people actively taking part in the sporting activity they arranged.”

Students also attended a family day held by The Joshua Tree at RSPB Conwy, where families supported by the charity were invited to take part in crafts and a wellbeing walk.

Stephanie Harding, Programme Leader for BTEC Level 3 Business, said: “I was fortunate to be part of the family day at the RSPB Conwy where there was clear evidence of the students' commitment in supporting such a worthy cause and ensuring all the children had a lovely day."

For more information about The Joshua Tree, visit the website thejoshuatree.org.uk

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