Get Active

For a relaxing and fun time, why not choose badminton? The course caters for players of all abilities and the aim is to develop personal skills to the full in an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you are looking to learn new skills, play for enjoyment or play competitive games, this course has something to offer everybody. Rackets and shuttlecocks will be provided – although you may wish to bring your own. Appropriate dress will be expected. Badminton takes place on site

Enjoy badminton? Want to improve your existing skills and learn new ones? Want to play competitively? If so, then this course is for you. The badminton sessions are open to both male and females. During the session, you will experience competitive game play and receive technical and tactical coaching. Higher-level performers have the chance to represent the College in the Association of Colleges national competition, culminating in a residential weekend of competitions at a University. Rackets and shuttlecocks (plastic and feather) will be provided.

If you want to come and play basketball in a relaxed and pressure free environment, then sign up to the basketball recreational session which will consist of shooting around for a warm up and then bibbing up and playing games.

Basketball squad is for those students who currently play or have played competitive basketball. We train once/twice a week and compete in the Association of Colleges League and Cup competitions on Wednesday afternoons. In previous years we have qualified for the AoC National Finals, won the league and reached the semi-finals of the cup. We offer trials in the first two weeks of term and pick our squad of 15 for the season. It is essential that students wishing to play for the College have both Blocks C and D free on their timetable, so please ensure you request this with your tutor.

Want something different from a gym workout? Bootcamp is there for everyone in College who wants to get active, lose weight, get stronger or tone up. It is perfect for everyone and in this fun class you can really encourage each other as a team, while meeting new people and having fun whilst getting fit. You will feel the benefits straight away!

We are linked with a local boxing club with an experienced coach coming in to teach the basics of boxing and to develop more advanced techniques. Take part in boxing to learn a new sport, learn self-defence, for stress relief, or if you want to improve your boxing skills. Everyone is welcome.

The College offers a number of coaching qualifications – see “Get Qualified” for details.

This popular course is open to both men and women (separate sessions) and provides a pleasing break from your academic studies. The atmosphere is fantastic every week and is open to all students whatever your ability level. Although the onus is on enjoyment, there is also a competitive element. Students will be expected to wear appropriate kit and training shoes suitable for the 3G surface area.

The College has an excellent reputation for its football teams. We have been British College Champions, reached the Schools F.A. Cup Final and won the Essex Under 19 Cup numerous times. The College runs 2 teams in the Essex Schools and Colleges League and Cup competitions plus the AoC National Cup. Each team has a programme of regular Wednesday afternoon fixtures and training takes place on Tuesday lunchtime. Following team trials at the beginning of the year, you will be assigned to one of our two squads with the opportunity to move between squads as the season progresses. The high levels of competition for places means that you will be required to commit fully to train and play each week and should consider whether this is possible before signing up for the trials. In order to do so it is essential that students wishing to play for the College have both Blocks C and D free on their timetable so please ensure you request this with your tutor. Shirts are provided for matches but shorts and socks need to be purchased from college.

There are opportunities for any student already competent in the sport who wishes to represent the College in regional and national golf competitions such as the Essex Schools and the Association of Colleges. Students should therefore expect some ‘out of hours’ commitment.

This course is open to players of all abilities, and the aim is to develop both individual and team skills through coaching drills in an enjoyable environment. Regular fixtures are organised on Wednesday afternoons. Students wishing to join need to keep Wednesday afternoons free (Blocks D and C). Appropriate kit is expected. We also run a recreational netball course for those students who would like to remain involved in netball on a less competitive basis.

Fancy trying something new or are keen to add variety to your current fitness training? Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment, flexibility and mobility. Pilate moves tend to target your core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well. Pilates also has a beneficial effect on mental health.

Rugby continually proves to be extremely popular at the College and caters for all levels of performance - from the complete beginner to the real enthusiast. Rugby offers a good chance to develop personal fitness and individual playing skills and the College team enjoys a strong fixture list. Many players have also represented both County and Eastern Counties at both schools and club level. There is a high standard of coaching and a good “club” atmosphere. Attending training once a week in addition to fixtures is a requirement for team players and both C&D block will need to be kept free.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in Table Tennis on a recreational basis. There will be various sessions available during the week and will take place on the College site. Equipment will be provided but suitable kit needs to be worn. There will be an opportunity for students to represent the College in the prestigious Association of Colleges regional and national competitions.

Have you ever felt like reaching new heights? Trampolining is a fun way to keep fit as well as developing your skills. Many skills will be taught, which can be put together to form routines in a safe environment. Students of all abilities are welcome on the course, even if you’ve never been on a trampoline before, don’t worry because you won’t be alone so come along.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in volleyball on a recreational or competitive basis, taking place on the College site. Equipment will be provided. All abilities are welcome, as through training and practice, personal skill development should follow. There will be an opportunity for students to represent the College in the prestigious Association of Colleges regional competitions and national finals, for which both the Men’s and Women’s teams have qualified for the last two years. The recreational session is for beginners; the squad session after college is for those who wish to play for the College team and want to take their playing to the next level.

Do you want to improve or maintain your levels of personal fitness? If so, why not sign up to the College multi-gym. A short but compulsory induction will include instruction on warm-ups and appropriate weight-training techniques. You can then use the gym as much as you want during college hours on a ‘drop-in’ basis. Advice on the development of training programmes can be provided by a qualified coach upon request. Adherence to rules and regulations is required at all times and appropriate kit is necessary.

This additional study is suitable for a beginner and for students of mixed abilities who just enjoy doing Yoga or who want to explore techniques for stress relief and improved overall fitness. Informal weekly lunchtime yoga sessions will help you examine proper breathing (pranayama) helping to stimulate the energy reserves and revitalizing body and mind. The (asanas) postures rejuvenate the whole body. They work primarily on the spine and the central nervous system. The spine gains in strength and flexibility, and circulation is stimulated, bringing nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of the body. Why not give it a try? (IMAGE – Female student in baseball cap, sitting on exercise equipment in gym)

Following the success of the England Women’s football team and the growth and development of football for women, we are keen to provide opportunities for girls to play football at a competitive level, including representing the college in the Essex FA league. Possibly you have played for your school term or local club, but even if not, the college would love for you to be part of this new and exciting additional study. The selected squad will have a programme of regular Wednesday afternoon training and fixtures. For students that are unsuccessful in being selected for the squad, there will be a 5-a-side option on a different day to further develop skills and game play, with further possibilities of representing the college during their time at college.