In a heart-warming display of camaraderie and sportsmanship, Rochdale Training recently hosted a thrilling football tournament aimed at boosting the well-being of its learners. Organised by the dedicated team at the training centre, the event brought together learners from various disciplines for a day of friendly competition and fun.
Garry Jackson, Electrical Tutor and organiser of the event, shared his excitement, stating, “Planning RTA’s 5-a-side football event was one of the highlights of the year! It was great to see learners from different sections coming together to work as a team, all playing to win the ‘famous’ RTA trophy. We had a fantastic day; all 24 students had a chance to showcase their football skills and their teamwork abilities. Watching the students interact and show their competitive sides in the build-up to this event was a joy to watch. It was an honour to organise RTA’s first football event, and I was very proud to be a part of it. Roll on next year!”
Ryan Griffin, Welding Tutor at Rochdale Training, emphasised the importance of the event, stating, “The event was about giving learners a sense of camaraderie, keeping fit, and having fun at the same time. It was organised to allow learners to interact with each other and boost morale. I was proud to take part in this event as learners enjoyed themselves and new friendships were formed. It also gave the staff involved the opportunity to have fun and explore new ways of engaging learners.”
The sentiment was echoed by Tyler Kershaw, an Engineering Operative Apprentice, who expressed his delight with the tournament. "I thought the event was well organised, and I enjoyed the tournament. It’s nice to come into the centre knowing you're doing something you and others will enjoy; it had a huge positive impact. Garry organised it well, and Ryan had one of the other learners weld a trophy together for the winners, so that was a really nice surprise. I would like to do something like this again as it made me communicate and talk to people in my section I may never have spoken to before doing the tournament."
Nigel Bentley, Machining Tutor, highlighted the event's focus on teamwork and exercise, emphasising its positive impact on learners' mental and physical well-being. "I think the event promoted teamwork and exercise for the learners well; it positively impacts the learner's mental and physical wellbeing and boosted morale. It gave Ryan and Garry a real positive learner/tutor relationship, and it was Garry’s first time leading/organising an event."
The tournament not only provided an opportunity for learners to showcase their sporting skills but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within Rochdale Training. As learners bonded over the love of the game, barriers were broken, and friendships flourished, creating an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth.
With the resounding success of this event, Rochdale Training looks forward to organising similar initiatives in the future, reaffirming its commitment to the holistic development and well-being of its learners.
