A group of 31 Ayrshire College students excelled in the Scottish Student Sport College National Finals recently.
The event, which took place at Orium, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre in Edinburgh, saw more than 400 students from colleges across Scotland compete across a range of sporting challenges. Our students were involved in football, basketball and badminton competitions during the day-long event.
Ayrshire College’s men's 7-a-side football team won the Scottish Student Sport Plate by defeating City of Glasgow College in the final. This was a remarkable comeback from a loss in the team’s first match. Meanwhile our women’s team topped their group - winning all four of their matches and earning a place in the final against Edinburgh College – then unfortunately lost out on penalties.
Lecturer Johnny Sinclair said: “The men’s team thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They showed resilience and determination and are eager to build on this year's performance for next year. Their enthusiasm and positive outlook bode well for future competitions.”
Congratulations to the men’s team squad: Evan Boyd, Lewis Allan, Connor McClure, Jack Ramage, Harry Burns, Taylor Greenlees, Kiain Robb, Mark Rankin, Dan Goodwin, Robbie Rae and Nathan Chambers.
Jamie Beattie, lecturer, who was coaching the women’s team, said: “Our girls were, of course, disappointed to go out on penalties however they represented the college with immense pride, playing some fantastic football throughout the day and we are all very proud of their efforts.”
Congratulations to the women’s team squad: Erin Hunter, Saphire Wilson, Sammy Evans, Amie Clark, Molly Bradley, Ava Riddex, Sarah Lapham, Kelsy Crainie, Kodi Thom and Nicole Hughes.
The College also put up a recently formed basketball team (Barrie Preston, Ciaran Pearce, Jamie Cumming, Leo Morgan, Martin Neville, Gareth Davies, James McCulloch and Lewis Baird) with players coming together from a range of subjects including travel and tourism, barbering, fitness and uniform services. This competition has inspired them to play together more regularly.
Tarik Yesildogan, Active Campus Coordinator at Ayrshire College, explained: “Our badminton players - Alistair Dingwall and Lewis Cairney - were excellent and just missed out on a couple of points to play for medals. They were proud to represent Ayrshire College and hope, next year will be a medal winning year, "
Jordan Dawson, Head of Development at Scottish Student Sport, added:
"This year's College National Finals was our biggest and best yet. While medals are on offer, this competition has historically been about promoting participation and enjoyment across our college student population, and this was clearly evident with the action on show.
We were delighted to welcome Ayrshire College back into the fold with a large squad participating across badminton, basketball and football. Well done to all involved and we hope to have you back in 2026!"
John McTaggart, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Fitness at our Kilmarnock Campus, said: “I’m delighted that we are back participating in SSS events. Historically, we have excelled in all sports, winning medals in all events; however, more importantly, students from all campuses have the opportunity to come together to form relationships and friendships that will enhance the student experience and provide memories that will remain with them many years after they have left college.
“This was a very successful event and is something that we can build on in future years. Many thanks to all the students who participated and all the staff who supported this.”