In an effort to continually enhance the sports offering, students at Southern Regional College participated in their first basketball match within the National Basketball College Committee league on Tuesday 15th October. Students faced a strong Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo team in this opening league fixture at Newry Leisure Centre. Although the final result wasn’t in favour of this newly formed team, the team have a further three matches to play in the initial stages of the division three league.
Students have been in training hard since February after expressing interest to form a basketball team. The basketball team is open to all students at the College and currently consists of students from a diverse programme of study. In the mix are students from Engineering, Information Technology, Sport and Exercise Science and Barbering students. However, the team continue to welcome new players from all disciplines. No experience is required with basketball training being provided.
Since February, basketball captain and student Eoin Green has been fully involved in getting the team off the ground and helping to train new members. Inspired by his dad who used to play basketball, Eoin has been encouraging fellow students to join in highlighting the benefits of playing team sports. He emphasises that this team sport will help students develop social, teamwork and communication skills, which are all essential for career advancement.
Speaking prior to the match Eoin was hopeful of the newly formed team playing well against ATU Sligo who he described as “a challenging team”. However, the main aim of this first basketball match for the newly formed team was to go out and have fun.
Fellow teammate James Fegan got into basketball after being inspired by his cousin who played in an Irish national team and watching MBA players. James describes his role in the team as defence which involves grabbing rebounds and defending shots. Similar to Eoin, James has been encouraging his new teammates with their newfound skills and is hopeful of progressing further within the league.
The College is keen to be proactive in the delivery of its sports offering. Students at the College can currently avail of team sports in the areas of football, GAA and volleyball, with individual sports of boxing, golf and athletics also being supported.
Rory McGreevy, Sports Development Officer at Southern Regional College commented:
“As Sports Development Officer at SRC, I want to be able give all our students a chance take part in their chosen sport. I have always believed that getting involved in extra curricular activities plays a vital part in the overall student experience at SRC and I hope that I can continue to facilitate that for as many students as possible.”
