Students at Alton College have demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience and community spirit through a successful 12-hour netball marathon, organised as part of their studies and raising more than £500 for charity.
This event, which ran from 9am to 9pm, was spearheaded by second-year level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport students Eden Lillywhite and Josh Sly as part of their ‘Organisation of a Sports Event’ module. Together, they raised an impressive £561 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, whilst their peers across the course collectively raised over £660 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The netball tournament provided fun for a whole range of competitors.
Bringing together participants from both the College and wider community, including Alton Lions, Vocational Foundation Learning (VFL) students, Level 2 and Level 3 Sport learners, as well as friends and family, the tournament exemplified the inclusive and community-focused ethos of Alton College.
Eden, who has played netball for over nine years, reflected on the day’s success:
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated to this cause, it really means a lot. It’s been lovely to see such a wide range of individuals enjoy netball as much as I do.”
This event stands as a powerful example of how HSDC enables students to transform their ambitions into meaningful action. Eden and Josh have both developed critical transferable skills through the planning and delivery of the tournament, including leadership, logistics, teamwork, communication and problem-solving under pressure.
In total, Eden and Josh raised £561 for charity!
These skills will take Eden and Josh far beyond the classroom, equipping them with the professional mindset and confidence required for their next steps. At HSDC, these outcomes reflect a sustained commitment to raising aspiration across the student body at all three campuses.
Dean Gillatt, Eden and Josh’s Sports Lecturer, said:
“All of these fundraising events were fantastic and had a real variety in what was on offer. I’m very proud that the students raised over £1200 for different charities in total!”
This netball tournament was a genuine celebration of community cohesion and student-led achievement. The participation of VFL students alongside both L2 and L3 learners underscored HSDC’s strong approach to inclusion, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage and succeed.
As Eden and Josh move forward in their respective journeys, they do so as confident and capable young professionals, an outcome that reflects their dedication and the transformative educational experience provided by HSDC.