BRIDGWATER College has been awarded top status in a project which uses football to give students leadership and project management experience.

It is one of just four colleges nationally to achieve gold status for its Team Nineteen provision and it also received £150 to buy football equipment.

Team Nineteen is targeted at students across the college, no matter what their ability or experience in football.

Lauren O’Sullivan, college and community football co-ordinator said: “Bridgwater College is certainly leading the way in football participation and leadership programmes, and thoroughly deserves the Team Nineteen gold status.

“Its male, female and disability Team Nineteen leagues are run by young people for young people, creating a great playing environment to keep recreational players in the game.

“Through their recent work in creating a Children and Young People football partnership in the area, the college has strong club and community links, offering all players a number of playing opportunities.”

Bridgwater College recently hosted a regional Team Sixteen festival for feeder schools.