STUDENTS are celebrating getting the chance to do more sports after winning a slice of lottery cash.

East Durham College, based at Peterlee, is one of 40 colleges across the country to share in £2m of National Lottery money that is being invested by Sport England.

The funding will go on initiatives to get more students playing sport .

Further education college students play the least sport of young people aged 16 and over who are in education.

Rose Fraser, East Durham College’s Sport Development Officer , said: “Having listened to the students’ voice we can now offer them access to sport-specific coaches in a broad range of activities, inspiring them to start and enjoy sport and increase their level of activity.

“We believe our project will improve the health and well-being of our students, raising their aspirations and their quality of life in college.”

East Durham College asked more than 800 of its students what would make them play more sport.

Based on the answers the college developed a plan to revamping the sporting activity that it provides.

It will be offering free gym induction sessions and the use of its fitness gym to all students.

The college is also linking up with local sports groups so that students get the opportunity to join a club and play sport outside of their studies Gaps in the students’ timetables have also been identified by the college. 

During these times, the college will offer students the chance to take part in multi-sport activities with guidance from specialist coaches.

Mike Diaper, Sport England’s Director of Community Sport, said: “This funding is another big boost for college sport, giving many more students the chance to take advantage of more sporting opportunities."