Elevate programme sees Club Doncaster Sports College students hit new heights in Yorkshire Dales

Through the support of the Elevate programme, 20 Club Doncaster Sports College students and four members of staff travelled to Grinton Lodge recently, in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for an unforgettable three-day residential experience.

Designed to challenge students both physically and mentally through a range of outward bound activities, the residential helped students to develop resilience, teamwork and confidence away from their usual sporting environments.

The action-packed weekend began on Saturday under glorious sunshine as students took on the challenge of climbing and abseiling at Downholme. Demonstrating courage and determination, the group pushed themselves out of their comfort zones while supporting one another every step of the way.

In the afternoon, the group travelled to Ellerton Park Lake to enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking. There was plenty of laughter as students and staff tested their balance on the water, with almost everyone taking an unexpected dip at some point, including the teachers.

Sunday saw the group lace up their walking boots for a hike along part of the famous Coast to Coast Path, making their way into the picturesque village of Reeth. The students were rewarded with stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales and had the opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural beauty (and ice cream parlour) whilst developing their endurance and teamwork.

After returning to the lodge, the students saw them take on a bushcraft survival challenge, putting their problem-solving skills, communication and creativity to the test as they worked together to complete a series of survival themed tasks.

Throughout the residential, students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. The experience provided an excellent opportunity for athletes from different programmes to strengthen friendships, develop leadership skills and build a stronger sense of team spirit.

Assistant Principal Ben Thompson praised the students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the trip: “Staff are incredibly proud of the conduct of the students, who represented Club Doncaster excellently throughout the residential. All students gave every task their best efforts and have really come together as a group.

"Thank you to The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation and the Elevate project for making the residential possible – we look forward to seeing their progress on the back of the programme.”

The Elevate programme gives the opportunity to offer local young people, live changing experiences and workshops, aimed at developing their skills and readiness to progress into further education or employment.