With over 60 scholars in attendance, it was an opportunity for parents and staff to celebrate the commendable work the students have conducted as part of this nationwide project.

Since the turn of the new academic year, the Trust’s first-year students have partnered with YouthMoves and engaged in NCS – a programme that acts a gateway to the big society for many young people.

The overriding aim of the three-phased programme is to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society. This is accomplished by mixing participants of varying backgrounds, helping them develop greater confidence, self-awareness and responsibility.

The project has seen the students deliver over 1,800 hours of voluntary work, and raise just shy of £3,000, all of which was equally split between the three chosen charities – LinkAge, 16-25 Independent People and Young Carers.

Commenting on the evening, head of education Chris Stenner said: “The NCS graduation is always an extremely proud moment for myself and my staff. The work the students have conducted is remarkable.”

Joe Hesketh, Community Trust sports lecturer added: “Just a few months ago we had all these students arrive at Ashton Gate for their respective courses and they were all extremely nervous and anxious about what awaited them.

“However, this NCS programme has brought the best out of them in such a short period of time.

“It has filled each of them with confidence, it has helped develop friendships, and it has also shown them on a first-hand basis how important community work is throughout the city, moulding them all into well-rounded young adults.

“I would also like to thank YouthMoves for their continued efforts, along with the three chosen charities we worked with – the work they each conduct is truly fantastic.”

If you would like to be involved in a similar type of event in the next academic year, then there is the opportunity to do so by enroling on to one of the Trust’s education programmes.

Anyone interested in this opportunity should attend the next education open evening on Monday, 27th February at 7pm at Ashton Gate. To book, please e-mail emily.cleaves@bcfc.co.uk. For more information on the available courses click here.