Bridgwater & Taunton College has launched the Luke Buckingham Sports Scholarship for students who are making outstanding progress in their sport.

The scholarship has been created in memory of Luke, the founder of the College’s Team BC (now Team BTC) Sport provision, who passed away in 2015.

Bridgwater Mercury:

It recognises those students who are not only competing in sport at a high standard, but are also excelling in their academic study and contributing to the wider sporting community.  

This year, the £1,000 scholarship has been awarded to Lauren Filer (Level 3 Sport), Jodie Filer (A Levels) and Tilly Bond (Level 3 Uniformed Public Services), who will represent Somerset County Cricket Club on their tour of Sri Lanka in February.

All of these students have made an exceptional start at college, managing to balance their sporting performance with their course studies, and are developing into well-rounded student athletes.

Sam Reilly, Head of Sport, Outdoor Education and Public Services said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise and support the high aspirations of our students and have no doubt that this scholarship will support Tilly, Lauren and Jodie to develop as cricketers.

"All three students share important values that we hold as a college and their passion, drive and commitment to be the best student athletes they can be makes them worthy recipients of this award”.

Luke's father, Bob Buckingham said: “Gill and I are delighted that this annual award has been created in Luke's name. It is heart-warming to know that it recognises and rewards outstanding students who epitomise the qualities he held so dear and truly embrace the spirit of #betterneverstops”.

Luke's wife, Holly Buckingham added: “It was a pleasure to meet the girls who, not only are a credit to their families and the College, but epitomise everything that Luke was about when it came to sport and sports development.

"As always, it was heart-warming to see his legacy continue to play out at the College, through both the continued commitment of the staff and the drive and ambition of the students”.

If you are currently in year 11 and would like to apply for the Luke Buckingham Sports Scholarship for September 2018, email Sam Reilly at reillys@bridgwater.ac.uk for details on how to apply.