The Arun Youth Community Awards are co-ordinated by the Rotary in Arun. This year is the first time the awards have run since 2019, with all local schools being invited to put forward nominations from November 2021.

The Awards are presented to young people between the ages of 11 and 19 years, resident in the Arun District, who are nominated for being:-

•     An exceptionally caring person
•     An especially brave person
•     Someone who has volunteered
•     Or raised money for charity

A massive well done to the following students from FCC who were nominated within the different  categories:

Age 11 – 13                 Elisa Cauchy-Duval (year 9), Max Chester (year 8), Rylee Newman (year 8)
Age 14 – 16                 Ruby-May Rainey (year 10) and Zalia Ali (year 12)
Age 17 – 19                 Adam Hughes (year 12), Antoana Micheva (year 13), Jodie Price (year 13), Joseph Reavey (year 13) and Phebe Allies (year 13)

Group nomination    The FCC Eco Team, with particular reference to Adam Francis (year 10), Adam Hughes (year 10), Finlay Clark (year 9), Hannah Phillips (10), Kaleo Albert (year 9) and Mollie Phillips (year 10).

A special mention and extra well done goes to Zalia Ali who was given a Commendation in the 14-16 category,Adam Hughes who won the 17- 19 category, with Antoana Micheva also been given a special Commendation in this category. FCC also won the Group Award for the amazing work the Eco Team do which was incredible as they were up against stiff competition from across the locality!

At the beginning of March, Felpham Community College organised a donation drive for the Ukraine. Organised by school staff, the FCC community were encouraged to bring in a wide range of equipment and supplies to support families in the Ukraine and Poland.

JW Sports in Bognor Regis collected and sorted the donations, with the help of local volunteers. These will go out to the Ukraine and Poland shortly, along with donations from other local collection points. Greenwoods Removals of Chichester have kindly donated the delivery vans, with fuel funded by the community.

Ms Sabatier, Teacher of Modern Languages, commented:
“At Felpham we are a “Rights Respecting School”, and with the awful news of what is happening in the Ukraine, we immediately wanted to do something to help. Students across year groups were encouraged to bring items in – such as medical supplies, pet supplies, camping equipment and long-life food. Staff also helped with donations. On  Thursday 17^th March, JW Sports came and collected what we had organised, with our students helping to sort and load the bus. Many thanks to everyone for your help – a great community effort.”

The Felpham Community College year 7 girls football team has had an incredible season so far. Only joining together as a team in September, they won every friendly match they played last term, also winning the District tournament in November. They continued this success with the County Cup, making it through to the Quarter Finals, held on Wednesday 9^th February. Unfortunately, their winning streak came to an end at this point, when their competitors – Millais School in Horsham –  scored an amazing wonder goal in extra time taking the final score to 3-2.

On Thursday 16^th February, the team attended a celebration event, hosted by FCC year 12 sports students. It was a chance for the older students to congratulate the girls on their achievements this academic year and answer any questions about what other sporting opportunities will be available to them.

Mr Whiffin, Deputy Headteacher, commented:
“The  drive and dedication the team has shown has been inspiring. They have supported each other throughout the season, training regularly and showing complete dedication at every training session and fixture. It has been great to have an older student, Ruby-Mae in year 10, coaching them and setting the standard so high. The girls have shown what brilliant Sports Ambassadors they are for FCC and they have a great sporting future ahead of them. Well done to the whole team and their coach. We now look forward to ending this season with some more wins (hopefully!) and planning and preparing for next year!”

Izzy English, year 7 student commented:
“I have really enjoyed playing for the year 7 girls football team since September. I’ve made new friends and I like how competitive it is compared to primary school with more fixtures and events. Playing against other schools is a good experience and we also train every week which is hard work but rewarding. I play for Bognor as well as for my school and I have also been picked for the County team so I am loving all the practice and matches!”

Ruby-Mae Rainey, year 10 student:
“I have played football since I was 5, for Felpham Colts and for my primary school and now Felpham. I want to get into coaching as a profession so this is a good experience for me and it is also part of my Duke of Edinburgh award. I also coach younger kids for a local football academy. I am really proud of the girls, they have worked hard and have learnt a lot since September, especially learning each other’s strengths and working as a team. All our wins have been fantastic. The tea party was really nice, thank you to Felpham for organising it for us!