Saddlers boss Dean Smith hands footballers silver medals

The Saddlers manager was at Walsall College's new £11million business and sports hub to give supported learning students silver medals following a regional football tournament.

The team, which represent the college, beat off tough competition from four other West Midlands' colleges in the regional final but narrowly missed out on gold medals, despite scoring an impressive 14 goals and only losing their final game during the tournament.

Paul Bagnall, curriculum manager for students with learning difficulties or disabilities, said: "Many of the students are big Saddlers fans so they were really excited about being presented with their medals by Dean.

"It was a great reward for all the hard work and commitment they put in to the tournament and beforehand in training sessions.

"We are all very proud of their achievement."

During his visit, Dean was also given a tour of the sports hub, including its gym which is fitted with over £100,000 worth of top of the range fitness equipment, the multi-purpose sports hall, which can be hired for a range of team sports, and the sports injury clinic.

Smith said: "The Hub is a fantastic venue which is clearly focused on providing quality services and facilities for the whole community.

"It is just what we need in Walsall.

"The sports facilities are exceptional and have been created to very high industry standards.

"I'm looking forward to strengthening the club's partnership with the college and exploring more ways in which can work together."

Walsall College's sports development co-ordinator, Mark Howard, said: "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase the hub and the new sports facilities to Dean.

"There are a number of additional partnerships we are exploring together which will help to enrich our Sport curriculum and develop students' industry skills further, and also support Walsall FC in their ambitions."