University Centre students empower peers through self-defence classes

Two Coaching, Physical Education and Sports Development Foundation Degree students at Barnsley College University Centre are helping fellow students build confidence and learn practical self-defence skills through a series of weekly training sessions.

Calum Crookes and Joseph Vickerage developed the initiative as part of their Practical Skills in Sports Development unit, which requires students to design and deliver a six-week sports development programme supported by research and a clear rationale.

The sessions, which take place on Friday mornings at the Sports Village, with around 18 participants attending each class.

Calum, who runs his own martial arts business alongside his studies, helped shape the project after recognising the importance of improving female engagement in sport and self-defence training. Through feedback from students and research into local crime trends, the pair identified a demand for practical skills that could help young people feel safer and more confident.

Calum explains: “We named the project Chatterboxing as the participants are learning a mixture of kickboxing and self-defence with the aim to empower them, but we also include a conversation in our lessons to try and create a feeling of community and agency between the group.”

The initiative also links to a wider student-led project supported by the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student Leadership Programme. The programme encourages students to develop leadership skills while creating opportunities that promote inclusion, wellbeing and participation in sport.

As part of the project, students successfully applied for an AoC Student Project Grant, securing £250 to purchase boxing gloves and pads to support the sessions. The equipment allows more students to take part in repeat classes and ensures participants can practice techniques safely.

The idea was first developed following student feedback from several curriculum areas including Hair and Beauty, Catering, Travel and Tourism, Childcare, and Learning for Living and Work. Many students reported feeling vulnerable during darker evenings and busy social periods and wanted opportunities to learn basic self-defence techniques and build confidence.

The project was also inspired by wider national conversations around women’s safety, including the impact of the Sarah Everard case, which continues to raise awareness about personal safety and empowerment.

By delivering the sessions themselves, Calum and Joseph are gaining valuable experience in leadership, coaching and sports development, while making a positive difference to the wider College community.

Amanda Sowerby, Physical Activity and Sports Coordinator at Barnsley College, said: “Calum and Joseph are excellent role models and mentors. This project promotes and inspires the female student body at the College to participate in sport and physical activity whilst raising their awareness of personal safety on our streets and open spaces.

“From a mental health and wellbeing angle this activity ticks the box - encouraging movement and discussion in at a moment of skill development. Female students can candidly share their worries in a hard-hitting environment.

“The College embraces these fully inclusive sessions in line with the AoC Sport vision. As a College , do our utmost to support students, such as Calum and Joseph to take on leadership roles to increase opportunities for their peers to become physically active. A worthy byproduct in this instance is supporting female safety.”

The self-defence classes form part of a broader programme of activities designed to create inclusive opportunities for students to develop confidence, wellbeing and practical life skills through sport.

Joseph states: “We've had some really positive feedback from participants, saying that they've really enjoyed it, learnt a lot from it and want to come again.” Calum added: “I plan to continue delivering the classes for free to girls and women, not just at the College but also through my business Savage Martial Arts.”