Lecturer wins acclaimed award for promoting diversity in sports

Hannah Dale, NSCG Subject Leader for A Level PE, has been recognised for her contribution to sport across the West Midlands, by winning the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Award.

Hannah has played an instrumental role in increasing student engagement and participation in sport and exercise science, for both NSCG and the wider West Midlands region.

With a background in professional football, Hannah played for Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Stoke City before turning to teaching and coaching.

Hannah has been part of the NSCG team for 10 years, taking on key responsibilities including the leadership of NSCG Stafford’s ladies football team and supporting the college’s programme of enrichment to celebrate International Women's Week.

This year, Hannah organised talks from inspiring females representing a variety of sectors, including the world of sport. Students benefited from engaging presentations from experts including Dr Laura Williams, senior lecturer at Staffordshire University who discussed issues around domestic violence and misogyny and Dr Jess Macbeth, senior lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire speaking on gender and disability in sport.

Hannah also arranged for students to attend a workshop at Staffordshire University, where NSCG football teams were invited to engage with Staffordshire Football Association’s 'Stepping over the Sidelines', a project that encourages mums, female guardians, helpers, assistants, young leaders and players to take their first steps into coaching football. From this, a number of female students have been able to provide leadership and coaching activities to hundreds of local primary school children.

Speaking on her award, Hannah said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to have received this national award and thank Todd Bailey, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Public Services, for nominating me.

“I have always remained incredibly passionate about equality and diversity and particularly how sport and education has the ability to unite us, break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment for all. I have always aimed to do this in my teaching, lesson resources, through guest speakers and on the sporting field and continue to be an advocate and role model for women in sport.

“I am pleased at the success of international women’s week and the activities hosted by NSCG and will continue to do this to highlight the barriers and success women have faced in a range of sectors in society.”

Todd Bailey, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Public Services nominated Hannah for the award, he said: “Hannah is incredibly passionate about equal opportunities and improving accessibility to sport for all.

“Her work around International Women’s Day 2024 showcased her efforts in bringing inspiring females into the lives of our learners at NSCG and has created opportunities for many of our young women to engage in physical activity either as participants or in some cases, as leaders.”

“What started as one day of enrichment snowballed into a whole week and has culminated in her being recognised with an AOC Sport National award which is truly fantastic, and inspiring in itself.”

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