U11 Football Qualifiers At JLC
John Leggott College Students Run U11 Schools FA Football Qualifiers, 2026/27
On 23 September 2026, every referee, sports leader and organiser on John Leggott College's 3G pitch was a JLC student. The college hosted the U11 Humberside Schools FA North Lincolnshire Qualifiers, and JLC students helped run the day from start to finish with our partners at Get Ahead.
What happened at the U11 Humberside Schools FA qualifiers at JLC?
Primary school teams played 7-a-side football in two tournaments: a mixed tournament for boys and girls, and a girls' tournament. Both were qualifiers, so teams were playing for a place in the next round of the competition.
The day had a purpose beyond the results. It was designed to support each pupil's development in sport and build football skills through competitive games. For many of the players, it was also their first taste of competing at a college, away from their own school grounds.
What did JLC students do on the day?
They ran it. JLC students worked as match officials, sports leaders and organisers throughout the day, alongside the Get Ahead team.
Officiating a qualifier is different from refereeing a friendly. The results decide which teams go through, so every decision has to be clear and fair. Instructions also have to make sense to under-11 players, and both tournaments have to keep to time.
How does leading sport fit into life at JLC beyond lessons?
Leading events like this sits alongside playing, so students take on responsibility as well as getting fitter. Many of the same students also train and compete for JLC's college sports teams, which play fixtures against other colleges through the year.
"Our students weren't helping out at the edges. They refereed the matches, led the sessions and kept two tournaments running on time, with places in the next round at stake. That's real responsibility, and they handled it brilliantly."
When are the next Get Ahead events at JLC?
Two more primary events are scheduled at the college this term, according to Get Ahead Partnership's primary events listing. KS2 Inclusive Football runs on 15 October 2026, and a KS2 MultiSport Primary Panathlon follows on 10 December 2026.
Thank you to every school, pupil, member of the Get Ahead team and JLC student who made the day happen. Year 11 students who want to see the pitch and campus for themselves can visit at one of JLC's open events.
