College students take centre stage in takeover

A North East college has stepped up to the plate courtside, giving students live event experience during a basketball fixture.

Newcastle College students played a leading role during Newcastle Eagles’ Super League Basketball Play-Off Quarter-Final against the London Lions at the Vertu Arena.

Described as the biggest student-led takeover at an Eagles men’s fixture, learners supported multiple aspects of the event in front of a packed crowd on one of the club’s biggest nights of the season.

Students worked across performance, hospitality, digital production and customer experience roles throughout the evening.

Catering students from the College’s Canteen Club prepared almost 200 desserts for VIP guests in the Brian Manning Suite, while the Chef’s Academy also provided the Eagles squad with a pre-match meal earlier in the week.

Digital Arts students captured live and behind-the-scenes content during the game, while Performing Arts learners staged a half-time performance. 

Music students took on DJ duties and Travel and Tourism learners supported front-of-house operations.

The takeover formed part of Newcastle College’s long-standing partnership with the Eagles, helping students gain practical industry experience in a professional live event setting.

Jessica Smith, a Level 2 Professional Cookery student at Newcastle College, said: “Being part of the Canteen Club has brought us so many great opportunities and memories. 

“As a team, we’ve been working hard to get everything ready for this event, and the prep has definitely been more intense than a regular day in the kitchen.

“Knowing the desserts were being served at the Eagles game made the whole experience feel a lot more real, and it means a lot to be trusted to produce and serve them on that scale.”

Emily Carmody, who is studying CertHE Commercial Dance at Newcastle College University Centre, added: “The atmosphere at the Eagles game was amazing. 

“Having the crowd behind us made it a fun, exciting and completely different experience.

“From studio to court, the dancers worked really hard to make the performance special for the takeover, and it was an honour to step onto the court for the last time as captain of the Dance Team. 

“The Newcastle College takeover made the final game even more memorable.”

The initiative also highlighted the College’s focus on employability and industry collaboration across multiple subject areas.

Lisa Hamilton-Murray, deputy principal at Newcastle College, added: “This takeover is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when our students are given the opportunity to work in real, high-profile environments. 

“From performance and production through to hospitality and customer experience, they have demonstrated professionalism, teamwork and a real commitment to delivering at a high standard.

“It’s fantastic to see them step up and deliver in an environment like this, and to know they’re gaining the kind of experience that will stay with them as they move into their careers.”

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