Students, community groups and councillors came together last week to celebrate the power of sport in our communities at the University of London (UWL) with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. More than 120 employers and organisations came out to celebrate the impact the Trust and UWL are making in the local community. The evening also included the premier of a video created by students and graduates from the university for the Trust, which highlights how sport is being used to help people realise their potential.

Special guests, including former Brentford player and now Assistant Head Coach Kevin O'Connor, took part in a panel discussion about the role sport can play in the local community. The filmmakers, Rahima Bibi; Jasper Koryczan; Elvinas Kasparas and Daniel Frangulea were also interviewed about the importance of real-world placements to help them begin their careers.

Lee Doyle, CEO of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, spoke about the benefits for the Trust and the university. He said: “The night exemplified how two organisations – when they collaborate successfully – can create a ‘win-win result. Not only did the students gain vital skills that will equip them for the world of work, they also shone a light on the impact we are making in our surrounding communities.”

Professor Anthony Woodman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UWL, said: “By providing our students with real-life placements, we can set them up for their careers, and this is possible thanks to the innovative work of our partners. We are delighted to be able to showcase the great work done by our Placement and Employment Service Team and our students here tonight.”

Jasper Koryczan, third year film production student at UWL and who helped make the short film, said: “This project was a perfect opportunity for us to use what we have learnt and gain experience while juggling different needs and pressures. It was a great opportunity to work with a passionate organisation and has given us all the confidence and ability to continue and put our skills into practice in the workplace.”

You can watch the video they produced here.