COLLEGE sportsmen and women have been awarded for their commitment and passion to their sport of choice.

Among the winners at Priestley College’s annual awards were the Sports Personalities of the Year, Mo Essa and Natasha Ryder.

Footballer Mo was outstanding on the pitch, captained Priestley’s undefeated second team and completed his BTEC Extended Diploma in Football with high grades showing as much focus on his studies as his sport.

Warrington Guardian:

Mo Essa

Natasha impressed in playing for Warrington Wolves’ under 19s squad, completed her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and achieved a triple distinction.

Warrington Guardian:

Natasha Ryder

“Both displayed the qualities you would hope to see in any top-class sportsperson,” said Nigel Howells, Priestley’s head of sport.

“They play with passion, but also with great fairness and also know how to inspire those around them.”

Honours also went to Shannon Potter, Molly Boniface-Ashton, Abraham Dannan and Kenny Bernal for their achievements on the international stage.

Kenny played for England U18s Schoolboys earlier this year. He chose to study at Priestley after moving to England from Spain where he trained with Atletico Madrid before moving to Cheshire.

Warrington Guardian:

Abraham Dannan, left, and Kenny Bernal

Awards were also given out to the players’ players in basketball, rugby league and netball.

“Sport, like everything else this year, has been severely affected by the pandemic, which made it even more important for us to celebrate the achievements of these students,” said Nigel.