Friday 30th August 2024

The popular course returns for an eighth year with students from all SSS member institutions invited to apply.

Applications for the 2024/25 SSS Leadership Programme are open!

Now in it’s eighth year, the Programme is an opportunity for aspiring young leaders, to come together to learn new skills, share experiences, and connect with others across the network.

The programme consists of a series of masterclass sessions held online across semester one and two. These masterclasses are led by members of the SSS Network who are experts in their field and have a wealth of knowledge about the sector.

These topics vary however previous years have seen discussions around: leadership styles, sport and employability and what success looks like.

Previous attendees have gone on to hold numerous student leadership and sabbatical positions following the course. Strong connections built across the Scottish sporting network have also proven beneficial in helping students find roles in National Governing Bodies and sports organisations.

Whether or not you plan on working in sport after your studies, the Programme will set you up well for entering the world of work.

The Application Process

For the first time, students can apply directly rather than be nominated through their institution. This decision has been made to ensure the opportunity is open to all students, including underrepresented groups and those currently unknown to institution staff.

We would still love for institutions to send details across to students they believe may benefit from being part of the 2024/25 intake.

Applicants simply need to be a registered student in a SSS member institution. The vast majority of Scottish universities and colleges are SSS members, so please do apply no matter your institution.

While sessions will be a mix of virtual and in person, you must be able to attend the first on 4th October.

Applications are via the Typeform link below and will remain open until 25th September. We will contact all applicants shortly afterwards with a decision. Any questions should be directed to the Course Lead, Jo Foster.

Sign up here

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Tuesday 6th August 2024

About to begin your studies in Scotland? Find out how you can get involved in student sport at your new university or college

Uni of Aberdeen hockey students crowded round a phone taking a photo at Conference Final 2024

Just had your place confirmed to study at a Scottish university or college this September? Congratulations!

Beginning your studies already brings lots of challenges and opportunities, but there’s one area we hope you consider when you rock up to campus next month: sport.

We’re on a mission to ensure every student in Scotland can be active, so read on below to find out how you can participate in physical activity as a student this year.

Who are Scottish Student Sport (SSS)?

The SSS staff team together for a group photo with a countryside background

Your fabulous SSS staff team

We’re glad you asked! SSS are the governing body for student sport in Scotland. We run sports events, provide development opportunities, and generally advocate for the amazing world of student sport on behalf of our members. Currently, 25 universities and colleges across Scotland are SSS members, ensuring they can access the resources we offer.

Similar to us are BUCS who run student sport across the UK, including a number of fixtures and competitions that involve Scottish institutions. The work we do is in close collaboration with BUCS, and we ensure Scottish interests are represented on a national scale.

Now you know the difference, let’s look at how you can get active as a student.

Step 1: What’s on offer?

The provision of sport at your institution will vary depending on where you’re heading. Some will have on-campus facilities like a gym, pitches and sports halls for you to utilise, while others may rely on partnerships to ensure you can stay active. Similarly, the number of sports clubs offered will differ so it’s worth doing some early research to know what to expect.

Head to your institution’s website and have a look at what’s on offer under sport and recreation. Check out the list of clubs and sports, and contact any clubs you may be interested in joining. Feeling inspired after watching the Olympics? This is your chance to try that new sport for the first time!

Going to college this year? 16 Scottish colleges now have an Active Campus Coordinator (with more on the way), who support with providing sporting opportunities. Keep an eye out for them when you begin your studies, or reach out to find out what’s on offer.

Step 2: Have a taste

Uni of Aberdeen hockey students crowded round a phone taking a photo at Conference Final 2024

Once Welcome Week rolls around, you’ll find that most sports clubs will offer taster sessions for you to try before committing to the club. These cater for everyone beginner to advanced, and mean you can meet your potential new teammates in a fun and relaxed environment.

Also make sure to visit the institution’s sports facilities. Many will offer free access for new students during Welcome Week, or may have offers available if you’re ready to sign up.

Step 3: Get involved (on and off the pitch)

You’ve found your new favourite sport or activity option. What now?

As we said, SSS offer much more than just competitive opportunities for Scottish students. Our amazing Development team are here to support aspiring match officials, coaches, volunteers and sports leaders.

However you want to be involved in sport, we’re here to help. Just head to our directory and reach out to the relevant staff member.

P.S. keep an eye out for our popular Leadership Academy – relaunching soon!


The SSS Network is a vibrant community of sports lovers and offers so many ways for students and staff to get involved, no matter your interests.

Be sure to follow us to keep up to date with all things SSS throughout your studies! Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Monday 5th August 2024

Find out the results from our 2024 AGM where 12 individuals were elected onto Scottish Student Sport committees.

The Scottish Student Sport network came together for our Annual General Meeting, which took place virtually on Wednesday 7th August.
Alongside business and financial updates from the organisation, voting took place for vacant positions on our three committees: Executive, Competitions and Development.

On our Executive Committee, Chris Sellar (Heriot-Watt) and Euan Smith (Glasgow) were both elected for two year staff member terms. Ian Gaunt (St. Andrews) was voted in for one year as a staff member.

Taking up the one year student positions are Ryan Cairns (Edinburgh Napier), Mia Jennings (Dundee), and Philine Rouwers (Edinburgh).

Moving to our Competitions Committee, and our two staff member positions were filled by Ben Graham (Heriot-Watt) and Johnathan McLeod (UWS). Aonghus Sellar (SS Football) was elected as the Sports Chair Representative.

The two student positions reopened nominations with interest to be registered with Julia Stenhouse.

Finally, our Development Committee saw Andrew Kirk (City of Glasgow College) elected as the College Lead. The two student representatives voted on were Anna Edvaldsson (Strathclyde) and Alex Chan-Taylor (Heriot-Watt).

Thank you to all those who attended our AGM and best of luck to our new elected representatives over the coming year!

Committees in Full

Executive Council 2024/2025:

Name

Institution

First date elected

End date current term

6 years in role

SSS Chair- Jonny Pearson

Edinburgh College

August 2023

July 2026

July 2029

Dev Chair- Katherine Corbett

RGU

June 2021

July 2025

July 2027

Comps Chair- Eamonn Laird

Dundee

June 2022

July 2025

July 2028

Staff Member – Chris Sellar

Heriot-Watt

June 2022

July 2026

July 2028

Staff Member – Euan Smith

Glasgow

August 2024

July 2026

July 2029

Staff Member – Ian Gaunt

St. Andrews

June 2022

July 2025

July 2028

Student Member – Ryan Cairns

Edinburgh Napier

August 2024

July 2025

July 2029

Student Member – Mia Jennings

Dundee

August 2024

July 2025

July 2029

Student Member – Philine Rouwers

Edinburgh

August 2024

July 2025

July 2029

Please note that representative(s) from sportscotland, SFC and BUCS may also be present at Executive Council meetings.

 

Competitions Committee 2024/25:

Name

Institution

First date elected

End date current term

6 years in role

Comps Chair- Eamonn Laird

Dundee

June 2022

July 2025

July 2028

Staff Member – Ben Graham

Heriot-Watt

August 2024

July 2026

July 2028

Staff Member – Johnathan MacLeod

UWS

June 2022

July 2026

July 2028

Student Member – Vacant

August 2024

July 2025

July 2030

Student Member – Vacant

August 2024

July 2025

July 2030

Aonghus Sellar – Sports Chair

SS Football

August 2024

July 2025

July 2030

 

Please note that the Fixtures Forum Chair may also be present at Competitions Committee meetings.

 

Development Committee 2024/25:

Name

Institution

First date elected

End date current term

6 years in role

Dev Chair- Katherine Corbett

Edinburgh

June 2021

July 2025

July 2027

Sport & Active Health Lead- Jordan Moore

Heriot-Watt

August 2023

July 2025

July 2029

Inclusion & Culture Lead- Jenny Beedie

Glasgow

August 2023

July 2025

July 2029

Learning & People Lead- Neil Rankin

Edinburgh

August 2023

July 2025

July 2029

Colleges Lead- Andrew Kirk

CofGC

August 2024

August 2026

July 2030

Student Member – Anna Edvaldsson

Strathclyde

August 2024

July 2025

July 2029

Student Member – Alex Chan-Taylor

Heriot-Watt

August 2024

July 2025

July 2029

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Tuesday 9th July 2024

SSS AGM 2024 is confirmed for Wednesday 7th August. Check out all the info you need, including accessing supporting papers.

Details for the 2024 Scottish Student Sport Annual General Meeting have been confirmed with all members, volunteers and partners invited to attend.

The AGM will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday 7th August with an 11:00 kick off.

Supporting papers can be accessed on the event page below, and will be issued via email to all voting members 7 days prior to the AGM. Zoom calls will also be circulated to all attendees at this time.

As a member organisation, our AGM is an important event in our annual fixture list. Alongside reporting back on our strategic and financial goals, we have the election of a number of positions and committees who help us operate.

We hope to see a healthy turnout across our members, volunteers and partners as we prepare for the 2024/25 season. In the meantime, any AGM enquiries can be sent to SSS Business Manager Julia Stenhouse via email or telephone: +44 (0) 7532311467.

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Monday 8th July 2024

Support Scottish Student Shinty in 2024/25 as the new Vice Chair! We’re looking for someone to help support our Development Group.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS), the governing body for student sport in Scotland, is looking for the next amazing individual to take on the role of Vice Chair for our Shinty Development Group.

The Development Group coordinate event delivery, communicate with student clubs and participants, and work with the Camanachd Association to enhance the student sporting experience.


Vice Chair

The selected individual will be a key figure in supporting the growth and development of shinty across the Scottish student environment.

Working alongside the Chair and SSS, you will assist in the organisation of shinty events in Scotland, and act as an important communicator with student clubs to ensure their thoughts are heard.

View the job description here.


How to Apply

You can apply for the role by sending a CV and Covering Letter to eilidhgibson@scottishstudentsport.com. Please detail on your email which role you are applying for.

Applications close midnight Sunday 31st October.

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Friday 14th June 2024

Read about the eight worthy winners of our 2024 SSS Awards, handed out at a ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Stirling Court Hotel.

Aonghus Sellar collecting the Dr Rob Macpherson Quaich from Dave Baker of Decathlon UK on stage

The annual Scottish Student Sports Awards took place on Wednesday 12th June at Stirling Court Hotel, where eight deserving recipients were rewarded for their commitment over the season.

The awards up for grabs on Wednesday night celebrated everyone from our top performing athletes and clubs, through to our hard working volunteers and the coaches delivering success on the student stage.

Thank you to everyone who helped the night run so smoothly. Particular thanks must go to Decathlon who supplied a range of exciting prizes for our winners. The successful recipients of the two man tent were the talk of the night!

Here’Fs who walked away with the awards on Wednesday.

Coach of the Year: Dean Robertson (University of Stirling)

Under Dean’s guidance, the UoS Golf Club have achieved remarkable national and international success in the past 12 months. His golfers have delivered consistent podium finishes across all SSS Golf competitions (men’s, women’s & team), and delivered team league success in both the Conference Cup and BUCS Championship.

This athletes also achieved top three finishes in the R&A Student Tour, while Dean has been appointed as the GB&I Captain for the Walker Cup later this year – setting a new benchmark for student golf at the highest level in the amateur game.

Also shortlisted:

  • Mat Trodden (University of Edinburgh, swimming)
  • Stuart Milne (University of St. Andrews, football)

Club of the Year: University of St. Andrews Tennis Club

With a record 400+ members, Saints Tennis combined performance and participation by achieving the highest number of BUCS points in the institution while simultaneously running a very successful recreational programme.

Tennis Scotland’s 2x University of the Year delivered over 16 hours of weekly sessions, including adding new pickleball and other racket sports to their offering. Outside of the univeristy, they launched three community outreach and workforce development project, including their Tennis for Girls initiatives which introduces tennis to new female junior players, and their parents.

Also shortlisted:

  • University of Dundee Dance Club
  • University of Aberdeen Futsal Club
  • University of Stirling Men’s Rugby Club

Team of the Year: University of Edinburgh Women’s Orienteering

It’s been a year of domination for UoE’s female orienteerers. They secured the top six teams at the Scottish Student Orienteering Championships, and lifted their 10th consecutive BUCS title. Such was their strength, they won 56 out of the 60 BUCS points available in women’s orienteering this year! Five individuals were selected to represent GB at the FISU World Orienteering Championships.

Outside of student sport, their athletes enjoyed multiple podium finishes at the British Orienteering Championships, and six athletes have been selected to compete in international competition.

Also shortlisted:

  • University of Strathclyde Women’s Water Polo 1’s
  • University of St. Andrews Women’s Football

Male Athlete of the Year: Charlie Aldridge (University of Edinburgh)

Reigning Male Athlete of the Year Charlie made it a second successive title on Wednesday and it’s no surprise seeing his list of accolades this season.

The now professional XC rider competed in four rounds of the 2023 UCI World Cup and picked up European bronze at U23 level.

His crowning moment, however, came when he collected a first rainbow jersey by winning the 2023 UCI World Championships, competing at home in the Tweed Valley.

Also shortlisted:

  • Ben Sandilands (SRUC, athletics)
  • Greg Lobban (Heriot-Watt University, squash)

Female Athlete of the Year: Megan Keith (University of Edinburgh)

2023/24 has been a real breakthrough year for Megan. At age grade level, she won two European Golds, with British and European records falling along the way. In the XC season, here 1 min 23 winning margin was more than double the Championship’s best ever.

After getting her first taste of senior track competition at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, this week Megan stormed to Bronze at the European Championships in Rome over the 10k. Later this summer she’ll make her Olympics debut.

Also shortlisted:

  • Katie Shanahan (University of Stirling, swimming)
  • Faye Rogers (University of Aberdeen, swimming)

Volunteer of the Year: Tom Stewart (University of St. Andrews)

There aren’t many jobs Tom doesn’t do in the footballing world at Saints Sport. This year he took on the roles of United Colleges Amateur Football Manager, Receational Coach, Sunday Leagues Coordinator, 2nd Team Player/Coach, and Club Vice-President.

He led twice weekly rec training sessions, and created a club buddy scheme for new members. Supporting athletes at every level of the sport has been his passion, which saw Tom develop a pathway for lover team players to progress across multiple squads.

His popular Sunday league and 6-a-side matches boosted participation, and also supported multiple charity initiatives with over £4.5k raised. His week-in-week-out dedication is unrivaled and his passion for the club and sport is clear for all to see.

Also shortlisted:

  • Gary Caldwell (University of Stirling, football)
  • Alyth Allen (University of Glasgow)

Honorary President’s Medal: Ross Simpson

Ross had dedicated over 15 years of his career to developing student sport at every level.

From his time as Sports Union President at Heriot-Watt University, Ross was a SUS/SSS staff member for six years before moving down the stairs of 48 Pleasance to University of Edinburgh Sport, where over a nine year tenure was instrumental in the great expansion of EUSU.

Ross has taken on many additional responsibilities including being an SSS Executive Committee Member, sitting on various BUCS Committees, helping lead the Volunteer Zambia programme, and having key FISU involvements at the World University Games in 2019 and 2024.

Dr Rob Macpherson Award: Aonghus Sellar (SS Football)

The Dr. Rob Macpherson Award is a special one for SSS – honouring a remarkable man, while celebrating the incredible work that volunteers do to keep our sports and events running throughout the year.

Our recipient for this year has been instrumental in reshaping the image and success of SS Football’s digital presence. Aonghus has put tireless work into reporting on student activities from across Scotland, and doing in-depth research into the history of our competitions to reach a new generation.

Despite being in a new full-time role, Aonghus has no hesitation about using holidays to support, and this season he attended all Conference Finals, plus our Men’s and Women’s Football Finals – even though they took place on separate days!

Aonghus has been a consistent and enthusiastic communicator with the clubs and as he steps up to the Chair role for 2024/25, we can’t wait to see what he has planned to help grow the sport over the coming year.

Also shortlisted:

  • Kirsten Mullen (SS Athletics)
  • Sandy Bond (SS Cycling)
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Monday 3rd June 2024

Join the team: Scottish Student Volleyball are recruiting for a new Workforce Officer to join the active Development Group.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS), the governing body for student sport in Scotland, is seeking an energetic and committed individual to act as one of the lead volunteers within Scottish Student Volleyball.

The Development Group coordinate event delivery, communicate with student clubs and participants, and work with Scottish Volleyball to enhance the student sporting experience.


Workforce Officer

The selected individual will be a key figure in driving the recruitment and retention of officials and coaches, supported by SSS staff. This will see you become part of the Reffin’ Brilliant programme.

You will also support SS Volleyball events, contribute to the generation of a Volleyball Sport Development Plan, and work with the group to identify key areas of work for the coming year.

View the job description here.


How to Apply

You can apply for the role by sending a CV and Covering Letter to eilidh@scottishstudentsport.com. Please detail on your email which role you are applying for.

Applications close midnight Sunday 25th August.

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Tuesday 28th May 2024

Join Scottish Student Boxing to help grow the sport across Scottish institutions as the new Communications Officer.

Boxing Image

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Scottish Student Boxing as their new Communications Officer ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Scottish Student Boxing’s Development Group is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport across the Scottish Environment. This will offer excellent opportunities to work alongside key partners to deliver long term success for boxing in Scotland.


Communications Officer

As the Communications Officer your main responsibility will be to support the SS Boxing Chair and SSS by publicising the sport and its activity (e.g. posting on social media channels).

Your other responsibilities are taking minutes from the SS Boxing Meetings, ensuring regular communication between the Chairs and clubs, promotion of club activities via the SS Boxing channels, promotion of Scottish Boxing material and working with the SSS Communications Coordinator on the general promotion of Boxing as a whole.

View the job description here.


How to Apply

You can apply for any of the roles by sending a CV and Covering Letter to ben@scottishstudentsport.com. Please detail on your email which role you would like to apply for.

Applications close midnight Sunday 25th August.

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Tuesday 28th May 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Scottish Student Cycling Development Group as Vice Chair. Will you step up to the task?

Scottish Student Sport (SSS), the governing body for student sport in Scotland, are seeking new individuals to join our active Development Group.

We are looking for a new Vice Chair and Road & Cyclocross Lead.

The role will see you work as part of the sport’s Development Group, alongside other volunteers, SSS staff, and other partners to help run and grow the sport across the Scottish student environment.


Vice Chair

The selected individual will be one of the key figures in the drive towards improving and strengthening student cycling in Scotland as part of the SS Cycling Development Group.

The Vice Chair will work with SSS staff and the Chair to support the coordination of event delivery, feed in to strategic planning, communicate with student participants, support event volunteers and improve both SGB engagement & club development.

View the job description here.


Road & Cyclocross Lead

Supporting a growing area of the Development Group, you will have responsibilities in the areas of event delivery and sport development across the year.

You will also aim to ensure the student voice is heard, and support Scottish Cycling in growing the sport across the country.

View the job description here.


How to Apply

You can apply for any of the roles by sending a CV and Covering Letter to ben@scottishstudentsport.com. Please detail on your email which role you would like to apply for.

Applications close midnight Sunday 25th August.

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Tuesday 28th May 2024

Join Scottish Student Lacrosse now! We’re recruiting for a new Chair, Communications Coordinator, and Student Representative.

Edinburgh Uni Lacrosse

Scottish Student Lacrosse are recruiting for an individual to sit as part of the Development Group as Chair.

Scottish Student Lacrosse Development Group is responsible for the creation and delivery of student Lacrosse. It consists of representatives of the membership, Scottish Lacrosse and Scottish Student Sport and its purpose is to determine the needs of the Student Lacrosse Membership and provide valuable opportunities.


Chair

The SS Lacrosse Chair will enjoy an excellent opportunity to contribute towards growing student Lacrosse and building a relationship with Scottish Lacrosse.

They will be involved in shaping the direction of the development of Student Lacrosse, including opportunities to develop student officials, coaches and competition opportunities.

View the job description here.


How to Apply

You can apply for any of the roles by sending a CV and Covering Letter to jo@scottishstudentsport.com. Please detail on your email which role you would like to apply for.

Applications close midnight Sunday 25th August.

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