Thursday 14th December 2023

Volunteer spotlight | Highlighting amazing people within the Scottish Student Sport Network

Volunteer spotlight | Highlighting amazing people within the Scottish Student Sport Network

Emory Anderson, a student at the University of St Andrews, embodies the spirit of dedicated community service and impactful volunteering, leaving an indelible mark at both the local and international level. Her commitment to fostering connections between the university and the town, particularly in the realm of football, stands as a testament to her passion for sport and community engagement.

From 2022 till the present, Emory has served as the University of St Andrews Football Club Marketing Representative, playing a pivotal role in elevating the club’s visibility. Notably, she amplified the club’s presence by extending its reach globally, especially in the USA, through strategic attendance at football showcases and the recruitment of prospective players. Emory’s efforts were not confined to administrative roles; she spearheaded successful charity football events, specifically aiming to nurture the growth of local girl footballers, thereby making a significant impact within the community.

Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering young female athletes was further demonstrated through her volunteer coaching at the St Andrews and East Fife Girls Football Club. Introducing strength and conditioning sessions for local female youth players and actively coaching the U16 team, Emory aimed to expand the participation of girls in football while imparting valuable skills and knowledge, showcasing a dedication to gender equality in sports.

Emory’s involvement in football-related volunteering extended globally with her participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup internship in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. At the FIFA Accreditation Center in Dunedin, NZ, she played a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of pre-match ceremonies and verifying accreditation, contributing significantly to the seamless organisation of this prestigious sporting event. Her involvement in the Women’s World Cup underscored her commitment to promoting women’s sports and representing Scottish Students on a global platform, advocating for inclusivity, and highlighting the pivotal role of female athletes in international football.

Emory’s dedication to football volunteering, community engagement, and the promotion of inclusivity both locally and globally stands as a beacon of inspiration within the student community. Her multifaceted contributions exemplify the transformative power of volunteering in creating connections and positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves within university and beyond.

Emory has recently joined the Scottish Student Football Development Group as a Student Representative, and we’re delighted that she’ll continue to impact student football at the national level through her valuable input!

Do you know an amazing volunteer that deserved recognition? Send an email to Cameron to feature them.

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Wednesday 13th December 2023

The fervor of student basketball reverberated through the newly constructed Caledonia Gladiators stadium at Playsport in East Kilbride. determination to a supportive crowd.

Scottish Student Basketball Trophy: A Thrilling Showdown at Playsport Arena

University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow Basketballers running on court

The fervor of student basketball reverberated through the newly constructed Playsport Arena in East Kilbride. As the pinnacle of student Basketball in Scotland it is incredibly to be supported by our only professional franchise, the Caledonia Gladiators. The stage was set for an exhilarating showdown as Universities clashed in the Scottish Student Basketball Trophy, displaying skill, and determination to a supportive crowd.

The Women’s competition kicked off with a heated battle between the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. The University of Edinburgh emerged as a dominant force, showcasing a commanding performance. At halftime, Edinburgh led with an impressive score of 48 points to 17 against Glasgow. The second half saw an excellent display teamwork from Edinburgh, securing an emphatic victory with a final score of 104 points to 31. Lucy Lemmon was named MVP for her commanding presence on the court.

University of Stirling basketballer jumping fr the hoop with ball in hand

Following on, the Men’s competition featured a showdown between the University of Stirling and last years champions, the formidable University of Edinburgh. The game was a tough fought battle, with the University of Stirling taking an early lead that extended into 47 points to 30 at halftime. Stirling’s team displayed commendable coordination and offensive prowess into Edinburgh’s physical presence, particularly on the break. Despite a valiant effort from the University of Edinburgh in the second half, Stirling maintained their lead, clinching a well-deserved victory with a final score of 86 points to 65. Jack Hencher was named match MVP!

 

The success of this event was not just attributed to the prowess of the competing teams but also owes thanks to many volunteers that made it possible. The basketball development group, officials, Playsport Arena, and the Caledonia Gladiators played instrumental roles in making the tournament a resounding success. Special thanks were extended to Donald Stewart and Jonathan Boomer for capturing unforgettable moments through their photography.

You can see both albums from the Women’s here and Men’s here.

The tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship shared among the competing students.

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Wednesday 29th November 2023

We’re supporting #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek ! 

We’re supporting #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek !

As Scotland embraces Disability Sport Week, the spotlight shines brightly on the student network to promote inclusivity and support for people with disabilities in sport. This occasion is not just a celebration but a call to action, emphasising the importance of physical activity in enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Students across Scotland are experiencing the transformative power of physical activity by engaging in various sports clubs and activities on campus. The drive to foster Disability Sport within Scottish Colleges and Universities is a core focus for Scottish Student Sport. Through initiatives like the Boccia Special Projects funds, Wheelchair Basketball Championships, and inclusive categories in Athletics, Trampoline, and Aquatics, SSS is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive.

👇 Find out more about SDS Week 👇

Scottish Disability Sport Week 2023

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Wednesday 22nd November 2023

Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

DEVELOPMENT | Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

We were really excited to see Twenty Students, Staff and Sports Presidents from institutions across the network attend a Boccia Leaders Course delivered by our friends at Scottish Disability Sport.

We’re committed to offering opportunities to get students involved in sport, and as part of that we’re focused developing sports, like Boccia, that are accessible to all. Through our special projects fund we’ve provided Boccia equipment to many of our partner institutions and now we’re training up the workforce with development opportunities.

Well done to everyone that completed the course and a massive thank you to Scottish Disability Sport!

 

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Tuesday 14th November 2023

Read on for the full list of sports and events you can sign-up to!

EVENTS SIGN-UP THREAD | Student Sport Season in full swing!

 

Read on for the full list of sports and events:

 

📍Volleyball 4v4 Tournament (regional)

📍Polo League

📍Curling League

📍Rifle Postal League (Novice)

 

 

👇 See the full calendar of events by clicking the link below  👇

Events

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Friday 10th November 2023

Check out the results from the Scottish Student Judo Kyu Grade Tournament!

Judo Image

 

SSS Kyu Grade Tournament 2023 05.11.2023 Saints Sport, St Andrews
Mobile
Results
Competitors
Categories
Kyu -100/+100 (PDF)
Kyu -52/-57 (PDF)
Kyu -60/-66 (PDF)
Kyu -63 (PDF)
Kyu -70/-78/+78 (PDF)
Kyu -73 (PDF)
Kyu -81 (PDF)
Kyu -90 (PDF)
Nov +100 (PDF)
Nov -100 (PDF)
Nov -48/-52 (PDF)
Nov -57/-63 (PDF)
Nov -60 (PDF)
Nov -66 (PDF)
Nov -70/-78 (PDF)
Nov -73 (PDF)
Nov -81 (PDF)
Nov -90 (PDF)

Matches
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Friday 10th November 2023

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Scottish Fencing are excited to re-announce their partnership aimed at promoting and developing fencing among student athletes in Scotland.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Scottish Fencing are excited to re-announce their partnership aimed at promoting and developing fencing among student athletes in Scotland.

Scottish Fencing have been a key partner over the years, and reconfirming our partnership ensures we move forward with dual purpose!

Chris Purdie, Head of Competitions, Scottish Student Sport said:

“Through the renewed partnership between Scottish Fencing and Scottish Student Sport, we aim to actively promote and develop the sport of fencing within the student community. We’re enthusiastic about working together to provide opportunities for students to engage in and excel at fencing, fostering a supportive and competitive environment that contributes to the growth of the sport in educational institutions.”

Clare Queen, Chief Operating Officer/Head of Pathways, Scottish Fencing added:

“We are delighted to renew our partnership agreement with Scottish Student Sport for another two years. Student fencers are an important part of the fencing community and we are looking forward to working with Scottish Student Sport and Scottish Student Fencing to help support and strengthen the student fencing clubs and student fencing events. The key focus will be on providing opportunities for student fencing clubs to develop, coaches, referees and volunteers.”

We can’t wait to see our student fencers back on the pistes!

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Wednesday 18th October 2023

Scottish Canoe Ace Eilidh Gibson joins SSS as our new Inclusion and Culture Coordinator. Find out more about Eilidh by reading on.

We’re delighted to announce that Eilidh Gibson had joined SSS as our new Inclusion and Culture Coordinator. Eilidh has competed at international level in Canoe Slalom and is a passionate inclusion advocate, founding Slalom Inspires in 2018 in an effort to empower girls through sport. We’re buzzing to have Eilidh in the team, so caught up with her to find out a wee bit more about what makes her tick!

Read on below:

  1. What are you most excited about in joining the SSS team?

 

Alongside my sporting career, I have always been incredibly passionate about inclusion. I have lived experience of how sport can change lives and I have worked to create opportunities for more people to have a chance at this life-changing magic. When I saw the role of Inclusion and Culture Coordinator at SSS advertised, I read the description and immediately thought that it was something I really wanted to do. I not only felt that I could make a positive impact in this area, but I also had had really positive experiences with SSS as an organisation when I was a student in Edinburgh. The team at SSS seems like a phenomenally experienced, diverse group of people who genuinely care about the work they are doing. I can’t think of a better place to work! I’m excited to learn from the team and, hopefully, contribute to making sport more inclusive.

Photo Credit – Kim Jones

 

  1. What’s the best live sporting moment that you’ve been a part of/seen?

 

The best live sporting moment I’ve seen was watching the 2012 London Olympic final of the men’s C2 canoe slalom. I was sixteen years old, surrounded by 12,000 people in the stands as we watched the GB men’s crews win gold and silver. To this day, I have never experienced anything as loud as that crowd. It still gives me goosebumps.

 

  1. Could you tell us a bit about your sporting background? What’s your next big sporting event?

 

The sport of canoe slalom has changed and shaped my life. I started paddling with my parents on Scottish rivers when I was little but I much preferred swimming (canoeing was always too cold!). I only really fell in love with canoeing when I was thirteen but from then, I went on to make the junior, U23 and senior GB teams. I was lucky enough to compete at World Championship level and spend eight years as a full-time athlete (although four of those years were balancing university!). The time I spent on the British Team brought me some of the most rewarding and challenging moments of my life. I retired from competition at the start of 2022 and since then I’ve been enjoying being a beginner at some new sports. Let’s just say that I’m not a natural at kickboxing… I’m in search of my next sporting challenge!

 

  1. What is your ideal holiday destination?

 

My family and my sport have definitely made me a water baby so any holiday in the sun near rivers, lakes or the sea is ideal for me!

 

  1. Did you study in Scotland? Do you have a particular allegiance to one of our member institutions that we ought to know about?

 

Yes, I studied Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) at Edinburgh University and graduated in 2018. Although I’m a very fair person, Edinburgh Uni is always going to have a special place in my heart!

 

  1. Ham and Pineapple on Pizza, yes or no?

100% yes

Eilidh can be reached at eilidhgibson@scottishstudentsport.com.

Photo credit – Kim Jones

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Thursday 12th October 2023

We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news: the successful acquisition of brand new trampolines through the SSS Special Projects Fund.

We are absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news of our recent achievement: the successful acquisition of brand new trampolines through the SSS Special Projects Fund.

The SSS Special Projects Fund is a vital initiative that channels its resources into projects with a sustainable impact on the student sporting community. It focuses on funding projects of up to £5000 that align with the core values of SSS, ultimately promoting growth and development in the student sports realm.

We were able to secure two state-of-the-art trampolines, along with two end decks and a middle mat, all procured this year. What makes this even more remarkable is that we obtained these high-quality items at a significant discount, thanks to the generous support from the Sparta Trampoline Club. Their unwavering dedication to the student trampoline community has made our funds go further than we could have ever imagined, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

To ensure that these new trampolines and equipment are accessible and can be effectively utilized, they will be housed at Glasgow Caledonian University’s ARC facility. This strategic move serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it will support the club’s growth, providing members with top-notch equipment for training and competition. Additionally, this arrangement ensures that the venue can host SSS competitions and activities for many years to come, enhancing the overall student sports experience.

Students from all across Scotland will soon have the opportunity to make use of this equipment during the upcoming Scottish Student Trampoline Training Weekend, scheduled for the 20th and 21st of October. This event will serve as a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, hone their skills, and foster a sense camaraderie within the student trampoline community.

 

“I am so incredibly pleased that our SSS special project funding application has been successful in securing £4000 to purchase two trampolines, two end decks, two end deck mats and a middle mat from Sparta Trampoline Club for GCU.
This will have an amazingly beneficial impact on the GCU team. Not only will it literally double their training time, but they will also now be able to have a safer parallel set-up, which makes learning new skills much less scary! They are also now able to regularly train synchronised trampoline which the team excel in. Although GCU is a small team, they have so much potential and lots of up-and-coming gymnasts who we’ll have to keep an eye on at SSTO! We hope these additional trampolines really empower them to achieve their full potential in the sport and attract lots of new members.
Alongside this, the whole Scottish Student Trampoline community benefits from GCU now being able to hold league events and open training sessions!
We are so grateful to Sparta Trampoline Club SCIO for their continued support and close ties to the student trampoline community. This transaction will result in their ability to buy more amazing equipment for their venue as well, promoting a sustainable circular economy!” Hollie Fullerton, Scottish Student Trampoline Chair

 

During the periods that fall between our various competitive events and tournaments, the members of the GCU Trampoline Club will be afforded the invaluable opportunity to utilize these tables for their own training sessions.

 

“GCU Students’ Association is absolutely delighted to hear about the two trampolines and end decks that have arrived at GCU Arc and are funded by Scottish Student Sport Special Project Funds. This equipment will help our own trampoline club to grow and develop as well as offering opportunities to the wider Scottish student trampoline community to use the Arc as a place to train and compete. Thanks to Scottish Student Trampoline Development Group, GCU Arc staff and GCU Trampolining for collaborating, organising and supporting this initiative”. Solomon Ajala (Vice President GSBS, GCU Students’ Association)

 

The team at SSS is absolutely thrilled to witness the tangible and positive impact that our Special Projects funding has had on the development of student trampolining in Scotland. The success stories that have emerged from the projects we’ve supported have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s through new equipment, enhanced facilities, or innovative initiatives, the Special Projects fund has played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth and positive change within the student sporting community. The continued evolution of student trampolining in Scotland is a testament to the power of strategic investment and shared ambition.

Are you excited about the prospect of bringing your own innovative project to life? If so, we encourage you to consider applying for a Special Project grant. The SSS team is here to support and collaborate with you in turning your vision into reality. To kickstart the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Business Manager, Julia Stenhouse.

 

 

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Thursday 28th September 2023

In an exciting development for the student sporting community, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is thrilled to announce the successful purchase of seven brand-new table tennis tables through its Special Projects Fund.

In an exciting development for the student sporting community, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is thrilled to announce the successful purchase of seven brand-new table tennis tables through its Special Projects Fund. This initiative is a significant step forward for the organisation and demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the student table tennis experience in Scotland.

Special Projects Funding: A Brief Overview

The Special Projects Fund is a cornerstone of SSS’s mission to support student athletes and foster sustainable sporting initiatives. This fund allocates resources to projects that have a lasting impact on the student sporting community and align with SSS’s core values. Projects eligible for funding can receive up to £5000, enabling them to create a meaningful and sustainable difference.

Seven New Tables: A Game-Changer

The acquisition of seven new table tennis tables marks a milestone for student table tennis in Scotland. These tables boast a consistent design and a key accessibility feature—making them wheelchair-friendly. This inclusivity aspect is a testament to SSS’s commitment to ensuring that sports are accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities.

SSS’s strategic partnership with Table Tennis Scotland played a pivotal role in securing these tables. This collaboration not only facilitated a smoother acquisition process but also resulted in additional discounts, ensuring that the funds were stretched even further to benefit the student sporting community.

These new table tennis tables will find their home at Heriot-Watt University’s Oriam facility. Oriam is rapidly evolving into a hub for racket sports, including table tennis. The addition of these tables will further establish Oriam as a premier destination for athletes across Scotland.

Pictured; Cameron Hussain (TT Scotland), Jess Baillie (SSS), Max Tuma (HWU TT Club)

In October of this year and in the years to come, students from across Scotland will have the opportunity to use these tables to participate in Centralised BUCS League Fixtures. These tables will provide a dedicated and high-quality venue for competitive matches, elevating the student sporting experience in the region.

SSS has ambitious plans to collaborate with Oriam to make it the home of the Scottish Student Table Tennis Championships, hosted annually in February. This move promises to bring Heriot-Watt University into the spotlight during the prestigious Scottish Student Games weekend.

Alisa Khalid, Scottish Student Table Tennis Chair, highlighted the significance of these new tables, stating, “These additional table tennis tables are more than just equipment – they represent the growth and development of student table tennis in Scotland. Their purchase will help provide a dedicated venue for our Centralised BUCS League matches and, we hope, the Scottish Student Table Tennis Championships. They will help Heriot-Watt University’s Table Tennis Club develop too by creating an inviting environment for competitive play – inspiring new students to join the sport for both its social and competitive aspects.”

Richard Yule, CEO of Table Tennis Scotland, expressed his excitement about the development, saying, “We’re absolutely delighted to see seven brand new Table Tennis tables delivered in collaboration between Scottish Student Sport and Table Tennis Scotland. It’s an exciting time for student Table Tennis, and these new tables will provide yet another venue for competitive fixtures and a space to further grow the student community.”

The impact of these tables will be felt for years to come, fostering growth and development in student table tennis while providing a dedicated space for both competitive fixtures and training. As SSS continues to invest in special projects that align with its values, the future of student sports in Scotland looks brighter than ever.

If you’re interested in submitting an application for a Special Project please contact the SSS Business Manager, Julia Stenhouse, at julia@scottishstudentsport.com.

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