Wednesday 6th September 2023

Whether you’re a new student or staff member at a college or university in Scotland, we’re excited to have you as part of our community. Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is committed to promoting and supporting sport and physical activity among students. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to interact with Scottish Student Sport:

Welcome to Scottish Student Sport!

Whether you’re a new student or staff member at a college or university in Scotland, we’re excited to have you as part of our community. Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is committed to promoting and supporting sport and physical activity among students. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to interact with Scottish Student Sport:

 

Joining a Club at Your College or University:

One of the best ways to get involved in the Scottish sports community is by joining a club at your college or university. Here’s how to do it:

Explore Club Options: Start by exploring the list of clubs and sports available at your institution. Most universities and colleges have a dedicated sports and recreation department or website where you can find information about the clubs they offer.

Contact Club Representatives: Reach out to the club representatives or captains for the sport you’re interested in. They can provide you with details on membership, practice schedules, and upcoming events.

Attend Taster Sessions: Many clubs host taster sessions or welcome events at the beginning of the academic year. Attend these sessions to try out the sport and meet fellow students.

 

Signing up for a Scottish Student Sport Event via Our Website

SSS organizes various events and competitions throughout the year. Here’s how to sign up for these events:

Explore Events: Navigate to the “Events” section to see a list of upcoming events. Click on the event you’re interested in to access more information.

Registration: Follow the registration instructions provided on the event page. This typically involves creating an account on Playwaze and submitting your details.

 

Getting Involved with Our Leadership Academy

The SSS Leadership Academy offers valuable development opportunities for students. Here’s how to get involved:

Check Academy Offerings: Explore the Leadership Academy section on the SSS website by clicking here to learn about available programs, workshops, and leadership development opportunities.

Apply: When you find a program that interests you, follow the application process provided on the website.

Participate and Learn: Once accepted, actively participate in the academy activities and make the most of the leadership training provided.

 

Keeping Your Eye Out for Coaching and Training Opportunities

We’re running loads of different training and coaching opportunities this year, like our Reffin’ Brilliant program that focuses on training new officials. Here’s how to stay informed about opportunities:

Visit the coaching and officiating Page: Explore the training section on the SSS website for information on coaching courses, training sessions, and development programs by clicking here.

Keep your eyes peeled: Look at our social media pages regularly.

Register and Attend: Sign up for the courses or training sessions that align with your interests and goals. Attend these sessions to enhance your coaching and training skills.

 

Volunteer with Scottish Student Sport and Join Sports Development Groups

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the student sports community and develop your own skills. Here’s how to get involved:

Explore Volunteer Opportunities: Check the SSS website for information on volunteer positions and sports development groups looking for members by clicking here.

Apply to Volunteer: Complete the volunteer application process as outlined on the website. This may include submitting your CV or expressing your interests.

Engage and Contribute: Once accepted, actively participate in volunteer activities and collaborate with sports development groups to support student sports initiatives.

 

Contact a Staff Member for Collaboration:

If you’re a staff member interested in collaborating with SSS or have ideas for partnership, here’s how to get in touch:

Visit the Contact Us Page: Go to the “Contact Us” section on the SSS website to find contact information for staff members and departments or see our full contact directory here.

Reach Out: Send an email or make a phone call to the relevant staff member or department to discuss your interests and ideas for collaboration.

 

Scottish Student Sport offers a vibrant community of sports enthusiasts and numerous opportunities for students and staff to get involved, develop their skills, and contribute to sport in Scotland. Check out our website and social regularly to stay updated on events, programs, and opportunities tailored to your interests. We look forward to having you as an active member of our community!

 

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Wednesday 29th March 2023

The 2022/23 academic year has been great for Scottish Student Sport, seeing the continued success of students representing their institutions at both recreational and competitive levels.

This year has seen our development team continue to promote worthy causes and work with other organisations to continue to improve student sport. With that being said, here is a brief outline of some of our work during this period.

 

Membership Audits

 

Our recently completed Membership Audit has revealed some interesting data. We have seen a record of 41,250 members which makes a 14% increase in the number of members over the last five years. 50% identify as female while 46% identify as male. This makes this the third year where the majority of our members have been female-identifying. Our members are also spread across 586 clubs representing 91 different sports. This record-breaking year has shown the enthusiasm within student sport and we hope to see these impressive members expand further in the future.

 

Football vs. Homophobia Month of Action

 

2023 alone has already seen massive strides towards the acceptance of LGBTQI+ people in football, including the public coming out of Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto and Scotland’s Zander Murray. However, the fight against homophobia in football is still as relevant as ever. Scottish Student Sport has worked with partner organisation Leap Sports to help raise awareness towards issues still faced in the sport, as well as to bring more inclusivity into the beautiful game. Football vs. Homophobia has also been championed by four institutions, those being: University of Edinburgh Women’s FC, Abertay University FC, Heriot-Watt University FC and Edinburgh Napier FC. If you want to learn more, we featured Carolina Sousa e Sá, Leap Sports’ Lead Project Officer, on our official podcast. In Episode 25 of the podcast, we discussed LGBT+ people in sports, the issues that are still faced and how we can continue to improve inclusivity across the sport.

 

Active Health Forum

 

The Scottish Student Sport network believes in developing not just the physical health benefits of student sport but the mental health benefits as well. In February we held the Active Health Forum, where staff from SAMH, CIMSPA and The Daily Mile gave presentations alongside healthy discussions from representatives across many of Scotland’s Institutions. Hearing from sector leaders and encouraging discussion, network members left enthused with ideas and best practices to make their institutions a healthier and more active place.

 

Leadership Programme

 

The SSS Leadership Programme has continued for the 2022/23 academic year and has seen eight students given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Those previously included in the course have seen themselves flourish in the sporting industry. The programme returned in January 2023 and has seen the lucky students gain insightful insider information from industry experts such as Guy Richardson of Eiger Performance and Ross Simpson from the University of Edinburgh. We aim to help young people gain experience in the sporting world which can hopefully waylay themselves into an industry job in the future.

 

Reffin’ Brilliant

 

Every sport needs players to make a game happen but they also need officials. This is why Scottish Student Sport has continued its Reffin’ Brilliant programme which allows students to gain experience refereeing across a range of different sports. Supported by sportscotland, the programme helps budding students gain experience officiating, with the possibility that they could become match officials in professional games going forward.

 

Boccia Special Projects

 

The University of Stirling hosted the first Boccia Festival in November 2022. At Scottish Student Sport, we believe in inclusivity and allowing sports to be enjoyed by everyone. The emergence of Boccia as a student sport has enabled more athletes with disabilities to perform. Working alongside Scottish Disability Sport, SSS accepted a Special Projects Fund bid, which provided institutions with Boccia kits to make the sport more accessible. Eight institutions were successful in their applications, these were:

 

  • City of Glasgow College
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Heriot-Watt University
  • Perth College UHI
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Stirling
  • University of West of Scotland

 

With these new kits, we hope these institutions will continue to build upon their hard work and continue to allow more students with disabilities to get involved.

 

While we can’t go into detail about all the work done by the development team, they have continued to work intensely to improve our work as an organisation. Some other examples of their work include new disability forums across campuses, coaching and officiating programmes, MHiS and UKAD training, and HBHM engagement.

 

This was the story so far with our development in 22/23. In the coming months, we will continue the work we have put in to develop the best organisational practices for our institutions and students to allow them the best opportunities in the world of sport.

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in getting involved in Scottish student ultimate frisbee, learn how you can here!

Key Information

 

Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact, self-refereed sport played with a flying disc. Players cannot run with the disc and must pass it to players by throwing it. The objective of the game is to score points by catching the disc in the opposing team’s end zone. Ultimate can be played indoors or outdoors, with indoor games being played on a smaller 5 a side pitch whereas outdoor ultimate is 7 a side.

 

Contactscotstuultimate@gmail.com

Governing Body: UK Ultimate

Ultimate is known for its emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play. If you’re interested, some of the institutions that offer an ultimate frisbee team include:

 

  • University of Glasgow
  • University Of Aberdeen
  • University of St Andrews
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University Of Stirling
  • University Of Dundee
  • Heriot Watt University

 

Events

 

  • Mixed Indoor Regionals is the first and largest event of the year
  • BUSC League
  • Nationals

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in learning how to get involved in Scottish Student volleyball, then read more here!

Key Information

 

Volleyball is a team sport that can be played indoors or outdoors on grass, and sand. The objective of the game is to get the ball over the net and land to on the opposing team’s court. Each team is allowed three touches to return the ball across the net.

 

Contact: p.mcpate@dundee.ac.uk

Governing Body: Scottish Volleyball Association 

Being a part of a student volleyball team means lots of competitions and lots of fun! Some of the many institutions that offer volleyball as a student club include:

 

  • Abertay University
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of St Andrews
  • Heriot Watt University
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Strathclyde
  • Fife College
  • City of Glasgow College
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Dundee
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Queen Margret University

 

Events

  • Volleyball 4v4 Tournaments
  • Woman’s Volleyball Cup
  • Men’s Volleyball Cup
  • Woman’s National Squad Trial
  • Men’s National Squad Trial
  • Conference Finals

 

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in getting involved in Scottish Student Triathlon, you can find out more here!

Key Information

 

A triathlon is a multi-sport event that involves swimming, cycling, and running for various distances.

 

Contactssstriathlon@outlook.com

Governing bodyTriathlon Scotland

Triathlon is growing in popularity amongst students and below are some of the institutions with clubs:

  • University of Glasgow
  • University Of Aberdeen
  • St Andrews University
  • Strathclyde University
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University Of Stirling
  • University Of Dundee

 

Events

 

  • Aquathlon
  • Duathlon
  • Triathlon

 

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in learning how you can get involved in Squash, read more information here!

Key Information

 

Squash is a racquet sport played by two or four people in a four walled court. Players take turns hitting the ball against the front or side walls but below the “out” line. To win points a player must hit the ball in a way in which their opponent cannot return it.

 

Contactssssquashchair@gmail.com

Governing body:  Scottish Squash. Main contact, Jack Brodie (Club Development Manager)

If you’re interested in trying out the fast-paced game of squash, the following institutions are some of which have a student squash club:

 

  • University of Glasgow
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University Of Aberdeen
  • St Andrews University
  • Heriot Watt University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University Of Stirling
  • University Of Dundee

 

Events

 

  • BUCS Squash League
  • Squash Championships

 

 

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in getting involved with Scottish Student Polo, find out everything you need to know here!

Key Information

 

Polo is a team sport that is played on horseback. The objective of the game is to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using long-handled mallets. The game is typically played on a large grass field, and each team consists of four players.

 

Contactssspolo@outlook.com

Governing bodyHurlingham Polo Association 

If you’re interested in polo, the below institutions are some of which have student polo teams.

  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of St Andrews
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Stirling

 

Events

 

  • Polo League matches 4 times a year
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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in getting involved in Scottish Student Netball, find out everything you need to know here!

Key Information

 

Netball is a sport similar to basketball, but it has certain rules and differences. It is played by two teams of seven players, with the aim being to score goals by throwing a ball into a raised net. The ball is passed between players by throwing it with one hand and players are not allowed to run with the ball. Instead, they must pass it to a teammate or take three steps before being required to pass.

 

ContactScotStuNetball@outlook.com

Governing bodyNetball Scotland

Netball has the highest female participation numbers within Scottish Student Sport! Increasing year on year, there are currently 48 teams entered across 8 BUCS leagues from 15 Scottish Universities and Colleges. Many Scottish university teams also compete in local association leagues, regional ladders and national competitions. Here are some of the institutions that have a student netball team:

  • Abertay University
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of St Andrews
  • Heriot Watt University
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • University of Glasgow
  • Strathclyde University
  • Fife College
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Dundee
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Queen Margret University

 

Events

  • Conference Final
  • Recreational Netball Festival

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

If you’re interested in Scottish Student hockey, find out how you can get involved here!

Key Information

 

Hockey is a team sport where two teams of 11 players each play on a grass or turf field with a small, hard ball. The objective is to score goals by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal using a stick with a curved end. The University of St Andrews also has an Ice Hockey team which has the same objective as field hockey, yet the players are skating on ice.

 

Contact: ssshockeychair@gmail.com

Governing Body: Scottish Hockey

Hockey is an extremely popular sport amongst students, and these are some of the institutions that have student teams:

 

  • University of Glasgow
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Abertay University
  • University Of Aberdeen
  • St Andrews University
  • Heriot Watt University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Strathclyde University
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University Of Stirling
  • University Of Dundee
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Queen Margret University
  • Fife College
  • Glasgow College

 

Events

 

  • Conference Cup, a knock-out competition with the eventual winner decided at the SSS Conference Cup Finals

 

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Friday 3rd February 2023

Interested in learning more about how to get involved with Scottish Student basketball? Well look no further!

Key Information

 

Basketball is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score points by throwing a ball through a 10-foot-high hoop that is mounted on a backboard at each end of the court.

 

Contact: scotstubasketball@gmail.com

Governing Body: Basketball Scotland

Last year Basketball had the 9th highest club membership numbers within Scottish student sport with over 1000 members participating across universities and colleges. If you’re interested in becoming a member yourself, some of these institutions have teams:

 

  • University of Glasgow
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Abertay University
  • University Of Aberdeen
  • Heriot Watt University
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University Of Stirling
  • University Of Dundee
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • University of Strathclyde
  • Queen Margret University
  • Fife College
  • City of Glasgow College
  • University of St Andrews

 

Basketball Events

  • Wheelchair Basketball Festival (SS Games)
  • Conference Finals
  • College National Finals

 

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