Thursday 9th January 2025

25 Scottish-based athletes are on their way to Torino to compete in the FISU World University Games this month.

The FISU World University Winter Games gets underway in Torino, Italy next week with an amazing 25 Scottish-based athletes lining up for GB Students.

The delegation, led by our own Head of Competitions Chris Purdie are competing at the world’s second-biggest winter games, behind only the Olympics. Talking about the upcoming Games, Chris said:

“For many students, this will be their first time competing internationally —a memory that will last a lifetime and provide many great learning opportunities. We have recruited a brilliant team of staff who will work tirelessly to ensure that the student-athletes are looked after when away from home and have an unforgettable experience in Torino.

“I am sure GB students will compete to the best of their ability, and we will see a number of future stars emerge who will represent their sport at a senior level. I wish them every success and look forward to seeing them in action over the ten days of competition.”

In a real show of strength the Scottish contingent – which comprises 25 of the 55 total GB students in action – sees 14 institutions represented: 11 universities and 3 colleges.

As part of that, the entire men’s, women’s and mixed curling teams are Scottish-based, with Scottish athletes representing GB in a further 5 disciplines in Torino.

We’re well represented among the staff too – supporting Chris is our ex Head of Development Neil Rankin (now at University of Edinburgh) who takes on the role of Deputy Chef de Mission.

A massive good luck to all the athletes in action over the next two weeks! And of course, to our own Chris who’ll be running a tight ship out in the Italian Alps.

The list of athletes at Scottish institutions is as follows:

Alpine Skiing

Owen Vinter | University of Stirling

Cross Country Skiing

Hannah McHugh | University of Stirling

Logan Duncan | Open University

Snowboarding

Hollie Smith | University of the West of Scotland

Logan King | Robert Gordon University

Euan Rogers | University of Edinburgh

Fraser Jamieson | University of the West of Scotland

Freestyle Skiing

Luke Burke | University of Aberdeen

Olivia Burke | University of Aberdeen

Mixed Curling

Robyn Munro | University of Strathclyde

Orrin Carson | Dumfries & Galloway College

Women’s Curling

Holly Wilkie-Milne | University of Stirling

Cara Davidson | Edinburgh Napier University

Laura Watt | UHI

Lisa Davie | Open University

Amy Mitchell | University of Stirling

Men’s Curling

Rory Macnair | Edinburgh Napier University

Kaleb Johnston | University of Stirling

Ross Craik | University of Abertay

Aaran Thomson | Open University

Fraser Swanston | SRUC

Ice Hockey

Claire Turnbull | University of Glasgow

Emily Luck | University of the West of Scotland

Jessica Mulloy | University of Edinubrgh

Madison Troup | Fife College

BACK TO LIST

Thursday 19th December 2024

We’re recruiting for a new Men’s Assistant Coach and Team Manager to support our Volleyball National Squad this season.

Scottish Student Volleyball are recruiting for an individual to join the staff team ahead of a new season of National Squad action in 2025.

We are recruiting for a motivated Assistant Coach and Team Manager to help prepare our Men’s Squad for action over the coming semester as part of our wider National Squad programme.

Team Manager (Men’s)

You will play a key role in the management of the Volleyball National Squad Programme with a focus on ensuring a high-performance experience and development for the respective National Squad players and the relevant programme they will be involved in.

View the full job description here.

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter and CV to sean@scottishstudentsport.com – detailing the role you are applying for in the subject line.

Applications close midnight 19th January 2025.

Any questions can also be sent to Sean ahead of any potential application. Please note that these positions are voluntary, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

BACK TO LIST

Thursday 12th December 2024

Join Scottish Student Ultimate as the new Vice Chair. Help take a lead in the development of one of our most exciting sports.

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 Ultimate Development Group.

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

Vice Chair

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

Working alongside the Chair and SSS, you will assist in the organisation of ultimate 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 12th January.

BACK TO LIST

Tuesday 3rd December 2024

SSS Head of Competitions Chris Purdie has been named as Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow!

SSS Head of Competitions Chris Purdie has been named as Team Scotland’s Deputy Chef de Mission for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

This appointment follows roles as General Team Manager at Birmingham 2022 and Chef de Mission at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Head of Competitions at Scottish Student Sport, Chris brings a wealth of experience of major multi-sport Games, including the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with Team GB and four World University Games, alongside his Commonwealth Games experience. He led the British team as Chef de Mission at the World University Winter Games in 2023, having previously served as Deputy Chef de Mission in 2019.

Chris will work closely with Elinor Middlemiss MBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, in leading the team for the Glasgow 2026 Games.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Deputy Chef de Mission for Team Scotland at the 2026 Games in Glasgow”, he said.

“It will be a real honour and privilege to represent Scotland at a home Games . I have had some  fantastic moments working with Team Scotland over the last four years, and I am looking forward to making this a truly memorable experience for both the competing athletes and support staff.”

Stew Fowlie, Scottish Student Sport COO said: “Chris’ appointment by Team Scotland is a fitting testament to his leadership attributes and his sustained, impactful commitment to major games over the last ten years or so. “I am absolutely delighted that Chris has been successful with this new role, and I know he will play a central role in Team Scotland’s success at Glasgow 2026.

“Like any good employer, SSS will be happy to fully support his involvement – and I look forward to witnessing Chris’ continued growth and development through this latest piece of high level volunteering. Well done Chris and well done Team Scotland!”

Welcoming Chris to the position, Jon Doig OBE, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris back to Team Scotland for Glasgow 2026. He excelled in leadership roles in Birmingham and Trinbago and his extensive experience of multi-sport events stands him in great stead to deliver a positive Games experience for our athletes.”

“The planning for these Games will, of course, be very different to previous editions, but what does not change is the commitment to ensuring our athletes are given the best possible preparation and support to achieve their goals. In Chris’s appointment, and those that follow, our focus is on creating the right environment to give our athletes the best possible opportunity to excel in Glasgow.”

BACK TO LIST

Friday 22nd November 2024

The SSS Women & Girls Coaching Project ‘Coach Like a Girl’ launched into action on Thursday with a first in-person session for the new cohort

Female student coaches from across Scotland came together on Thursday to launch Coach Like a Girl: our new Women & Girls Coaching Project.

13 students from the group of over 30 on the programme joined us at the University of Edinburgh for an introductory session. Among them were students from a wide variety of sports who had travelled from as far as Aberdeen and Dumfries.

This new initiative, supported by Scottish Cycling and Scottish Rowing, was created by SSS to bring together and develop a heavily underrepresented group in Scottish sport through a series of masterclasses set to run throughout the academic year.

While 44% of students active across tertiary education identify as female, only around over 73% of coaches are male; limiting the opportunities for women and girls to benefit from female role models in sport.

During this introductory session, the cohort discussed what they wanted to get out of the programme, their own coaching experiences, and ended by coming up with a new name for the project.

The new name, Coach Like a Girl, draws on the themes of similar campaigns and showcases the personality behind this project’s participants. We aim to unveil some new branding for the project when the group next come together in January.

Commenting on the day, SSS Inclusion and Culture Coordinator Eilidh Gibson said:

“It was a genuine privilege to launch our coaching initiative yesterday in a room with the next generation of female coaches. Their energy, insights and immediate connection made it’s very clear that these women will be the trail blazers in Scottish sport over the coming few years.

“Jo [Foster, People & Learning Coordinator] and I are excited to build on what was discussed for the rest of the programme.”

This sentiment was shared among the participants. When asked to share their ‘key nuggets’ from the day, familiar themes emerged around being part of an inspiring, powerful group of sporty women and how this programme was a motivating factor for them to go out and dive into coaching. Above all, one participant stated that they were just proud to be part of this group.

The next session for the group will take place virtually in January with more sessions planned throughout the second semester.

Photos ©: Connie Chen

BACK TO LIST

Sunday 17th November 2024

Registration is open for SSS Festive Gathering 2024, taking place at City of Glasgow College on Wednesday 4th December.

It’s time for SSS Festive Gathering! Access the Digital Programme here.

Taking place at City of Glasgow College on Wednesday 4th December, expect a packed day of learning and connecting with the SSS Network, sprinkled with some festive cheer.

We’re also lucky enough to be joined by partners Decathlon who’ll be leading an activity session for the group, supported by the College’s Active Campus Coordinator Gregor Cree.

Sign-ups are now closed, but any last requests to attend can be directed to Jo (details below).

All enquiries related to Festive Gathering can be directed to our Learning & People Coordinator Jo Foster.

The Line Up

Following morning introductions, we’ll be kicking off the day with University of St. Andrews Director of Sport Stephen Stewart who’ll be discussing the current landscape of student sport following his summer roadshow. This will include time for an audience discussion.

Fitting for our return to Glasgow, Stuart Turner from Purple Moon will be giving us the inside story of how he led Scotland’s 2026 Commonwealth Games bid, and the opportunities coming up to be involved in the event.

During the lunch break, our partners Decathlon will be running an indoor activity session for participants, supported by City of Glasgow’s Active Campus Coordinator Gregor Cree. Those not participating will also have the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and a break.

We kick off the afternoon session with a series of breakout rooms hosted by SSS and our members. You can choose from:

Kirsten Mullen & Eve Thompson: ‘Thinking Beyond the Walls of Sports Facilities’

We’re delighted to have Kirsten and Eve from University of Stirling Sport leading a discussion on how to increase sports programme participation, with a direct link to improving student wellbeing.

Natalie Dott: ‘Building Community Partnerships’

Glasgow Clyde College’s Active Campus Coordinator Natalie will be on hand to talk about their great partnership work beyond the college, including with Partick Thistle.

Ian Lowe: ‘Making Facility Access Free’

Hear from RGU’s Head of Sport who will be discussing their initiative to make gym access free for all students at the university. He’ll talk through the programme’s impact, and whether it can be a sustainable approach for institutions moving forward.

Chris Purdie & Sean Berthelsen: SSS Comps Catch-Up

Our dynamic Comps team will have a space dedicated to bringing together fixture admins and other competitions-oriented institution staff to round up semester 1, and look ahead to 2025.

Once back in the main room, we’ll turn to Chris Gibbons – Director of Inside Inclusion – who has already been working with a number of British governing bodies and partners, including SSS. We look forward to him introducing the Moving to Inclusion Framework, and how institutions can apply it in their own settings.

In a thought-provoking finale, we’re delighted to be joined by Don McIntyre from Glasgow School of Art who will be discussing his project on reimagining student sport. This is sure to generate plenty of discussion and provides an insightful end to the day.

BACK TO LIST

Friday 15th November 2024

We’ve just welcomed our new Head of Development Jordan to SSS! Hear more from the latest recruit, including his best joke…

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to unveil Jordan Dawson as our new head of Development: Jordan Dawson.

As he comes to the end of his first week at 48 Pleasance, we caught up with our new signing to learn more about the man tasked with leading our excellent Development team through into the new year.

What most excites you about joining the SSS team?

Aside from the great team of people that I’ve met over the last few days, one of the things I’ve been most excited about is being able to combine several of my passions together in sport, students and development. Having come across SSS briefly in other roles and seeing the impact that the organisation has on its members across Scotland is something I’m particularly excited to be able to contribute to going forward.

Take us back to your student days. Where did you study and how were you involved in student sport?

Initially I graduated from Brunel University with an undergrad degree in Sports Science before moving up to Loughborough to study and MSc in Globalization and Sport followed by a PhD looking at the legacy of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on East London.

I’d been intermittently involved in student sport throughout from Wednesday afternoons to campaigning in elections for Sports Officers but it was in my last few years that I got more heavily involved with all thing’s unions and particularly the role that physical activity had on student wellbeing.

Co-founding a support and social network for PhD students, it was incredibly empowering to the see the benefit that even a walk across campus had on people’s wellbeing. It was brilliant to see the years of theory put into practice!

What have you been doing/where have you been working since those student days?

I’ve bounced around a fair bit since my student days working largely in the TE sector across student unions and universities in the UK. That included roles in advocacy, advice and campaigns, sabb support and then running the full gamut of activity at satellite student unions in London for both Loughborough and the Coventry University Group.

That included setting up sports programmes in the Olympic Park and building partnerships with local sport stakeholders to support student engagement.

I moved to Glasgow in 2019 to join the University of Glasgow working in student experience with similar responsibilities focused around wellbeing, internationalisation and student development. Those roles have all been incredibly rewarding in different ways and allowed me to see development in people throughout.

For the past few years, I have been working on high-potential talent development programmes in the Civil Service supporting their pastoral, wellbeing and development needs as they move into senior management roles across government.

What are your sporting highlights, both as a participant and fan?

Competitively, not very much recently! As a fan, (this might not endear me anywhere), my first experience of a live football match was England vs Scotland at Euro 96, sits fondly in my memories of how fantastic live sport can be than anything else. It was a thrill that continued of attending live sport of all kinds including being able to watch Leeds not just playing but doing well in the Champions League that has made the last decade much easier as a fan!

Aside from that being able to attend a couple of different events at the recent Paris 2024 Games was incredible and to see how differently the Games were hosted after my experience at London 2012.

Do you have any exciting sports plans coming up?

At the moment, I’m working back to bigger distances slowly training and rebuilding towards the 2025 London Marathon after struggling through a couple of injuries this year that derailed a few of my plans. It won’t be my first marathon but it certainly will be my last!*

*Unless I finally succeed in a ballot place for Berlin at which point I may pull the trainers back on once again…

What is your ideal holiday destination?

I’d love to see Cuba but the holiday that is being partially planned at the moment is waiting on more information coming about the Lions Women’s Team tour in 2027 so New Zealand is pretty high up on the ideal place right now.

Tell us your best joke

Why do pancakes always win at cricket? They have the best batter

Pineapple on pizza – yes or no?

An emphatic and resounding yes. And peach too… but not together.

An impressive array of answers from Jordan there, though we’re yet to see how his opinions on fruity pizzas will play out in the office.

If you want to reach out to Jordan, you can email him at: jordan@scottishstudentsport.com

BACK TO LIST

Thursday 14th November 2024

The British Student Active Wellbeing Survey is back and we need your support to encourage sign ups! Read more and access resources here.

The British Student Active Wellbeing Survey is back for 2024 and we’re calling on all SSS members to get behind the sign-up drive.

Led by BUCS and promoted by SSS in Scotland, the survey is the largest of its type in the United Kingdom; collecting data that is integral to the future shaping of student sport in our country. In its last iteration, over 9,000 students participated in the survey.

Scotland’s universities and colleges have traditionally punched above their weight in the number of responses collected and we’re hoping this year will be no exception! With hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers up for grabs, there are plenty of incentives for students to complete the survey.

Crucially, we want to hear from students not currently participating in sport or active wellbeing too. A big part of our mission is understanding why students currently aren’t engaging with activities and shaping a path towards higher participation levels across campuses.

Students have until 16th December to fill out the survey and you can find the link to share here:

British Student Active Wellbeing Survey 2024

How to encourage sign ups

We want to see another huge response from Scottish students to the survey and we need you to help us!

Whatever your role in an institution, think about how you can reach your student population to encourage survey completion. Whether you can shout about it on social media, promote the survey in your sports facilities, or even target students before the start of class, every effort is really appreciated.

Below you can find some promotional resources from BUCS which can be updated with your own logo and imagery to share online or in print.

  • Guidance document to support staff with promoting survey
  • PDF version of the questions that are being asked within the survey (Please note, some; questions are conditional and only asked if someone has answered the previous question – so students will not have to answer all questions)
  • Promotional material including social media templates and electronic adverts

Why not get creative with your promotional efforts? At our Active Health & Communications Forum last week, members came up with plenty of ingenious ideas to create some exciting social posts on the survey. Remember to tag @scotstusport and we’ll share the best.

Happy sharing!

BACK TO LIST

Tuesday 5th November 2024

Students from universities and colleges across Glasgow came together for the first ever SSS Parasport Festival, hosted by Strathclyde Sport.

25 students participated in a first of its kind Parasport Festival, held at the University of Strathclyde last week.

The event, run in collaboration with Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), and Glasgow’s colleges and universities, offered students the opportunity to try new parasports, supported by experienced disability sport coaches.

Wheelchair basketball, para canoe, indoor curling and para table tennis were all on offer on the day, allowing students to try a wide range of sports. The group of students with a disability were also joined by Sports students from City of Glasgow College who were able to learn how to deliver accessible sessions.

The afternoon of activities was widely praised from students who participated. Finlay, a student at the University of Glasgow, said “I’ve never really had the opportunity to come along and just try different para sports.

“Before this I’ve mainly just swam or done water polo so it’s been really fun seeing what other sports are out there and how I can get involved.”

Creating an environment for students with a disability to be introduced to parasport was the driver behind SSS organising this event. The current student sporting landscape features limited opportunities for students with a physical disability to participate; often making it difficult to attract new students into sport in the first place.

While we have seen some great improvements in our disability sport offering – seen through a record number of sign ups for our Boccia Festival later this month – this event allowed sports that have a para offering to put that element front and centre for interested students.

Seeing the reaction of those participating was a highlight for the event’s organiser, SSS Inclusion & Culture Coordinator Eilidh Gibson:

“I’ve loved walking around and seeing students falling in love with new sports and activities. There have been a few that have come up to me and said even after a little taster they want to get more involved. It’s moments like that which make this event so worthwhile.”

It is hoped that after this pilot festival in Glasgow we may be able to run similar events in other areas of the country. For the event to work, we need the buy-in from institutions who have the ability to reach students known to have a disability who aren’t currently engaged in student sport.

Running events like this ensures we can provide students with that accessible first step towards being able to participate in sport and activity.

If you’re a member looking to enhance your disability sport offering, or a student who wants to engage with sport on campus but doesn’t know where to start, reach out to our Inclusion & Culture Coordinator Eilidh to find out how we can help.

BACK TO LIST

Tuesday 15th October 2024

Member institutions marked World Mental Health Day with a series of events, including two Colour Runs in Edinburgh.

SSS members celebrated World Mental Health Day on 10th October with a series of events and campaigns, designed to highlight the important link between activity and mental health.

Taking a colourful approach to the day, both University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University opted to host their own Colour Runs – getting hundreds of students active in the process.

Edinburgh’s event at Peffermill Playing Fields saw runners and walkers tackle either a 2.5k or 5k route, with colour stations manned by an army of volunteers ready to shower the participants with eco-friendly paint.

Over 50 participants took to Heriot-Watt’s campus to take on the same distance with runners also enjoying masala tea, drinks and snacks from the Residence Team.

While the runs brought plenty of colour to an overcast October afternoon, they came with a more serious message attached. From data gathered at registration, it was known that 44% of participants did not meet the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

Among the wider student population, we know that a large proportion continue to not access the recommended level of physical activity during term time. The extent to which this remains an issue will hopefully become clear when the BUCS Active Wellbeing Survey is launched later this year.

Colour runs, and other events offered across Scotland, help show that there can be plenty of fun to be had while staying active. The events showcased the joy that can be gained from activity and hopefully this will encourage students to live a healthier, more physically active lifestyle at university and beyond.

To kick start your institution’s Active Health programme, view our member resources here.

Lead photo credit: Leigh Anne Turner

BACK TO LIST