Staff, students and supporters of Scottish Student Sport came together on Wednesday evening for the annual SSS Awards, supported by Technogym.

Held in the University of Aberdeen’s magnificent Elphinstone Hall, the awards up for grabs 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 attended – in particular our winners and shortlisted nominees for being part of an incredible night.

Looking for photos from the night? They can be downloaded here. All credit to Murdo Macgillivray/SSS.

The winners were as follows:

Coach of the Year: Bradley Hay (University of Stirling, Swimming)

Also shortlisted: Neil Allan (University of Edinburgh, Hockey) & Ian Muir (University of St Andrews, Golf)

As High Performance Swim Coach at the University of Stirling, Bradley is tasked with supporting some of the country’s top swimmers. 2024/25 has been another brilliant year for the programme.

From having eight students selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics – returning with three medals – athletes have also appeared at World Championships, with Bradley set to be part of the GB coaching staff in Singapore this summer.

Domestically, Stirling athletes won 22 medals at this year’s British Championships and the women’s squad (nominated for Team of the Year) topped the medal table at BUCS Long Course, beating Loughbourgh to the title for the first time.

Playwaze Club of the Year: Glasgow University Trampoline Club

Also shortlisted: University of Strathclyde Netball & University of St Andrews Football

It’s been a year of incredible growth at the club with 43% of members new in 24/25. Notably, their new Outreach Programme has built strong links with Govan High School, giving the club a prominent position in the community.

After losing the support of external coaching staff, the club have become self-sufficient by training six coaches at Level 1-3, including additional courses to support students with additional needs.

In competitive action, the club were Scotland’s most successful at BUCS level (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze) while 55 medals were won at Scottish-based competitions.

Team of the Year: St Andrews Women’s Football 1’s

Also shortlisted: University of Stirling Women’s Swimming & University of Edinburgh Men’s Hockey 1’s

It’s been a history making year for this side who became BUCS National Champions for the first time ever, beating Nottingham 2-1 in the final. This came off the back of a resounding semi-final win over reigning champions Loughborough – their first defeat in 15 months.

Another strong season in BUCS Premier North saw them finish 3rd – just 4 points from the title.

Back on Scottish soil, the team became the first ever to win our #SheCanSheWill Cup for the fourth consecutive year.

Male Athlete of the Year: Archie Goodburn (University of Edinburgh, Swimming)

Also shortlisted: Ben Sandilands (SRUC, Athletics) & Ben Muncaster (Heriot-Watt University, Rugby)

After missing out on selection for Paris 2024 by just 0.56s, Archie went to investigate the seizures he’d began experiencing in training. It turned out he had an inoperable and incurable form of progressive brain cancer.

Determined not to be held back, Archie returned to the pool and in February successfully defended his BUCS Long Course 50m breaststroke title. Two months later he made national headlines after winning silver in the same event at the British Championships.

Alongside his success in the pool, Archie qualified for the National Finals of the IchemE Young Engineers Award. He continues to represent the very best of sport; a true inspiration in the community.

Female Athlete of the Year: Angharad Evans (University of Stirling, Swimming)

Also shortlisted: Faye Rogers (University of Aberdeen, Swimming) & Aleksandra Kalucka (University of Edinburgh, Climbing)

University of Stirling swimmer Angharad has had an exceptional year, starting at Paris 2024 where she reached the 100m Breaststroke final, finishing 6th.

Over the course of the year she has broken both the British short and long course records in that event, the latter at the National Championships where she took home two gold medals.

Angharad has shone for Stirling at BUCS level, winning five gold and two silver medals across both events and has secured her place at the World Championships later this year.

Volunteer of the Year: Ruby McDonald (Fife College)

Also shortlisted: Grace Stirling (University of Stirling) & Campbell Scott (University of Aberdeen)

18 year old Ruby has made waves since starting at Fife College last August, becoming an integral part of the college community.

Ruby uses her lived experience of having a learning disability and being a carer to be a powerful advocate for sport and active health. While staying active herself, she volunteers as a coach in primary schools, and with football and para-football clubs to help a diverse range of young people access and enjoy sport.

Ruby’s passion and determination has seen her recognised by a wide number of awards, most notably when she was named Scotland’s Unsung Hero as part of the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Dr Rob Macpherson Award: Sandy Bond (Scottish Student Cycling)

Also shortlisted: Dave Lee (SSS Media Team) & Marissa Jacobs (Scottish Student Volleyball

Sandy has had another standout year as the SSS Cycling Chair. Leading a largely new group of volunteers to deliver a full calendar of cycling events across the country, supporting 134 student cyclists to compete this year a 30% increase from 23/24 with one event still remaining.

Sandy is also always on the front foot in exploring ways to get more students into cycling with work specifically on growing women & girls participation opportunities.

He has done all this whilst on his semester abroad studying Russian in Kazakhstan, going over and above to ensure the continued success of the SSS Cycling offer.

Sandy embodies all of the SSS values and has been a standout volunteer and the driving force behind SSS Cycling.

Honorary President’s Medal: Ross Campbell (Heriot-Watt University) & Cathy Gallagher (University of Stirling)

Ross Campbell has over 20 years of dedicated service to student sport at Heriot-Watt University, beginning as Sports Union President (2005/6) and he has held the role of Executive Director of Oriam since 2017.

In 2010 he led a transformative review of the Sports Union, introducing a club structure and governance model that remains in place today. He was later instrumental in the creation and continued development of Oriam – one of Scotland’s top sporting facilities.

Ross has been a tireless advocate of student sport and is renowned across the sector for his inspirational attitude, strategic thinking, and lifelong dedication to enhancing opportunities in student sport.

Cathy Gallagher is not only an exceptional Director of Sport, she is a remarkable person who has dealt with adversity in the past 12 months in the way that is uniquely characteristic of her positive and resilient nature.

With over 25 years of experience, Cathy has consistently demonstrated a passion for sport as a vehicle for positive change – supporting student athletes, enhancing community engagement, and championing inclusion across all levels of participation.

As a close friend to so many, the news that Cathy had been diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2024 came as a great shock. Despite the adversity and uncertainty that Cathy faced at the time, she remained resolute, determined, and a pillar of strength. Having now returned to full duties, she continues to make an impact and set standards for others to follow.

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to reveal the clubs, athletes, coaches and volunteers shortlisted for the 2024/25 SSS Awards.

Our 21 shortlisted names have been whittled down from a bumper list of nominations and reflect an incredible array of efforts and achievements across the student sports world.

From Olympians and Paralympians through to volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support their sport, the nominated stars show the strength and depth of student sport across Scotland.

Nine institutions are represented across the shortlists with the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling picking up four nominations each. The college sector is represented by nominations in the Volunteer and Male Athlete categories.

The winners will be revealed at our annual Awards Dinner, taking place on Wednesday 11th June at the University of Aberdeen. We are delighted that the event will be supported by Technogym, whilst Playwaze are sponsoring our Club of the Year award.

Over the next two weeks we’ll be talking more about each of our shortlisted nominees on our social media so be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to hear about everything they’ve achieved this year.

Coach of the Year
Neil Allan – University of Edinburgh
Bradley Hay, University of Stirling
Ian Muir, University of St. Andrews

Playwaze Club of the Year
Glasgow University Trampoline Club
University of St. Andrews Football Club
University of Strathclyde Netball Club

Volunteer of the Year
Ruby McDonald – Fife College
Campbell Scott – University of Aberdeen
Grace Stirling – University of Stirling

Male Athlete of the Year
Archie Goodburn – University of Edinburgh
Ben Muncaster – Heriot-Watt University
Ben Sandilands – Scotland’s Rural College

Female Athlete of the Year
Angharad Evans – University of Stirling
Aleksandra Kalucka – University of Edinburgh
Faye Rogers – University of Aberdeen

Team of the Year
University of Edinburgh Men’s Hockey 1’s
University of St. Andrews Women’s Football 1’s
University of Stirling Women’s Swimming

Dr Rob Macpherson Award (SSS Volunteer of the Year)
Sandy Bond – SS Cycling
Marissa Jacobs – SS Volleyball
Dave Lee – SS Media Team

Honorary President’s Medal
Find out on the night!

The 2025 Scottish Student Sport Conference, powered by Technogym, will take place on 11th-12th June at the University of Aberdeen.

Always a highlight of the SSS calendar, the conference brings together our community to network, share best practice, and celebrate the success of student sport.

Following last year’s success, we’ll once again be opening up the first day of Conference to SGBs as we frame the vital role student sport plays across the Scottish sporting landscape.

The glad rags will be donned on Wednesday evening for our ever-popular SSS Awards Night. More information about categories and nominations will be released to institutions soon.

Thursday’s agenda will feature voices from across the SSS network, including institution-led best practice, and an industry-leading insight from our Headline Partners Technogym.

The deadline for registering has now passed, but if you are looking for the possibility of a last minute place, please email Julia & Jo.

Pricing

SSS Members can take advantage of a reduced rate of £75 for a single day ticket, £75 for our awards evening, or for the biggest saving, our multi-day packages: two days for £145 or two days plus awards for £215.

Non-Members/SGBs can attend a single day for £85, with awards available for an additional £90. Multi-day options allow for a two day conference package of £165, or add the awards evening for a total cost of £250.

External Attendees can contact SSS Business Manager Julia Stenhouse.

Accommodation

This year, accommodation will be available through our hosts the University of Aberdeen for a reduced event rate of £50 per person (bed & breakfast). You can book any rooms through the Conference sign-up form or by contacting Julia Stenhouse.

Rooms are individual occupancy in shared flats, consisting of communal kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Don’t fancy an early start on the Wednesday morning? You’re in luck because additional rooms are available the night before Conference! Just book alongside your Conference ticket.

Agenda

Registration will be open for delegates 09:30-10:15 each day.

Sessions will also wrap up at 16:30 on day one, and 16:00 on day two.

Any questions regarding Conference can be directed to People & Learning Coordinator Jo Foster.

Awards

The prestigious Scottish Student Sport Awards Dinner will take place on the evening of Wednesday 11th June where we’ll celebrate the students, staff, and volunteers that have made the season so successful.

Tickets include a welcome drink, wine, and a three course dinner and can be purchased either separately, or in our discounted Conference package through the same Typeform

View the shortlists here.

The Student Active Wellbeing Report, in collaboration with BUCS and Sport England, is launched today with a clear message that there are huge benefits to being active across wellbeing, loneliness, sense of belonging, and what the future holds whilst studying.

Produced for the first time in five years, the report is based on a UK wide survey of students, with well over 1,000 Scottish respondents – 15% of the total group.

Download the report here

Commenting on the report, SSS Chief Operating Officer Stew Fowlie said:

“It’s clear that by investing in active campuses and organised activity, institutions can help their students to better physically, mentally, socially and academically – creating a sense of belonging that can otherwise be hard to find”.

The report paints a positive picture for the student sporting landscape in Scotland. 76% of Scottish respondents reported being part of a student sports club – the highest in the UK. This is further borne out by our annual club membership audit which continues to see strong growth in our members’ clubs.

Students engaging in both sports clubs and gym facilities reported better scores across a range of wellbeing metrics. Active students reported lower levels of an anxiety and were least likely to say that they felt lonely or excluded. Further data outlines that one key reason for this may be the sense of belonging built into sports clubs, and by extension, their institution.

The results of this survey highlight the need for an institutional approach to engaging the inactive and continuing to improve the experience of the engaged. 18% of respondents reported being inactive, yet were still compelled to complete a survey on physical activity. There is an onus on all of us to work better to engage inactive students in every institution.

The report also highlights that particular groups may be missing out on the benefits of being active. Across the UK, Asian and Black women, students from deprived areas, commuter students, and students with a health condition that has a major impact on their life are all less likely to be engaged on campus. This follows wider population trends and highlights the need for us to consider all demographics in creating positive student experiences through activity.

This is all work that is ongoing at SSS and we look forward to shaping this into the future. As best summarised by our COO:

“Regular activity must increasingly be seen not as a nice-to-have, but as a key priority within modern campus life. We therefore urge leaders in colleges and universities to place sport and active wellbeing at the centre of every student’s experience.”

Whilst tertiary education continues to respond to an ongoing and growing mental health crisis among its student and staff communities, being active continues to offer an evidence-based route to a brighter, more positive future for us all.

The report is available in full, here.

All members, partners and interested parties are invited to our webinar discussing the Scottish-specific data, taking place on Thursday 1st May, 15:00-16:00. Sign up here.

Last Wednesday our Men’s and Women’s Football Cup Finals were held at Heriot-Watt University’s Oriam facilities. Read more about the action in our match reports below from Anya Diggines, and check out the match replays on our YouTube.

Queens Park Shield: Edinburgh Napier 1 – 2 University of Stirling

The University of Stirling have lifted the Queens Park Shield once again after two years, following a dominant performance against Edinburgh Napier.

Both teams started strong, as Stirling pressured the Napier back line a couple of times in the opening minutes.

Thomas Vonk crossed the ball to Jay Burns who had a shot at goal, but it went high, and a powerful shot from Lewis Blane called Harris Miller into action.

10 minutes in and Stirling still looked dangerous at the edge of Napier’s box. Vonk had a clear header, but it came back off the bar, as Stirling looked desperate to score.

Stirling looked clinical, winning the corner and passing it short to Burns who had space to take a shot, but it went over the bar.

A minute later and Vonk was up for a challenge with Miller as it tipped over the keeper’s head and had to be cleared off the line by the Napier defence.

Stirling managed to get their break on the 20^th minute as Finn Moffett found himself clear of the defence, as he dribbled it round the keeper and slipped it into the back of the net.

Napier bounced back though as Brodie Watt got a break on the ball, but Blane matched his speed, covering him well and denying the equaliser.

The goal spurred Napier into action, as they weren’t letting Stirling get away with much more. Chances were thwarted early as Stirling had to try even harder to get their second.

Their closest chance for a second came as Blane managed to get the ball under the keeper and it looked like it was going in, but Napier’s Iestyn Harries made a crucial clearance off the line to deny the goal.

Heading into half-time the score remained 1-0.

The second half remained uneventful, as chances were few and far between with both sides struggling to keep possession of the ball.

Napier had a huge chance to equalise from a freekick in the 66^th minute, as a scramble in the box saw the ball ricocheted off the bar.

Napier then had another chance as Lucas Lockhart received the ball in the box and smashed it towards goal from close range, but Stirling’s Alex Sutherland made a huge save to keep Stirling in the lead.

It was Stirling that got the second goal of the afternoon though, as they doubled their lead on the 71^st minute with an incredible shot from distance by Burns as it fired into the back of the net.

Napier were keen to get their first of the afternoon, as Louis Holmes received the ball from a corner and sent it towards goal, but it went high.

Holmes received the ball again in the box from a freekick and made an excellent shot towards goal, but it was tipped over the bar by Sutherland.

A scuffle in the box after the corner was the end of their spat of chances, as Stirling looked to take control of the game again for the last ten minutes.

However, Napier got one back in the 88^th minute, with Liam Cairns finding space at the edge of the box and firing it into the top right corner.

Napier looked desperate to see this game into extra time and maybe penalties, but Stirling held up well to block any threats.

It ended 2-1 at full-time, with the University of Stirling getting their hands on the trophy once again.

#SheCanSheWill Cup Final: University of Edinburgh 1 – 2 University of St. Andrews

It was an all too familiar fixture as these teams faced each other again in the final of this competition for the third season in a row.

The University of Edinburgh looked to lift the cup for the first time against St Andrews. Meanwhile, St Andrews looked to retain their winning streak as they beat Edinburgh twice and the University of Stirling once in the last three cup finals.

Auburn Brenner for St Andrews got a massive chance in the first five minutes as she received the ball in the box and fired the ball towards goal, but it was huge save from the Edinburgh goalkeeper, Lara Sparrow, to deny St Andrews the first.

St Andrews then got a freekick on the edge of the box and Liva Helt sent it to the right but just too far as it smacked off the post, St Andrews looking hungry for that first goal.

Another huge chance for St Andrews came as Olivia Boscaccy got the space to get a shot away at the edge of the box but it just skimmed over the bar.

Edinburgh began to find their feet 25 minutes in as they made some great tackles to stop St Andrews from getting a break on the ball.

Some excellent link-up play allowed Edinburgh to get a chance at goal four minutes before the break as Emily Arthur had a go, but it was sent wide.

A minute later and it was another huge chance for Edinburgh as Kasha Gronowska Butz took a shot inside the box, but it was a great save from Rowan Blacklock.

Helt hit the woodwork again a minute before the break, as St Andrews couldn’t seem to find this first goal.

It remained goalless heading into the break.

The half-time talk looked to make all the difference for Edinburgh as they came out in the second half dominating the game.

Edinburgh’s Dana Perry got a go at goal in the opening seconds of the second half, but it was picked up by Blacklock.

St Andrews’ Adriana Bobenrieth then had a go at the near post, but it was saved by Sparrow who went to ground.

St Andrews came so close just before the hour mark as the ball smashed off the post once again, the ball was picked up on the rebound and fired at the goal again whilst Sparrow was still on the ground, calling the Edinburgh defence to clear the ball off the line as it remained 0-0 with 30 minutes to play.

St Andrews missed a huge chance as Elanhe Sherrell had an open goal but just couldn’t get the shot away before Edinburgh’s defence cleared the threat.

St Andrews finally broke the deadlock on the 69^th minute as Brenner got the ball in the back of the net from a tight angle.

Finding their rhythm after the first goal, St Andrews got their second just six minutes later as Holly Govan scored a sublime goal, sending the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net.

Edinburgh’s captain, Varghese, then looked like she got one back, but the referee was soon blowing his whistle as it was offside.

However, they did get one back in the 86^th minute as Butz scored a fantastic goal, getting the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Edinburgh threw everything into getting that second goal in the closing minutes of the game, however they just couldn’t take anything from their chances.

St Andrews lifted the trophy for the fourth consecutive year after a strong, resilient performance.

The annual BUCS Scottish Conference Finals, held in St Andrews, was another great success. Despite the cold and coastal wind, this didn’t stop a jam-packed day with over 500 students participating, 9 sports, 21 fixtures, and many supporters cheering from the sidelines or on the bleachers. 

Hockey: 

The day kicked off at the hockey pitch, where Edinburgh 6s and Stirling 2s battled it out to win the ICG Women’s Trophy. It was a well-contested and close-call game that ended in a draw at the final whistle. The winner was decided through penalty strokes; Stirling edging Edinburgh 4-1, securing their trophy and title. 

The ICG Hockey Women’s Cup Final began shortly after, with Edinburgh 4s and St Andrews 2s. Another impressive athletic display, however saw Edinburgh fell short 3-1 against St Andrews. 

The men’s hockey fixtures were played in the afternoon; a nail-biting performance between St Andrews 3s v Aberdeen 2s, concluding in a penalty stroke shoot off. But yet again, the home side, St Andrews, raised the Hockey Men’s Trophy. 

Another St Andrews side returned to the hockey pitch alongside Strathclyde to declare the Hockey Men’s Cup title. Strathclyde 1s break St Andrews’ streak with a 2-0 win. 

Netball:

It was a westside derby with the University of Glasgow 5s facing Glasgow Caledonian 1s in the EY Netball Women’s Trophy but the girls in blue came up on top winning 50-32. Rachael Maclean of Glasgow Caledonian was awarded MVP. 

Strathclyde 2s and St Andrews 2s followed in a high scoring game, yet “Team Tech” pulled it out of the bag, leading 67 to 43 at full time. Strathclyde’s midcourt, Aina Jenkins-Garcia was crowned MVP.

Tennis: 

It was an East coast v West coast face off with Edinburgh 2s and Glasgow 2s walking onto the tennis courts – but who came out on top to declare the Teach First Tennis Women’s Cup Final title? After some intense moments, Edinburgh won the Cup and Daniella Scotland was named MVP. 

The Teach First Tennis Men’s Cup Final invited St Andrews 2s and Stirling 5s onto the court; an undoubtedly competitive rivalry! St Andrews sought revenge over the Stirling side after last year’s result, and worked their magic, affirming 6-0 and being crowned champions. St Andrews’ Timothy Moore received MVP.  

Despite the classic Scottish weather conditions, this didn’t stop Heriot-Watt and Stirling in the Teach First Tennis Fast Four Men’s Final. It was safe to say that this wasn’t only a battle for the title, but a fight for survival in the multi-directional freezing wind. Stirling carried victory over Heriot-Watt, 5-1. Mark Rutherford from Heriot-Watt was awarded MVP. 

Volleyball:

The Volleyball Women’s Cup Final was atmospheric to say the least with never a dull moment or a trickle of silence. A fierce Glasgow side faced a cool and collected St Andrews. However, the west coast warriors champion the sets in a 3-0 win!

The Volleyball Men’s Cup Final followed later in the afternoon, with Edinburgh 2s and Stirling 1s bringing the heat in an intense showdown. After some thrilling passages of play, Edinburgh lands on top 3-1. 

Basketball:

The BT Basketball Women’s Cup Final showcased a close and highly contested face-off between St Andrews and Glasgow. The Conference Finals host, edged the westside, 60-53, with Heather Ritchie (St Andrews) crowned MVP.

The fun-filled and busy day of competitive sport ended after an outstanding, high-scoring game between Aberdeen and Stirling in the BT Basketball Men’s Cup Final. Stirling secured the title for the third year in a row, leading 95 to Stirling’s 70 points.

Lacrosse:

Alongside the other outdoor sports, the Lacrosse Women’s Cup Final was hosted in a crossfire of high winds and frostbite-like conditions, yet Stirling and Dundee both gave phenomenal performances in a nail-biting fixture. At the final whistle, Dundee are titled champions after a close contested match ending in 12-10. Stirling’s Eilidh Montgomery was announced as MVP. 

Badminton:

The Badminton Mixed Cup welcomed Dundee and Glasgow Caledonian. After some fast-paced and impressive rallies, Dundee concluded the match-up, 9-3 and brought home the Cup. Hamish McAllister of Dundee was voted MVP. 

Football: 

Having only affiliated with Scottish Student Sport this year, it was great to see West College Scotland facing an experienced Heriot-Watt side in the ALDI Football Men’s Trophy. Heriot-Watt won 4-2 after extra time and Adam Kyle from the Edinburgh side was awarded MVP. 

Aberdeen and Edinburgh Napier followed in the ALDI Men’s Cup with the Knights confirming the win, 3-1. 

The University of Aberdeen returned to the pitch, meeting Stirling in the ALDI Football Women’s Cup Final. The “granite city” university claimed the title, winning 3-1. 

Rugby: 

The Rugby Men’s Trophy kicked off with Aberdeen 3s facing Heriot-Watt 3s. It was difficult to depict who was making more noise – the players or the abundance of supporters on the sidelines. The tension on and off the pitch was like no other but Heriot-Watt edged Aberdeen 31-29 at the final whistle. 

Another Conference Finals derby face-off saw Edinburgh 2s and Edinburgh Napier 1s battling it out for the Rugby Men’s Cup Final title. After a well-contested match, the University of Edinburgh claim the Cup after a 26-17 success. 

The Rugby Women’s Cup served excellent play and showcased incredible sporting moments to finish the rugby campaign with Edinburgh Napier 1 challenging Glasgow Caledonian 1s. However, Glasgow Caledonian won with an incredible distance, ending in 82-10 and Katie Lister awarded MVP. 

The 2025 BUCS Scottish Conference Finals displayed fantastic sporting moments and created everlasting memories. The event would not have been possible without the students, but the officials, volunteers, organisers, hosts and spectators as well – a huge thank you goes to all of you! We are excited to see what the future holds for Scottish student sport. 

By Alex Brattesani