Through research conducted by recent placement student Anna Bole, SSS has been exploring the realities students face when trying to balance academic commitments with participation in university sport with a particular focus on Wednesday afternoons.

The study combined survey responses from student sports club members alongside insight from University sabbatical officers across Scotland. While exploratory in nature, the findings highlighted consistent challenges around academic flexibility and participation in student sport.

The research found that:

• 84% of students reported missing academic commitments in order to participate in fixtures
• 50% had chosen not to play fixtures because of academic pressures
• 64% believed more could be done to support students balancing sport and study
• 25% experienced weekly clashes between academic and sporting commitments

The findings also highlighted the inconsistent nature of support across institutions. In many cases, flexibility for sporting commitments depended on informal conversations with individual academic staff rather than a clear or consistent institutional approach.

Students described the pressure of balancing competing priorities, with many highlighting the impact this had on their enjoyment of sport and wider student experience

Whilst this research focused on universities, informal conversations across our colleges suggests similar barriers to competition, participation and a complex balancing act for students.

For many students, Wednesday afternoons are about far more than competition. They provide opportunities to build friendships, strengthen belonging, develop leadership skills and engage more fully in university life.

The research also raises wider questions beyond sport, including how institutions support participation in volunteering, societies and the broader student experience.

As conversations continue across the sector, the work highlights the importance of creating environments where students do not have to choose between their studies and the opportunities that help them thrive personally, socially and academically.

As this work moves into its next phase, expanding the research across the wider membership will help build a clearer understanding of student experiences across the sector. Through continued collaboration with institutions, students and partners, SSS hopes to support meaningful conversations around academic flexibility, participation and the role sport plays in creating positive and connected student experiences.

A huge thank you must also go to Anna, for her work in leading and shaping this research. Through her thoughtful approach, engagement and commitment to bringing her own experiences to the wider sector, Anna has played a significant role in helping bring these important conversations to the forefront of the sector.

Want to hear more? Anna will be part of our Conference 2026 line-up!

Update – 27/05/26: we have been overwhelmed by the number of responses we have received! Notes of interest are now closed for this group.

Do you want to help shape the future of student-led sport research in Scotland?

Scottish Student Sport is establishing a new Research Advisory Group to support us in connecting student research more directly with the needs of the sport sector.

Each year, students at all levels across Scotland produce high-quality research on a broad range of topics from participation to inclusion, from psychology to coaching.

Too often, student research and sector insight exist in parallel. This initiative aims to bring them together—creating a shared space where academic expertise and practitioner experience directly inform one another, shaping research that is both rigorous, relevant and student delivered.

We are looking for a small group of academics and practitioners who are motivated to work at this intersection to form part of our first advisory group.

As part of the groups initiation, it will aim:

• Co-develop and refine the overall approach, vision and aims of the programme
• Identify and agree priority areas aligned to both academic and sector interests
• Shape the principles for governance, ethics and student experience
• Inform how partnerships between institutions and the sport sector operate
• Contribute to the design of a model that is both sustainable and scalable

We are particularly keen to hear from:

• Academics involved in student research or dissertation supervision
• Practitioners working in sport perf development, participation, inclusion, or policy

If you are interested in being part of this work, please get in touch with our Head of Development, Jordan Dawson.

Over 100 staff and students came together in Edinburgh last week for the second annual ESOL (English as a Second Language) Football College Cup.

Hosted by a group of Active Campus Coordinators, the event provided opportunities for eight ESOL departments to come together, engaging students outside of the classroom.

Historically underrepresented in organised sport, events like this provide a key avenue to engage with minority groups in Scotland’s colleges with a love of football bringing students together.

This tournament provided a useful warm-up for many of these players who will be participating at our College National Finals, held at Oriam on Wednesday 29th April.

On the day Dundee & Angus College took the win in their first tournament appearance, beating UHI Perth in the Final. Emad Abdulrahman (West College Scotland) was named Player of the Tournament while Shazyar Rasouli (Forth Valley College) and Mustafa Ibrahim Abdullah (Edinburgh College) picked up Goal and Goalie of the Tournament respectively.

More importantly, this tournament provides an opportunity for ESOL students to connect and engage when many are still settling into the country. Across the tournament there were stories of individuals who had travelled to Scotland together and were finally meeting again having been separated on arrival.

The talent on show was evident. Participating players included students who competed for Team Scotland in the Homeless World Cup while there was a real emphasis on participation across the college teams.

Our thanks to the Project Group of Grant Sutherland (Glasgow Kelvin College), Natalie Dott (Glasgow Clyde College), Savannah Antoine (West College Scotland) and Xsara Murray (Edinburgh College) for their time dedicated to growing the ESOL football programme. Its growth in the last 12 months is clearly evident with the amount of sport on show.

The Active Campus Coordinators involved hope this event will continue to grow with more colleges joining in coming years, alongside regional projects to provide further support such as that seen in Glasgow. What’s for sure is that there is plenty more to come!

Scottish Student Rugby returns with a first Men’s National Squad fixture since 2019 later this month, against Newcastle Red Bulls Students.

Bringing together some of the best student players in Scotland, the programme provides an opportunity for players to be challenged and develop whilst experience a high-performance environment.

The fixture, taking place on Wednesday 29th April at Kingston Park, kicks off at 18:30 with tickets available for just £5 (free for u18s) here.

The return of a National Squad programme has been led by volunteers from across the student game in Scotland who have been keen to provide an opportunity that complements the existing performance pathway, giving players sitting just outside traditional systems a chance to be seen, gain exposure and push themselves.

With this year’s fixture acting as a pilot, it is hoped that an expanded programme can be introduced in the future, including the reintroduction of a Women’s National Squad. Programmes like this are reliant on committed volunteers and any individuals who would like to support a possible squad in the fixture are encouraged to contact SSS Rugby Lead Ruairidh Campbell.

The squad to travel to Newcastle will be led by University of St. Andrews Director of Rugby David Morris, who said:

“I am incredibly passionate about University and College rugby and the student athlete experience. The return of the Scottish Student Rugby programme is very important in showcasing the talent within our system. It is a representative programme and it matters that everyone involved reflects their journey and community with pride.”

David Morris has a wealth of experience in student rugby having previously been Director of Rugby at Loughborough University, coaching the side to a BUCS Championship, victory over England U20s, and progression into National League 1.

He will be supported by Bob McKillop (University of Stirling) and Dave Hampton (Heriot-Watt University) who each bring strong knowledge of the Scottish pathway and player development environments.

Bob McKillop, who coached the Scotland Club XV alongside head coach roles at the University of Stirling and Heriot’s this season, commented:

“There’s a huge amount of potential in the student game. Bringing this programme back gives players a chance to connect into something and push themselves in a different environment.”

Dave Hampton added:

“The student game is full of talent and ambition. This programme is a great way to give players a real insight into high-performance rugby and help them prepare for the next step in their development.”

Coordinating the programme’s revival is Lewis Skinner (University of Glasgow), who highlighted the volunteer effort behind it:

“I’m hopeful this programme can grow into something that complements the performance pathway and gives players a real opportunity to develop. Every single person involved is volunteering their time because they believe in the student game, and I want to thank everyone who has helped make this happen. We are also grateful to Newcastle Red Bulls for their support with this fixture.”

There is strong evidence that the student game can produce great players with over 200 athletes progressing from BUCS leagues into professional pathways in the last decade. This programme intends to provide a structured step for the next generation, providing opportunities for players, coaches and support staff to gain experience in a high-performance environment.

Over 70 players were nominated by coaches and captains from across Scotland’s universities and colleges. A trial squad will convene for the first time next week before a final squad is announced in the build-up to the game.

Their opposition, Newcastle Red Bulls Students, will be made up of players from the Universities of Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria. As some of the top rugby-performing universities in England, the team will provide quality opposition for our side.

The squad will be one of a number to play under the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) name this season. Ruairidh Campbell, SSS Rugby Lead said:

“It’s exciting to see our Rugby National Squad take shape. This year we will have National Squad activity across six sports and the return of rugby to the fold is a welcome addition.

We are indebted to our volunteers who have spearheaded this initiative, and our members for supporting the activity. We hope a successful pilot this month will pave the way for a sustainable programme moving forward, providing opportunities for students in Scotland.”

BUCS Scottish Conference Finals are here! On Wednesday 11th March, over 500 students will descend on the University of St. Andrews seeking glory.

21 finals will take place over the day with 42 teams vying to become either Conference Cup or Conference Trophy Champions in 2026.

Participating in the day? Access the full pre-event info here.

Looking for where to park or find your pitch? Click here for the Venue Map.

We have merch! Our brilliant partners BE Uniforms will be on site (located beside registration) and will be selling our exclusive Scottish Conference Finals 2026 tee shirt.

Stay up to date on the day! Follow us on Instagram for live updates, and for links to our photo albums.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Scottish Target Shooting (STS) are thrilled to have signed a new Partnership Agreement, running through to 2027.

The Agreement outlines areas for collaboration between both organisations with a focus on club recruitment, talent support, and integrating students in the wider STS community.

The Scottish Student Rifle Sports Group will also continue to be supported with a strong core of volunteers currently in place.

Already this season clubs have competed in a number of events across Scotland, including the STS Winter Grand Prix Series and Postal Competition.

This Saturday and Sunday (7th – 8th February), students will come together in St. Andrews for the third SSS Grand Prix weekend of the season.

The Grand Prix will be the final SSS event before the Scottish Student Rifle Outdoor Championships, taking place on Saturday 28th March in Aberdeen.

Julia Stenhouse-Walton, Rifle Lead at SSS, commented:

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with STS through to 2027.

“This partnership reaffirms our commitment to support student rifle in Scotland, collaborating with STS to offer students the platform to grow and develop in their sport.

“We look forward to working together to increase rifle participation and development opportunities for Scottish students.

Oliver Barsby Chief Operating Officer at STS said:

“STS are delighted to continue our relationship with SSS – it underlines the importance STS has on helping young people start and stay in our sport and the role tertiary education can play on that journey.

“This plan maps out the next stage of our journey working with SSS to support the rifle and wider target shooting network within universities and colleges and thank SSS for the support they continue to show to our sport.”

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and Scottish Student Sport (SSS) have announced a new partnership agreement running until 2030.

Built on a strong collaborative foundation, the partnership brings the two organisations closer together to maximise the benefits for Scottish institutions. The agreement provides enhanced opportunities for joint working and increased strategic value for both organisations and the institutions they support.

At the heart of the partnership is a shared mission to ensure that sport and active participation remain top table issues within the tertiary education sector. BUCS and SSS are united in their commitment to working with member institutions to ensure that all students can access the physical, mental and social benefits of sport and active participation throughout their higher education journey.

The agreement also recognises the long-standing and valued relationship between the two organisations and their predecessors.

As part of the continued collaboration, SSS will remain as the Delivery Partner for the BUCS Scottish Conference Finals, which return this year to the University of St Andrews on Wednesday 11 March.

Will Roberts, BUCS CEO, said: “This partnership marks an important step forward in how BUCS and SSS work together to support student sport in Scotland. By strengthening our collaboration and building on our long and positive history, we are creating greater clarity, opportunity and impact for our Scottish members.

“Together, we are committed to ensuring sport and active participation play a central role in the higher education experience.”

Stew Fowlie, COO, Scottish Student Sport, added: “It is with great pleasure that we are teaming up with our close colleagues at BUCS under this fresh five-year partnership.

“Within this new agreement we will be able to make the most of our collective strengths in order to provide an excellent service to all our shared Scottish members.

“All of us at SSS look forward to developing our joint work and deepening the great existing relationships we enjoy with our friends at BUCS.”

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) welcomes the Scottish Government’s announcement in Tuesday’s draft budget to uplift sports funding by £40m this year.

This week’s announcement shows that the Government has listened and clearly recognised how important sport is to public health, young people, and showcasing Scotland on a global stage.

The budget outcome follows close collaboration and consistent messaging across sportscotland, Scotland’s Governing Bodies of Sport (SGB’s) and other national partners including the Scottish Sports Association over the last year – all aimed at persuading the Government to honour its commitment to double annual funding to sport.

This academic year has been a challenging one for SSS as we have had to adapt to new ways of working following funding cuts in the summer. While this sport-wide increase in funding does not immediately solve this – and while the funding of tertiary education remains challenging – it does provide greater security for SSS as we pursue our key objectives this year which include:

• Running Scotland’s biggest multisport programme with 100+ events
• Supporting vital developments in colleges and universities, including promoting inclusive growth in sports clubs
• Advocating for the huge benefits sport and active wellbeing can bring to Scotland’s colleges and universities

Elsewhere, we are also delighted that the Government has shown its commitment by announcing plans for a Summer of Sport, which promises to be a celebration of all sports, and participation at all levels.

Welcoming the draft budget figures, SSS COO Stew Fowlie commented:

“Tuesday’s draft budget is undoubtedly good news for sport in Scotland. The fresh investment of around £40m is a result of unity of purpose and consistency of messaging across all major organisations in Scotland’s sports community and we are delighted that SSS and many of our key partners will benefit from enhanced support and the ability to pursue new opportunities.

“SSS will continue to work closely with members and partners – and most especially sportscotland – to position tertiary education well within any new developments. In so doing we trust that the enormous contribution Universities and Colleges make to young people, inclusive clubs, strong communities, accessible pathways and strong performance in Scottish sport can be enhanced yet further in the years to come.”

The Scottish Student Men’s Basketball National Squad are set to hold trials next month, open to all Scottish-based students.

After returning to action in 2025, we intend to bring together a Men’s Basketball National Squad to compete in fixtures later this year.

To support squad selection, we will be holding trials with students from across Scotland’s universities and colleges encouraged to attend.

While coaches and captains are encouraged to nominate players in the first instance, there is the ability for players to register themselves. This feature is intended for students at institutions without a formal basketball programme.

Please note all nominated students should be 1st team players.

Trial details are as follows:

When? Sunday 1st February, 14:00 – 16:00

Where? Strathclyde Sport, Glasgow

Who? Any student who is enrolled at a SSS member institution – that’s almost every Scottish university and college – who is a first team player?

How? Sign up here by 12:00 Monday 26th January

Please direct any questions to Head of Competitions Chris Purdie and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Johnathan MacLeod.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and RYA Scotland have agreed a new two year Partnership to support the sport across Scotland’s student sailors.

Both organisations will work collaboratively towards a number of targets, primarily in the areas of recruitment, event and volunteer support.

The volunteer-led Scottish Student Sailing Sports Group will continue to be supported, and will assist with the delivery of events and development opportunities for Scottish students.

SSS and RYA Scotland share a common aspiration of making sailing accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all participants and volunteers.

The Scottish Student Sailing competitive programme returns with our second League Weekend running from January 31^st – February 1^st.

Julia Stenhouse-Walton, Sailing Lead at Scottish Student Sport, commented:

“We are delighted to sign a new partnership with RYA Scotland, strengthening our shared commitment to creating a more visible, collaborative and engaging sailing environment for students.

“This agreement will help grow participation, enhance workforce development and raise the profile of student sailing through closer collaboration on events, club development and communication.

“We look forward to working closely with RYA Scotland to deliver meaningful opportunities and impact for student sailors across Scotland.”

Commenting on the agreement, Finlo Cottier, CEO at RYA Scotland said:

“Student sailing plays a vital role in helping young people continue their passion for our sport beyond school, and provides an opportunity for many to discover sailing for the first time.

“RYA Scotland is delighted to strengthen our partnership with Scottish Student Sailing and Scottish Student Sport, working together to deliver the highest quality instruction, racing, and leisure opportunities for university students across Scotland.

“Our strategy is built around People, Places, and Communities, and the student community brings incredible diversity and opportunity to those wishing to sail in Scotland.”