News Archives - Page 8 of 15 - Scottish Student Sport

Saturday 9th March 2024

A review of the BUCS Scottish Conference Finals, held in St Andrews on the 6th of March 2024, which featured 9 different sports!

The excitement and anticipation in St Andrews were immense as the town played host to the BUCS Scottish Conference Finals 2024 on Wednesday the 6^th of March. A total of 22 fixtures and 9 different sports gave many student athletes the chance to make a memory they would not soon forget, and the opportunity to bring home valuable silverware to their University or College.

The opening act of the 2024 Conference Finals saw St Andrews University 3s face-off against Stirling University 2s in the Women’s Hockey Trophy. A large following of Stirling supporters and a strong home crowd for St Andrews created a passionate atmosphere for the first game of the day. A hardly fought first half meant Stirling opened the 3^rd quarter with a slender 2-1 lead. However, shortly after the half-time break Stirling’s quality began to show and the match finished 6-1 in favour of the visitors.

Despite the grey skies and bitter temperature, the impressive standard of hockey continued in the Women’s Hockey Cup when Edinburgh University 4s took on Aberdeen University 1s. A back-and-forth 70 minutes eventually resulted in Aberdeen University lifting the cup, after they held onto their 3-2 lead in the final minutes of the game.

The Men’s Trophy final provided another opportunity for St Andrews University to clinch hockey silverware. This time, an impressive performance produced a gold medal for their 3s, who beat out Edinburgh University 6s 3-0.

The final hockey affair of the day was Edinburgh University 3s vs Aberdeen University 1s in the Men’s Hockey Cup. A heated affair soon lost any sort of discipline, leading to the referees having to brandish multiple cards, including a red to one University of Aberdeen player. With Aberdeen 3-2 down, they pushed intensely for a 3^rd goal, playing without a goalkeeper for the last 5 minutes. However, they were punished for missing too many chances and Edinburgh University were able to hold on at the death.

The first tennis event of the day involved 2 impressive teams, with Strathclyde University 1s facing Dundee University 1s in the Women’s Tennis Cup. There was brilliant entertainment on show for spectators including 2 closely fought matches that required tiebreaks to decide the winner. Ultimately, Dundee came away with a victory, winning 5-1 on the day.

Despite the unfortunate wind and rain, incredible tennis was still on display from both Edinburgh University and Stirling University in the Women’s Tennis Trophy which followed fast four rules. A brilliant outing from Stirling Women’s #1 and #2 who did not drop a match in both their respective singles and doubles together proved to be the difference maker. Stirling won 4-2 overall.

Heriot-Watt University went up against Edinburgh Napier University in the Men’s Tennis Trophy which also took place in a fast four format. Despite a great effort from Napier’s #1 who recorded a convincing singles victory, Heriot-Watt proved to be the stronger team on the day resulting in a 5-1 victory.

In the Men’s Tennis Cup Stirling University 5s took on St Andrews University 2s. This matchup provided highly competitive, back and forth tennis, which resulted in half of the matches going to tiebreaks. Stirling were crowned champions after a 4-2 victory.

The Women’s Netball Trophy featured Strathclyde University 4s matching up against Heriot-Watt University 4s. Strathclyde asserted their dominance early meaning they took a 17-point lead into half-time. Despite Heriot-Watt showing flashes of good play in the second half, Strathclyde walked away with a comfortable 51-28 victory.

However, the Women’s Netball Cup final supplied a much closer contest. Aberdeen University 1s trailed Edinburgh University 3s by just a single point heading into the final quarter. A huge effort in the final 15 minutes by Edinburgh led to them lifting the cup after a 41-33 win. The early stages of the Men’s Football Trophy final were a tightly contested affair, however after Edinburgh University 4s opened the scoring their confidence levels elevated and they put in a dominant performance. Eventually resulting in a 10-0 win over a hard-working Edinburgh College 1s team.

A huge display of home support was on show in the Men’s Football Cup final as St Andrews University 1s battled against Stirling University 3s. The Saints took advantage of early pressure and gave their many fans something to cheer about when they scored just minutes into the match. Stirling applied pressure in St Andrews defensive third for much of the match, but a composed performance resulted in a 3-0 win for the home team.

The final football fixture of the 2024 conference finals involved Stirling 2s versus Heriot-Watt 1s in the Women’s Football Cup. An intense game which saw chances for both sides and moments of individual brilliance came down to the final moments on a cold, windy night. Heriot-Watt established an early lead after scoring on the 15 minute mark, but Stirling cancelled it out with 2 goals of their own either side of half-time. Stirling were able to sustain late pressure from Heriot-Watt and defend their 2-1 lead until the final whistle. Spectators watched on in suspense while the Heriot-Watt goalkeeper made a flurry of crucial saves.

The Men’s Rugby Trophy got off to a rip-roaring start. Physical play from Stirling University 2s and costly penalties by Strathclyde University 3s resulted in a 19-0 lead for the men in green. However, Strathclyde were able to weather the storm and begin to put some points on the board themselves. However, Stirling came out victorious on the day, 46-22. In no small part due to their set piece dominance.

Two impressive teams faced off in the Men’s Rugby Cup when Stirling University 1s played Glasgow University 2s. A muddy pitch and whipping winds proved to be difficult conditions for the two sides who still put on a thoroughly entertaining display of rugby. Stirling pulled off a 27-14 win that provided great pleasure to their many fans watching. The game included a man of the match display from Stirling’s loosehead prop who was excellent around the breakdown and showed off some bone-breaking carries.

Heriot-Watt University 1s played Aberdeen University 1s in the Women’s Rugby Cup final. Heriot-Watt came flying out of the gate with several early tries meaning they established a healthy lead. They continued their impressive performance with slick passes and line-breaking runs which contributed to a huge 78-0 win despite the tireless effort of the Aberdeen players who fought until the final whistle.

Two teams determined to lift silverware faced off in the Mixed Badminton Cup Final. Intense rallies which featured spectacular moments of technique impressed spectators in the matches between Glasgow University 2s and Edinburgh University 2s. Despite some impressive performances from Glasgow, Edinburgh proved to be the stronger squad on the day, leaving St Andrews as 11-1 victors.

Stirling University 1s took an early lead and held possession for most of the first quarter against Glasgow University 2s in the Women’s Lacrosse Cup. A number of stunning saves from the Glasgow goalkeeper meant Stirling were unable to extend their lead. Glasgow was able to capitalise on Stirling’s missed opportunities and eventually ran away with the match which finished 18-4. Meaning Glasgow would be the team to bring the cup down South.

An eager crowd and high-flying action were on show in the Women’s Volleyball Cup. A commanding performance produced a straight sweep in sets for Edinburgh University 2s who beat Glasgow University 2s, 3-0.

A thrilling match with a booming atmosphere followed when Dundee University 1s grappled with Heriot-Watt University 1s in the Men’s Volleyball Cup final. Vicious spikes and elbow-scraping dives featured in a strong Heriot-Watt performance meaning they took the first two sets with relative ease. However, Dundee showed great fight in the third set, at one point erasing a 5 point deficit to tie the set at 14-14. Unfortunately for Dundee, Heriot-Watt regained momentum in the set following a timeout from their coach and eventually won the match 3-0.

Basketball was on the agenda for the closing matches of the 2024 Conference Finals. Aberdeen University 1s faced Dundee University 1s in the Women’s Basketball Cup. A closely contested opening 2 quarters resulted in a slim Dundee lead at half-time. Dundee’s physicality proved to be too much for Aberdeen as a number of offensive rebounds lead to second chance points for Dundee who extended their lead to 11 by the final buzzer. The match finished 52-41.

The climax of the day’s events showcased the Men’s Basketball Cup. A highly rated Stirling University 1s team matched up against Robert Gordon University 1s in a venue packed full of spectators who cheered on both sides from the bleachers. From the first moments of the game Stirling came out hot, finding ways to score on all 3 levels and RGU’s defence did not appear to have any answers. RGU were able to find some momentum in the game but still found themselves down 17 points down at halftime. Stirling cruised their way through the 2nd half and were crowned champions following a 95-75 victory.

BUCS Scottish Conference Finals 2024 was a wonderful event which was only made possible by the hard-work and dedication of referees, Saints Sport staff, and volunteers. Check out photos from the day on our social media accounts below.

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Photo credits to Jacob Portchmouth and Andrew Leinster.

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Wednesday 17th January 2024

British Blind Sport (BBS) is hosting a free sports taster event for blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport.

Try VI-inclusive sports in Glasgow at British Blind Sport’s ‘Have a Go’ Day for blind and partially sighted people!

British Blind Sport (BBS) is hosting a free sports taster event for blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow, in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport. The event will take place on Saturday, January 27th from 10am to 3pm at the Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG. The event will feature a fantastic line-up of sporting activities for blind and partially sighted people of all ages and abilities to participate in alongside their friends and family. Confirmed activities include athletics, judo, tennis, and goalball.

BBS ‘Have a Go’ Days have been held successfully across the country for many years, encouraging blind and partially sighted people to become more active. The event will give blind and partially sighted people in Glasgow and the surrounding area the opportunity to try adapted sports and learn about inclusive opportunities that they can continue to enjoy and participate in after the event in their local area.

Vicky Cook, Participation Officer at British Blind Sport said, “We are delighted to start the new year by hosting a ‘Have a Go’ Day in Glasgow to give blind and partially sighted people a chance to try out different sports and hopefully discover a new passion or hobby. Physical activity plays such an important role in living a happy and healthy life, our ‘Have a Go’ Days ensure that more people will get an opportunity to experience some of the activities available.”

To register to attend, please follow the link to complete the form:

Junior: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/juniorglasgowhagd

Adults: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/forms/view/seniorglasgowhagd

For more information, please visit the British Blind Sport website:  www.britishblindsport.org.uk/hagd

Or contact Vicky Cook, Participation Officer on 07983498120 or email vicky@britishblindsport.org.uk

British Blind Sport is always grateful for the help of volunteers at events. Please get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities.

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Tuesday 16th January 2024

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to welcome Sophie Charlton to the team, taking on the Events Coordinator role!

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to welcome Sophie Charlton to the team, taking on the Events Coordinator role! Sophie is well known within the student sport network, having previously served as the University of Stirling’s sports president and in a number of SSS Volunteer roles.

We caught up with Sophie to find out a wee bit more about her.

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

I would be lying if I didn’t say I was buzzing about getting more kit but, in all seriousness, I’m really excited to learn about all the SSS sports and support our volunteers in running all 120+ events across the year, and in particular the College and Conference Finals days.

I was part of the 2019 Conference Cup Finals day and it was one of my favourite sporting memories from university. The atmosphere around the grounds was brilliant, the sun was out and everyone from your university was supporting each other, so being able to be part of creating these unforgettable memories for future students will be really rewarding.

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

I’ll always put an Irish shirt on before a Scottish for the Six Nations but being at Murrayfield and hearing the bellow of O Flower of Scotland was pretty special.

Could you tell us a bit about your sporting background? What’s your preferred sport?

I loved getting involved in every sport I could at school – proud to say that me and my friends got an allocated lunch time football slot for girls only after being kicked out of all the boys’ games. I was mainly a swimmer and hockey player in high school, as well as dabbling in netball, tennis, cross country, athletics, and having a pretty successful stint as a tag rugby player. Through university I mainly played hockey but also gave water polo a go before lockdown and now I currently play hockey in Edinburgh for Inverleith HC.

What is your ideal holiday destination?

Either anywhere in the sun (usually Portugal) or anywhere that RyanAir flies to for less than £30 return.

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

I may or may not be a former #BleedGreen alumnus. Although, hopefully people don’t hold the Stirling allegiance against me.

Ham and Pineapple on Pizza, yes or no?

Yes – is there any other pizza topping combo to have?

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Monday 15th January 2024

Embrace a Healthier You in 2024: New Year, New Active Lifestyle

Embrace a Healthier You in 2024: New Year, New Active Lifestyle

As we usher in the new year, many of us are contemplating resolutions and goals to make positive changes in our lives. For students looking to kickstart 2024 on a healthy note, adopting an active lifestyle can be a transformative choice. Whether you’re starting fresh or rekindling good habits, incorporating exercise into your routine can contribute not only to physical fitness but also to mental wellbeing.

Benefits of Regular Exercise: Unleashing the Power of Movement

The college or university experience is a whirlwind of excitement, change, and new beginnings. For many students, it marks a period of significant lifestyle shifts – moving away from home, making new friends, and, of course, hitting the books. Amidst this exciting journey, it’s essential for students to carve out time for physical activity and exercise. The benefits extend far beyond just physical health; they play a vital role in maintaining mental well-being and academic success.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Exercise

1. Relieving Stress:

Student life comes with its fair share of stress – academic pressures, social adjustments, and the general hustle and bustle. Exercise serves as a powerful stress buster, releasing endorphins that act as natural mood lifters and stress relievers.

2. Enhancing Mood:

The connection between exercise and mood improvement is well-established. Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, contributing to a more positive state of mind.

3. Improving Memory:

As students juggle lectures, assignments, and exams, a sharp memory is invaluable. Regular exercise has been linked to improved memory retention and cognitive function, which can significantly aid in academic performance.

4. Improving Concentration:

Staying focused during lengthy study sessions can be challenging. Exercise has been shown to enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, allowing students to absorb and retain information more effectively.

Prioritising Exercise in a Packed Schedule

While it may seem daunting to find time for exercise amidst the myriad of student activities, dedicating just 30 minutes, three times a week, can make a substantial difference. Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

Join a club: Join one of the amazing sports clubs that your College or University offers.
Gym Sessions: Hit the campus gym for a mix of cardio and strength training.
Fitness Classes: Join group fitness classes – a fun way to stay active while making new friends.
Swim Sessions: A refreshing swim not only offers a full-body workout but is also a great stress-reliever.
Physical Activities you Enjoy: Whether it’s playing a sport, going for a run, or dancing, choose activities that bring you joy to make exercise a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

The Transformational Impact of Regular Exercise

Committing to regular exercise during your college years doesn’t just contribute to physical fitness. It has a profound impact on your overall well-being. Expect to feel less stressed, more energised, mentally sharper, and physically fit. As you navigate the exciting and challenging aspects of college life, prioritising your health through exercise will undoubtedly set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling academic journey.

So, lace up those sneakers, find an activity you love, and make exercise an integral part of your college experience – your body and mind will thank you!

Ways to Get Active Near You: Tailoring Fitness to Your Lifestyle

Regardless of your fitness level or experience, there are numerous ways to get active, especially as a student. Consider the following options to kickstart your fitness journey:

University/College Resources: Speak to your university’s or college’s sports union or sports facility to discover the variety of facilities, classes, and support available to you.
Couch to 5k Programme: Set a personal fitness goal with the Couch to 5k programme – a structured plan to guide you from the couch to running 5 kilometers.
Park Runs: If you’re interested in running and want a supportive community, join your local Park Run. It’s a free, weekly event that welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.

Mindfulness: Nurturing Your Mental Wellbeing

Transitioning back to university or college life can be overwhelming. Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to manage stress and enhance your mental well-being:

Headspace’s Stress Guide: Navigate stress with Headspace’s comprehensive guide.
Headspace’s Meditation Benefits: Understand the multitude of benefits that meditation can bring to your life.
Headspace’s Mindful Eating: Explore the connection between mindfulness and your eating habits.
Headspace’s Breathing Exercises: Learn effective breathing exercises to calm your mind.

For a more immersive experience, check out Headspace’s interactive guides on Netflix.

As we embark on a new year, let’s commit to a healthier and more active version of ourselves. Whether you’re hitting the gym, lacing up your running shoes, or practicing mindfulness, taking these steps can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling 2024. Here’s to your health and well-being in the new year!

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Monday 18th December 2023

In the spirit of collaboration the Active Campus Christmas Festival, organised by Glasgow Clyde College, West College Scotland, City of Glasgow College, and Kelvin College, unfolded as a resounding success.

Spearheaded by Active Campus Coordinators Natalie Dott, Savannah Antoine, Gregor Cree, and Grant Sutherland, the event aimed to foster engagement among supported learning students and provide a boost of fun as the autumn term draws to a close.

The festival, kindly hosted by the University of Strathclyde, provided a host of opportunities for a diverse group of 50 students from the various colleges. Amidst the festive spirit, these individuals got stuck into a variety of activities – all facilitated by a cohort of enthusiastic sport students from City of Glasgow College. Their energy and commitment was brilliant, helping to engage the participants in activities including badminton, zumba, boccia, and various ball games.

The event was not just about the activities; it was also about getting students trying new experiences, creating new relationships, and, most importantly, having fun. It was excellent to see students from the four colleges forming friendships and building a sense of community and belonging.

The Christmas Festival will hopefully provide a template for future success within the College sector, where there is a significant appetite to find creative ways to engage students in sport and active health – and particularly those students that would normally face barriers to inclusion.

Active Campus Coordinator Natalie Dott reflected on this pioneering day saying “The first of many Active campus festivals took place in Strathclyde Sports facility which saw over 50 supported learning students taking part in different forms of physical activity. This events outcome was many happy faces and lots of eager students who now want to participate in activity at their own college who wouldn’t have done so otherwise without attending this event.”

Collaborative Achievement: Within a short span of time, the four colleges Active Campus Coordinators successfully combined efforts to orchestrate an event benefiting 50 students. This collaboration exemplifies the potential for joint initiatives among educational institutions at a regional level.

Engagement and Sustainability: The City of Glasgow College students’ handling of activities paves the way for replicable models in future events. Their involvement not only made the event successful but also set a sustainable template for subsequent ones, with a focus on delivery to students, by students. This experience will also have enhanced their own learning and contributed to the outcomes of their course.

Community Building: Beyond the activities, the festival provided a platform for students to step into a university setting, expressing interest in broader engagements like joining the University of Strathclyde gym and getting to see the club structure. It also facilitated the formation of new friendships among individuals with shared experiences.

As for the future, there’s a collective desire across the Active Campus Network to replicate this model in varied formats throughout the year. This event serves as a testament to the positive effect of the Active Campus Coordinator roles in Scotland’s Colleges, showcasing the power of collaboration to provide opportunity to previously underserved student communities.

You can see the full album of photographs from the event, taken by Andrew Leinster, here.

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Thursday 14th December 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday 13th December 2023

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

Scottish Student Basketball Trophy: A Thrilling Showdown at Playsport Arena

University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow Basketballers running on court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday 29th November 2023

We’re supporting #ScottishDisabilitySportWeek !

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

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

👇 Find out more about SDS Week 👇

Scottish Disability Sport Week 2023

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Wednesday 22nd November 2023

Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

DEVELOPMENT | Re-scheduled Boccia Leaders Success!

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

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

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