Page 17 – Scottish Student Sport

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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Friday 15th December 2023

Event: Glasgow University Aquathlon 2024 (SS Aquathlon Championships)

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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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Tuesday 12th December 2023

The Peak, Stirling Sports Village, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ

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Tuesday 12th December 2023

Tollcross International Swimming Centre, 350 Wellshot Rd, Glasgow, G32 7QR

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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!