Wednesday 30th July 2025

Scottish Student Sport can reveal the latest changes to our operational structures building into the 25/26 academic year.

Updated 30/07/25

With season 25/26 approaching, we can confirm more details about our new phase of work, and the changes this brings to Scottish Student Sport.

The changes are the result of a challenging financial climate, created by rising core costs and the removal of £100k of annual external funding. Previously, we have confirmed that the SSS staff team will from August 1st drop from ten to six with the following roles discontinued:

  • Competitions Assistant
  • Sport & Active Health Coordinator
  • Inclusion & Culture Coordinator
  • Learning & People Coordinator

Looking Forward

A slimmed down staff team means that changes to our ways of working are required. As an overview, we can now provide a streamlined ‘roles and responsibilities’ graphic which outlines the areas of of work, partners, and Sports Groups each staff member will look after.

In Competitions, we’re aiming to deliver around 100 events alongside the usual league activity, and what we expect to be a slimmed down National Squad programme. The full run of events for 25/26 will be confirmed by September.

Our SSS Leagues, Knockouts, and BUCS Centralised Leagues will all return in 25/26 with information on entries communicated to the relevant institution staff. We will be leaning more on volunteers to help support the delivery of these events throughout the year.

Any SSS/BUCS Centralised League, or National Squad queries should now be directed to Head of Competitions Chris Purdie.

We will be evolving our Development approach to provide broader, more flexible support across the sector focusing on our membership, our partners and key areas of work. By prioritising breadth, impact, and added value, we aim to engage more members and partners through networking opportunities and collaborative project work.

We will be looking to continue our workforce development efforts including a revised Reffin’ Brilliant programme and flexible staff education to fill knowledge gaps. Our focus on a wider exploration of how physical activity for wellbeing can be embedded further across tertiary education will allow us to continue our work with SAMH and integrate movement into the everyday student life.

Similarly, our Equality Action Plan will aim to enhance belonging across a diverse community to ensure no student is left behind in their desire to play sport or be active. We’ll be enabled in all of this by harvesting research, insights and data analysis from a range of areas to better inform the membership, our partners and the broader network about the important role of sport/physical activity.

Our Advocacy work will continue apace, with SSS staff responsibilities being supplanted by members representing SSS in a variety of networks connected to sport and education. Collectively we will continue to position sport and physical activity within tertiary education and vice-versa, ensuring that joined up thinking and collaboration is made as easy as possible on a national level.

We will prioritise our partnerships with sportscotland and BUCS, aim to stay connected to SFC to identify future possibilities for refreshed support, and aim to contribute to strategic decision making about sport at a local, regional and national level. We will also be working hard to influence sustainable longer term to the Active Campus network in partnership with College senior management and Colleges Scotland.

Sports Groups

As part of the rethinking of our areas of work, a review of our 35 sports was also undertaken with the decision made to reduce the number we operate in. This decision was made based on member/SGB engagement, available volunteer support, and our current involvement in each sport.

The groups we will no longer be continuing are:

  • Boxing
  • Cheer
  • Climbing
  • Karate
  • Lacrosse
  • Ultimate

In addition, Cross Country will move to sit within Athletics, reflecting the SGB structure and make-up of the majority of student clubs.

Each Sport Group is overseen by a SSS staff member who acts as the Sport Lead. Following a reallocation, sports will now sit with the following staff:

  • Stew Fowlie: Basketball, Curling, Rowing, Shinty
  • Chris Purdie: Golf, Football, Futsal, Judo, Volleyball
  • Jordan Dawson: Cricket, Fencing, Hockey, Netball, Swimming
  • Julia Stenhouse: Archery, Badminton, Rifle, Sailing, Table Tennis
  • Sophie Charlton: Athletics/XC, Handball, Polo, Tennis, Trampoline
  • Ruairidh Campbell: Cycling, Rugby, Squash, Triathlon

Recruitment continues for most of our sports. With the operational changes in play, we are more reliant than ever on volunteers to step up and support our sports this season. View the vacancies available here.

Further Updates

Once our new committees are in place following our AGM, we will be able to confirm the SSS Operational Plan for 25/26. This will fill in any final gaps relating to project delivery moving forward.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect in the meantime, please contact COO Stew Fowlie on stew@scottishstudentsport.com or call 07903 891 497.

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Wednesday 16th July 2025

Read more about the 14 Scottish-based students are preparing to represent GB Students in Germany this summer.

A healthy Scottish contingent will be part of the GB Students squad set to compete at the FISU World University Summer Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, which kicks off with tonight’s Opening Ceremony.

14 Scottish-based students will don the GB Students shirt, representing seven institutions across seven sports.

In addition, there’s a familiar feel to the staffing line-up with our own COO Stew Fowlie heading up the delegation, supported by stalwart of the SSS network Ross Simpson.

The selected athletes include the University of Edinburgh’s Archie Goodburn who last month was named Scottish Student Male Athlete of the Year at our Annual Awards. He’ll be taking to the pool in the 100m Breastroke.

Elsewhere there’s selections for Heriot-Watt’s Andrew Thomson – who ran as part of our Cross Country National Squad in January – and Tobias Berry, Individual Champion at the Scottish Student Fencing Championships.

Edinburgh lead the institutional representation with five athletes, while the University of Stirling will be represented by three students. Two students come from the University of Glasgow while individuals from Heriot-Watt, St Andrews, Aberdeen and Edinburgh Napier complete the squad.

The Scottish-based athletes competing this summer are:

Athletics

1500m: Sarah Calvert (University of Edinburgh)

Half: Andrew Thomson (Heriot-Watt University)

Long Jump: Stephen Mackenzie (University of Edinburgh)

Shot Put: Amy Kennedy (University of Glasgow)

Rowing
W8: Sophia Issberner (University of St. Andrews)

Swimming
100m Breaststroke: Anna Morgan (Edinburgh Napier University)

200m Butterfly: Ciara Schlosshan (University of Edinburgh)

100m Breaststroke: Archie Goodburn (University of Edinburgh)

100m Butterfly: Brodie Gordon-Gibson (University of Edinburgh)

3×3 Wheelchair Basketball
Shayne Humphries (University of Stirling)

Taekwondo
Erin Shaw (University of Glasgow)

Artistic Gymnastics
Cameron Lynn (University of Stirling)

Crystelle Lake (University of Stirling)

Fencing
Epee: Tobias Berry (University of Aberdeen)

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Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Want to grow cycling in Scotland? Join the Scottish Student Cycling Sport group are recruiting for a new Vice Chair!

The Scottish Student Cycling Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Vice-Chair

The Vice Chair will support the Chair in the development and delivery of the action plan. Leading on the coordination of all group and captain’s meetings, keep track of programme budgets alongside SSS staff and support in event delivery.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to ruairidh@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Ruairidh on the email above.

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Tuesday 1st July 2025

Scottish Student Sport can reveal changes to the organisation’s operational and staffing structures ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.

Updated 07/07/25

As at August 1st 2025 SSS will be entering a new phase of work, bringing with it a significant amount of change.

The new approach will require SSS to work with a slimmed-down staff structure and, in some areas, cease to deliver services and programmes that have been part of our work in recent years.

As SSS responds to a challenging financial climate, created by rising core costs and the removal of £100k annual external funding, four roles are unfortunately not being continued beyond 31st July.

The discontinued roles are:

  • Competitions Assistant
  • Sport & Active Health Coordinator
  • Inclusion & Culture Coordinator
  • Learning & People Coordinator

The discontinued roles in no way reflect the quality of the outstanding individuals in those positions, nor the importance of the work they have delivered over the past few years. We will miss the massive contribution that each of the incumbents has made and will do our best to honour the spirit of their work within our revised ‘Strategy 27’ which is available here.

We recognise the potential implications of a new structure for our members, volunteers and partners. In response to this, please refer to the FAQ’s we have developed and which we will keep updated over the coming weeks – available at the bottom of this page.

A more comprehensive and specific list of ongoing commitments for 25-26 will be shared towards the end of July. This will be our target date for confirming event and project plans and revised roles and responsibilities for the year ahead.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect in the meantime, please contact COO Stew Fowlie on stew@scottishstudentsport.com or call 07903 891 497.

Frequently Asked Questions

For existing areas of work please continue to interact with SSS as normal for the remainder of the 24-25 year. If you have an urgent query about future work then please contact Stew.

The current proposal is to retain the six roles that are not currently at risk – click here for a reminder of the overall team.

The new staffing structure will take this form:

It is possible that certain events or sports programmes will be discontinued under the new plan. SSS committees and staff are in the process of considering this at present and are working towards an end July deadline for preliminary 25-26 plans.

SSS committees and staff are in the process of considering this at present and are working towards an end July deadline for preliminary 25-26 plans.

We have scheduled additional committee meetings across June and July to help refine delivery plans for next year, and stand ready to support any forum discussions too. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for discussion at the SSS Conference in Aberdeen on 11 & 12 June. If you wish to arrange a more specific meeting then please contact Stew.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Ready to step up and support student golf? We are looking for 4x individuals to join the Scottish Student Golf Sport Development Group.

The Scottish Student Golf Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Vice-Chair

The Vice Chair will support the Chair in the development and delivery of the action plan. Leading on the coordination of all group and captain’s meetings, keep track of programme budgets alongside SSS staff and support in event delivery.

View the job description here.

Development Officer

The Development Officer role will lead on the development and delivery of the sport development plan as set out by the sport group, working collaboratively with SSS and the sport governing body on areas such as: workforce development, supporting club growth, EDI and any other areas agreed as part of the action plan.

View the job description here.

Competitions Officer

The Competitions Officer will lead on the competition/ event areas of the sport group action plan. Working alongside the sport group and SSS Events Coordinator to ensure all aspects of event logistics, support and delivery are completed to the highest possible standard.

View the job description here.

Communications Officer

As the Communications Officer you will be responsible for organising and guiding the group’s efforts to publicise itself and its activities. You will be responsible for ensuring communication channels between the Group and clubs is appropriate and regular. You will support the promotion of individual club activities through the Scottish Student Golf channels.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to chris@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Chris on the email above.

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Friday 20th June 2025

We’re looking for a new group of committed volunteers to help the running and development of student basketball in Scotland.

The Scottish Student Basketball Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Vice-Chair

The Vice Chair will support the Chair in the development and delivery of the action plan. Leading on the coordination of all group and captain’s meetings, keep track of programme budgets alongside SSS staff and support in event delivery.

View the job description here.

Development Officer

The Development Officer role will lead on the development and delivery of the sport development plan as set out by the sport group, working collaboratively with SSS and the sport governing body on areas such as: workforce development, supporting club growth, EDI and any other areas agreed as part of the action plan.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to stew@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Stew on the email above.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Join us and be part of the movement as a volunteer on the Scottish Student Tennis Sport Development Group! 3x roles available.

The Scottish Student Tennis Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Vice-Chair

The Vice Chair will support the Chair in the development and delivery of the action plan. Leading on the coordination of all group and captain’s meetings, keep track of programme budgets alongside SSS staff and support in event delivery.

View the job description here.

Communications Officer

As the Communications Officer you will be responsible for organising and guiding the group’s efforts to publicise itself and its activities. You will be responsible for ensuring communication channels between the Group and clubs is appropriate and regular. You will support the promotion of individual club activities through the Scottish Student Tennis channels.

View the job description here.

Applications are via CV and covering letter to sophie@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Sophie on the email above.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Ready to support the future of student fencing in Scotland? Volunteer with the Scottish Student Fencing Sport Development Group!

The Scottish Student Fencing Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Development Officer

The Development Officer role will lead on the development and delivery of the sport development plan as set out by the sport group, working collaboratively with SSS and the sport governing body on areas such as: workforce development, supporting club growth, EDI and any other areas agreed as part of the action plan.

View the job description here.

Communications Officer

As the Communications Officer you will be responsible for organising and guiding the group’s efforts to publicise itself and its activities. You will be responsible for ensuring communication channels between the Group and clubs is appropriate and regular. You will support the promotion of individual club activities through the Scottish Student Fencing channels.

View the job description here.

Competitions Officer

The Competitions Officer will lead on the competition/ event areas of the sport group action plan. Working alongside the sport group and SSS Events Coordinator to ensure all aspects of event logistics, support and delivery are completed to the highest possible standard.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to jordan@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Jordan on the email above.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Become an influential volunteer and support Scottish Student Cricket in delivering a fantastic season of sport!

The Scottish Student Cricket Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Communications Officer

In the role of Communications Officer, you will be responsible for organising and guiding the group’s efforts to publicise itself and its activities.

Alongside managing any public-facing social channels, you will also be on hand to help capture the action on event days, or support with finding volunteer photographers and content creators.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to jordan@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Jordan on the email above.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Be a key supporter of Judo in Scotland as a volunteer with the Scottish Student Judo Sport Development Group! 3x roles available.

The Scottish Student Judo Sports Development Group are recruiting for a new group of incredible volunteers to help promote and develop the sport.

Development Officer

The Development Officer role will lead on the development and delivery of the sport development plan as set out by the sport group, working collaboratively with SSS and the sport governing body on areas such as: workforce development, supporting club growth, EDI and any other areas agreed as part of the action plan.

View the job description here.

Competitions Officer

The Competitions Officer will lead on the competition/ event areas of the sport group action plan. Working alongside the sport group and SSS Events Coordinator to ensure all aspects of event logistics, support and delivery are completed to the highest possible standard.

View the job description here.

Communications Officer

As the Communications Officer you will be responsible for organising and guiding the group’s efforts to publicise itself and its activities. You will be responsible for ensuring communication channels between the Group and clubs is appropriate and regular. You will support the promotion of individual club activities through the Scottish Student Judo channels.

View the job description here.

How to Apply

Applications are via CV and covering letter to chris@scottishstudentsport.com. Please outline in the email subject line which sport and role (or roles) you are applying for.

Any questions about the role can be directed to Chris on the email above.

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