Friday 19th June 2020

This agreement will come into effect in 2020 and extends into the 2021/22 season, expanding the opportunities for students to take part in climbing activities both inside and outdoors across the country.

SSS are thrilled to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with Mountaineering Scotland. This agreement will come into effect in 2020 and extends into the 2021/22 season, expanding the opportunities for students to take part in climbing activities both inside and outdoors across the country.

Jamie Smith, Development Manager for Climb Scotland, our partner with Mountaineering Scotland, shared his excitement of the new agreement by saying:

‘We are delighted to working in partnership with Scottish Student Sport and are looking forward to developing opportunities for students to become more engaged in mountaineering activities. There is already some fantastic work taking place, such as student climbing comps as part of the Student Games as well as Mountain Safety workshops aimed at upskilling the many active student hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing clubs across Scotland. Working together we can reach new heights!’

This collaboration will ensure the continued development of student climbing and mountaineering clubs in Scotland. The partnership will focus on both indoor and outdoor climbing by cementing student focused outdoor safety courses as well as improving indoor competitions open to all of our member institutions.

For further details, please visit our SGB partnerships page here and click on the Mountaineering Scotland logo to download a copy of the full partnership agreement.

If you wish to learn more about our partnership work with other sports, please contact SSS Development and Competitions Assistant, Leah Davidson.

 

BACK TO LIST

Monday 25th May 2020

Carstairs, President of QMU’s Sapphires Cheerleading Club, has been awarded this past term’s Volunteer of the Semester for her continuous dedication to volunteering within student sport during the early months of 2020.

This past semester, Sarah and the Sapphires held the QMU’s Cheer Showcase – a Cheer and Dance competition attended by over 400 students from across Scotland. The club raised over £3000, of which £300 was donated to the local Dalkeith Men’s Shed, a community outreach programme promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for men of all ages. Sarah continued to attend meetings throughout the semester, forging a long-term partnership with the charity, going far beyond a one-off donation.

In addition, Sarah initiated a change to her club’s annual social event based on the popular TV show, Take Me Out, to promote an inclusive environment for all of those taking part by adding two LGBT+ rounds for the first time in the club’s history.

When asked about her experience volunteering, Sarah stated: “I have had the most amazing time being a member of the Queen Margaret University Cheerleading Squad. The experience I had as a part of this team made my time at university unforgettable. My positions within the team allowed me to increase opportunities for students within the club, which gained more recognition for the sport and enhanced the university experience for others.

On behalf of the SSStribe, we would like to say congratulations to Sarah for all her efforts to promote inclusion and continue to build strong community ties in her area – keep up the great work!

Volunteer of Semester – 2020/2021

Does your institution have a committed student volunteer just like Sarah? Why not submit their details for our next Volunteer of the Semester award?

The winning student will receive a £50 Amazon voucher as well as have a profile piece published by Scottish Student Sport.

For more information on the upcoming award for the 2020 – 2021 academic year can be found here.

For more information or if you have any general enquiries, please contact Development and Competitions Assistant, Leah Davidson.

BACK TO LIST

Wednesday 29th April 2020

The numbers are in and SSS are excited to announce a 12% growth in club membership numbers in the 2019/20 academic year. Check out the sport-specific breakdown and highlights here!

Scottish Student Sport are delighted to report that across Scotland, the collective total club membership numbers has reached just under 40,000.  Here are some of the facts behind the numbers…

  • Across 571 student sports clubs there are 39,947 individuals reported to be taking part in club activity. This healthy annual growth of 12% is representative of the hard work put in by the staff, volunteers and students at each institution working hard to ensure good quality, fun and friendly sport and physical activity are available on campus.
  • We are delighted to see a huge increase in the reported involvement of students with a disability with that number reaching a total of 1,330 students.
  • The sex balance reported is 45% male, 48% female and 6% unknown.
  • There is slight movement in the top 10 sports per membership numbers with Netball moving up and Tennis moving down. Each sport in the top 10, with the exception of mountaineering, have all increased in size since the 2018/19 reporting.

Please see below a snapshot of the data capture. If you have any questions regarding the data then please email Development & Competitions Assistant Leah Davidson.

BACK TO LIST

Monday 20th April 2020

Coming into effect at the start of the 2020 – 2021 academic year, Scottish Squash and Scottish Student Sport will be working together for the next two seasons.

SSS are thrilled to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with Scottish Squash. Coming into effect at the start of the 2020 – 2021 academic year, Scottish Squash  and Scottish Student Sport will be working together for the next two seasons.

David Fallon – Head of Development at Scottish Squash shares our excitement, stating

Scottish Squash are delighted to formalise our partnership with Scottish Student Sport. We are excited about how our partnership can strengthen and grow squash within the academic institutions across Scotland, bringing all of the physical, mental and wellbeing benefits of squash to Scottish students. We look forward to extending both our participation programmes and initiatives, and our competition structure, to bring more opportunities to participate and compete in squash to students and institutions across Scotland

Working together with appointed Sports Chair, Heather Bowie, SSS staff and Scottish Squash will focus on enhancing links between the governing body and student clubs to provide greater recreational activity opportunities within our member institutions. Through this partnership, we hope to introduce ladder matches and HIIT “Give it a Go” sessions led by students clubs to increase the number of squash participants across the country.

For further details, please visit our SGB partnerships page here and click on the Scottish Squash logo to download a copy of the full partnership agreement.

If you wish to learn more about our partnership work with other sports, please contact SSS Development and Competitions Assistant, Leah Davidson

BACK TO LIST

Wednesday 15th April 2020

SSS are delighted to announce the appointment of the three new SSS Sports Chairs! Find out more about your new Football, Basketball and Netball Chairs here!

SSS are delighted to announce the appointment of our three new Sports Chairs.

Eamonn Laird, current Club Development Officer at the University of Dundee will take charge of all things Scottish Student Basketball. Emma Cartmill, Sports Union Administrator at Heriot-Watt University has been appointed SSS Netball Chair, with Sports Management student, Molly Hyde, taking up the role of SSS Football Chair.

Welcome Eamonn!

Following a move back to Scotland after a stint at the University of Leeds, Eamonn will be taking on the role of Scottish Student Basketball Chair where he will be the one of the key voices in the development of the student game. In the coming months, Eamonn will be working closely with SSS staff and Basketball Scotland to establish a development group to support the growth of the sport across the student network.

Welcome Emma!

Only a year removed from being a student and competing with the SS Netball National Squad in 2019, Emma brings first-hand knowledge to the role of Scottish Student Netball Chair. In this role, Emma will be working closely with SSS staff and Netball Scotland in leading the work of the Netball Development group to support the growth of student Netball. Emma is keen to build strong communication between the clubs and SSS.

Welcome Molly!

After a tremendous start as the Scottish Student Football Women’s National Squad Team Manager, Molly has been appointed as the new Scottish Student Football Chair for the upcoming two seasons. In addition to supporting the women’s national squad, Molly will be chairing the Football Development committee and leading the development of the overall Football programme. When asked about her appointment, Molly stated:

“I’m extremely excited and proud to be selected as the new Chair for Scottish Student Football. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders to help drive some positive changes. Student sport is instrumental in the student experience as it helps maintains good mental health while studying, an area I am extremely passionate about. It has also been fantastic to see the growth of student women’s football, and hope that I can support it grow further.”

If you would like to contact our new volunteers to discuss the development of their specific sport, please use the contact details listed below:

SSS Basketball Chair – Eamonn Laird

SSS Football Chair – Molly Hyde

SSS Netball Chair – Emma Cartmill

 

BACK TO LIST

Thursday 19th March 2020

SSS are thrilled to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with Netball Scotland for another two years.

SSS are thrilled to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with Netball Scotland for another two years. This new agreement will come into effect in 2020 and extends into the 2021 -2022 seasons, ensuring consistency for the sport as both organisations enter new strategic plans over the course of the next two years.

Rebecca Hope – Education Development Manager at Netball Scotland shares our excitement. She said:

“Netball Scotland are delighted to be entering into this Partnership with SSS as we move into the next phase of our strategic plan. Universities and Colleges provide a great opportunity to strengthen and enhance our pathway, while encouraging and cultivating a future workforce across netball in Scotland. 

“We are committed to support students and provide opportunities for them to succeed and thrive. We are excited to work closer with them and truly understand their needs and ensure our provision is relevant as they continue to develop as players, coaches, officials, and volunteers.”

Working together with the newly appointed Sports Chair, Emma Cartmill and the SSS Netball Development Group, Netball Scotland and SSS will focus on enhancing links at local, regional and national levels between both community and student clubs as well as building a robust workforce network across the country.

For further details, please visit our SGB partnerships page here and click on the Netball Scotland logo to download a copy of the full partnership agreement.

If you wish to learn more about our partnership work with other sports, please contact SSS Development and Competitions Assistant, Leah Davidson.

BACK TO LIST

Thursday 27th February 2020

Fife College and Fife College Students’ Association (FCSA) have reached a significant milestone level of the Scottish Student Sport’s College Sport Award. Read the full story here!

Fife College and Fife College Students’ Association (FCSA) have reached a significant milestone level of the Scottish Student Sport’s College Sport Award.

The Scottish Student Sport’s College Sport Award is a self-improvement framework which supports Universities and Colleges to provide physical activity and sport opportunities to their students, staff and communities. Last year both Fife College and the Fife College Atudents’ Association (FCSA) signed up for the College Sport Award – confirming the College’s commitment to sport.

The achievement of the ‘training towards’ level entitles the College to a £500 reward to buy sporting equipment. The College has used the fund to buy both badminton and boccia, a precision ball sport, equipment with the hope to increase sport involvement and inclusivity at the college.

The College Sport Award is a key project of Scottish Student Sport and is part of our drive to build a world class system for physical activity and student sport. The Award is supported by the Scottish Funding Council, and is endorsed by sportscotland and the College Development Network.

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone of the College Sport Award. The programme is helping us as we work to provide many new physical activity and sport opportunities for students and staff across the college.”

Fife College are now working towards achieving the Bronze level of the award scheme which comes with a further monetary award for more sport equipment.

Craig Walker, FCSA Manager, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone of the College Sport Award. The programme is helping us as we work to provide many new physical activity and sport opportunities for students and staff across the college.

“This achievement is very much down to the brilliant work of our Sports, Societies, and Events Coordinator, Kirsten Mullen, who has played a key role in driving forward our new sports club programme since she joined the FCSA team last September.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Scottish Student Sport as we work towards the next level of the award.”

Scottish Student Sport’s Chief Operating Officer, Stew Fowlie said:

“It is wonderful to note Fife College’s progress within the SSS College Sport Award, demonstrating a genuine commitment to sport and physical activity at the College. The Student Association has shown great ambition and drive to make activity part of everyday college life, and this has been met with strong leadership and support from the College senior management.

“It is a pleasure to celebrate this milestone with them today and be able to make the gift of sports equipment for use by all in the College community. Well done to all at FCSA & Fife College – and here’s to your continued progress through the SSS College Sport Award.”

Photo: (left to right, back row) Jade Burnett (FCSA President), Hugh Hall (Fife College Principal), Stew Fowlie (Chief Operating Officer at SSS), (left to right, front row) Gloria Laurini (FCSA Student Engagement Coordinator), Kirsten Mullen (FCSA Sports, Societies and Events Coordinator) and Eilidh Paterson (Tayside, Fife & Grampian Regional Development Coordinator at SSS).

BACK TO LIST

Wednesday 12th February 2020

We recently caught up with Gemma Lumsdaine, a GB Wheelchair Rugby Athlete and advocate for both gender equality in sports and more provision for disability sport. 

SSS: Gemma, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule of studying and training to speak with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 22 year old wheelchair athlete who plays wheelchair rugby for the GB Talent Squad. This Squad helps athletes make the transition to the Paralympic squad and play at the highest level. I am also in my third year at Abertay University studying Sports Development and Coaching. So when I’m not playing, training and studying, I coach at Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club.

 

I believe at the moment you are traveling to Sheffield for a training session, tell us a little about your sporting journey?

From a young age I was involved in individual sports such as swimming and horse riding which I was advised to participate in as a form of physiotherapy. In 2013 I joined my local wheelchair sports club Dundee Dragons which has been life changing for me as at the time I struggled to accept my disability and had low confidence but seeing other people being independent and succeeding in life really changed my perspective of disability. When I first started at Dragons the club only participated in rugby league but through a whirlwind of events I ended up playing my first game of wheelchair basketball for my country with only two weeks practice! The Dragons then developed into a multi-sports club which includes basketball, tennis, badminton and curling. I continued to play basketball for Scotland for a few years and loved it. However due to my impairment level I struggled with some of the fundamental skills such as shooting so I was recommended to try Wheelchair Rugby as it is designed for people with impairments in three to four limbs and involves many transferable skills from basketball. I fell in love with rugby and have worked my way up within the Sport and now play for the GB talent Squad.

 

As you know Scottish Student Sport have partnered with Scottish Disability Sport with the aim to nationally improve the sporting experience of students with a disability. What do you think about that?

I think this a fantastic project as sport has so many mental, physical and social benefits which everyone should be able to experience no matter what their disability, gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. I would like to see all students in Scotland with a disability being provided with the opportunity I have had. Without sport I do not know what my main motivation would be otherwise. One thing I do know is that I would not have the community feel around me like I currently do, I would be much more isolated.

 

As part of the national aim, SSS and Scottish Disability Sport are working alongside Abertay University in their working group which you are a part of. For other Universities or Colleges that might not currently be doing this work, can you share what being part of this conversation and what this development means to you as a student?

It’s such a privilege to be part of Abertay University’s working group and be able to represent students with a disability at the University. Helping to make a positive change which will improve the quality of students experience at University is pretty special. Not all students want to be involved in sport and that’s okay but the important thing is that opportunities and suitable provision are available if they wish to get involved.

 

SSS are lucky enough to have had you sitting on our Women in Sport Panel during last year’s Festive Gathering at Perth College. Can you tell us about the incredible work that you are currently involved in outside of University and athlete life?

I am delighted to be a member of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board. The board aims to create equal opportunities within Sport and Physical Activity for Women and girls across Scotland. As part of the boards role we set recommendations and advise the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders on how best to make a positive difference in sport for Women and Girls and as a result the group have recently released their ‘Level the Playing Field’ report, please have a read if you have not yet had the opportunity to do so.

 

If there is anything you could tell a student who is struggling to get engaged in sport at College or University, what would your advice be to them?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Everyone has been a beginner at some point!

 

Thanks again to Gemma who took out time from her busy schedule to talk to us. Keep up the good work! We look forward to continuing to provide more opportunities to students with a disability across Scotland. If you wish to hear more about the Partnership contact your SSS Regional Development Coordinator or if you wish to seek advice for a student, contact a SDS member of staff in your area.

BACK TO LIST

Monday 10th February 2020

Scottish Student Volleyball “downsized” at the start of the semester with the 4-a-side version of the sport taking the stage at tournaments held in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scottish Student Volleyball “downsized” at the start of the semester with the 4-a-side version of the sport taking the stage at tournaments held in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The 4-a-side version of the sport is being promoted by both SSS and Scottish Volleyball as an excellent format for supporting and developing recreational players and feedback from all three tournaments was that the tournament certainly hit the mark!

19 teams from 11 institutions enjoyed an incredible 60 matches during the fun and relaxed tournaments, with an emphasis on taking part, having fun and meeting new players.

With the very positive feedback from all involved, a National Student 4-a-side festival looks to be on the cards for the Spring – watch this space!

The institutions which participated include:

University of Dundee
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Napier University
Fife College
City of Glasgow College
University of Glasgow
Heriot Watt University
Queen Margaret University
University of Strathclyde
University of the West of Scotland

Thanks are due to the club members of Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow University Volleyball Clubs for all their help in running the tournaments. Special mentions also go to City of Glasgow College and Fife College for increasing college athlete participation.

BACK TO LIST

Monday 20th January 2020

Clayton – Littler, Heriot-Watt’s Sports Union Vice President, has been awarded the inaugural Volunteer of the Semester for her continuous dedication to volunteering within student sport during autumn 2019.

Holly began the semester leading Heriot-Watt’s Sports Union Ambassador programme, overseeing a team of 50 additional volunteers as the group welcomed first year students at several sport tasters sessions held across campus right from the beginning of welcome week.

In addition, Holly continues to play both Gaelic Football and Netball at a 1st team level all while holding committee position for both clubs.

When she was told she had won, Holly explained, “I volunteer for Heriot-Watt Sports Union because I love it! Since I joined the university the Sports Union has had a massive impact on me. Playing sport at university does incredible things and as Heriot-Watt Sports Union has given me so much it’s nice to give a little back”

She has done more than a little – with Holly’s support, the Sports Union  have been able to introduce Microsoft Teams to strengthen internal communication as well implement new systems to raise the profile and visibility on what’s on offer at Heriot-Watt.

Ben Graham, President of the Sports Union at Heriot-Watt, describes Holly as an exceptional leader at the office, on court, and on the pitch even throughout the busiest times of her Accounting and Finance Degree, quoted as saying “the president’s job becomes infinitely easier with the dedication and support of a Vice President like Holly.”

On behalf of the SSStribe, we would like to say congratulations to Holly for all her efforts – keep up the great work!

Volunteer of Semester – winter 2020

Does your institution have a committed student volunteer just like Holly? Why not submit their details for our next Volunteer of the Semester award?

The winning student will receive a £50 Amazon voucher as well as have a profile piece published by Scottish Student Sport.

Nominations are now open and can be submitted by a member of staff or your sabbatical officer via the SSS awards portal found here.

Nominations will close 24th April. 

For more information or if you have any general enquiries, please contact Development and Competitions Assistant, Leah Davidson.

BACK TO LIST