Tuesday 14th November 2023

Read on for the full list of sports and events you can sign-up to!

EVENTS SIGN-UP THREAD | Student Sport Season in full swing!

 

Read on for the full list of sports and events:

 

📍Volleyball 4v4 Tournament (regional)

📍Polo League

📍Curling League

📍Rifle Postal League (Novice)

 

 

👇 See the full calendar of events by clicking the link below  👇

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Friday 10th November 2023

Check out the results from the Scottish Student Judo Kyu Grade Tournament!

Friday 10th November 2023

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Scottish Fencing are excited to re-announce their partnership aimed at promoting and developing fencing among student athletes in Scotland.

Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and Scottish Fencing are excited to re-announce their partnership aimed at promoting and developing fencing among student athletes in Scotland.

Scottish Fencing have been a key partner over the years, and reconfirming our partnership ensures we move forward with dual purpose!

Chris Purdie, Head of Competitions, Scottish Student Sport said:

“Through the renewed partnership between Scottish Fencing and Scottish Student Sport, we aim to actively promote and develop the sport of fencing within the student community. We’re enthusiastic about working together to provide opportunities for students to engage in and excel at fencing, fostering a supportive and competitive environment that contributes to the growth of the sport in educational institutions.”

Clare Queen, Chief Operating Officer/Head of Pathways, Scottish Fencing added:

“We are delighted to renew our partnership agreement with Scottish Student Sport for another two years. Student fencers are an important part of the fencing community and we are looking forward to working with Scottish Student Sport and Scottish Student Fencing to help support and strengthen the student fencing clubs and student fencing events. The key focus will be on providing opportunities for student fencing clubs to develop, coaches, referees and volunteers.”

We can’t wait to see our student fencers back on the pistes!

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Thursday 26th October 2023

We are thrilled to unveil the National Squad Programme for the 23/24 season, and it’s packed with exciting opportunities for students across the nation.

We are thrilled to unveil the National Squad Programme for the 23/24 season, and it’s packed with exciting opportunities for students across the nation. Read on below for the key highlights:

1. Returning Champions: We’re delighted to announce the return of the six sports that brought us stellar action last season. Basketball, Cricket, Cross-Country, Netball, Sailing, and Volleyball are all back with their representative squads, ready to once again display their talent and determination.

2. New Horizons: This season, we’re adding two exciting sports to our lineup – Football and Shinty. Football’s return is particularly noteworthy, marking a triumphant comeback after a hiatus due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We can’t wait to see the new energy and skill these sports bring to our program.

3. A Dedicated Team: It’s not just about the athletes; it’s also about the dedicated individuals who make it all possible. We’re thrilled to see numerous familiar faces within our network taking on the important roles of Volunteer Support Staff. These incredible individuals are the backbone of our program, and you can catch updates about them on our SSS social media channels every week. Keep your eyes peeled; you might just recognize some outstanding contributors!

4. Fostering Student Development: We’re committed to the continual growth and development of our program. One of our overarching objectives is to recognize the tremendous opportunity this program provides to students. It’s a chance to be part of a performance pathway while pursuing their academic endeavors at college or university. We believe in nurturing the potential of our young athletes and supporting their journey towards excellence.

5. An Action-Packed Season Ahead: As we look ahead to the 23/24 season, we’re filled with anticipation. This season promises to be action-packed, with athletes from various sports disciplines coming together to showcase their skills, dedication, and teamwork. Get ready for a season of incredible sportspersonship and memorable moments.

We invite all sports enthusiasts, students, and supporters to join us in this exciting journey. The National Squad Programme 23/24 is not just about sports; it’s about passion, growth, and community. Let’s come together to make this season unforgettable!

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Wednesday 18th October 2023

Scottish Canoe Ace Eilidh Gibson joins SSS as our new Inclusion and Culture Coordinator. Find out more about Eilidh by reading on.

We’re delighted to announce that Eilidh Gibson had joined SSS as our new Inclusion and Culture Coordinator. Eilidh has competed at international level in Canoe Slalom and is a passionate inclusion advocate, founding Slalom Inspires in 2018 in an effort to empower girls through sport. We’re buzzing to have Eilidh in the team, so caught up with her to find out a wee bit more about what makes her tick!

Read on below:

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

 

Alongside my sporting career, I have always been incredibly passionate about inclusion. I have lived experience of how sport can change lives and I have worked to create opportunities for more people to have a chance at this life-changing magic. When I saw the role of Inclusion and Culture Coordinator at SSS advertised, I read the description and immediately thought that it was something I really wanted to do. I not only felt that I could make a positive impact in this area, but I also had had really positive experiences with SSS as an organisation when I was a student in Edinburgh. The team at SSS seems like a phenomenally experienced, diverse group of people who genuinely care about the work they are doing. I can’t think of a better place to work! I’m excited to learn from the team and, hopefully, contribute to making sport more inclusive.

Photo Credit – Kim Jones

 

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

 

The best live sporting moment I’ve seen was watching the 2012 London Olympic final of the men’s C2 canoe slalom. I was sixteen years old, surrounded by 12,000 people in the stands as we watched the GB men’s crews win gold and silver. To this day, I have never experienced anything as loud as that crowd. It still gives me goosebumps.

 

  1. Could you tell us a bit about your sporting background? What’s your next big sporting event?

 

The sport of canoe slalom has changed and shaped my life. I started paddling with my parents on Scottish rivers when I was little but I much preferred swimming (canoeing was always too cold!). I only really fell in love with canoeing when I was thirteen but from then, I went on to make the junior, U23 and senior GB teams. I was lucky enough to compete at World Championship level and spend eight years as a full-time athlete (although four of those years were balancing university!). The time I spent on the British Team brought me some of the most rewarding and challenging moments of my life. I retired from competition at the start of 2022 and since then I’ve been enjoying being a beginner at some new sports. Let’s just say that I’m not a natural at kickboxing… I’m in search of my next sporting challenge!

 

  1. What is your ideal holiday destination?

 

My family and my sport have definitely made me a water baby so any holiday in the sun near rivers, lakes or the sea is ideal for me!

 

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

 

Yes, I studied Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) at Edinburgh University and graduated in 2018. Although I’m a very fair person, Edinburgh Uni is always going to have a special place in my heart!

 

  1. Ham and Pineapple on Pizza, yes or no?

100% yes

Eilidh can be reached at eilidhgibson@scottishstudentsport.com.

Photo credit – Kim Jones

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Thursday 12th October 2023

We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news: the successful acquisition of brand new trampolines through the SSS Special Projects Fund.

We are absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news of our recent achievement: the successful acquisition of brand new trampolines through the SSS Special Projects Fund.

The SSS Special Projects Fund is a vital initiative that channels its resources into projects with a sustainable impact on the student sporting community. It focuses on funding projects of up to £5000 that align with the core values of SSS, ultimately promoting growth and development in the student sports realm.

We were able to secure two state-of-the-art trampolines, along with two end decks and a middle mat, all procured this year. What makes this even more remarkable is that we obtained these high-quality items at a significant discount, thanks to the generous support from the Sparta Trampoline Club. Their unwavering dedication to the student trampoline community has made our funds go further than we could have ever imagined, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

To ensure that these new trampolines and equipment are accessible and can be effectively utilized, they will be housed at Glasgow Caledonian University’s ARC facility. This strategic move serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it will support the club’s growth, providing members with top-notch equipment for training and competition. Additionally, this arrangement ensures that the venue can host SSS competitions and activities for many years to come, enhancing the overall student sports experience.

Students from all across Scotland will soon have the opportunity to make use of this equipment during the upcoming Scottish Student Trampoline Training Weekend, scheduled for the 20th and 21st of October. This event will serve as a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, hone their skills, and foster a sense camaraderie within the student trampoline community.

 

“I am so incredibly pleased that our SSS special project funding application has been successful in securing £4000 to purchase two trampolines, two end decks, two end deck mats and a middle mat from Sparta Trampoline Club for GCU.
This will have an amazingly beneficial impact on the GCU team. Not only will it literally double their training time, but they will also now be able to have a safer parallel set-up, which makes learning new skills much less scary! They are also now able to regularly train synchronised trampoline which the team excel in. Although GCU is a small team, they have so much potential and lots of up-and-coming gymnasts who we’ll have to keep an eye on at SSTO! We hope these additional trampolines really empower them to achieve their full potential in the sport and attract lots of new members.
Alongside this, the whole Scottish Student Trampoline community benefits from GCU now being able to hold league events and open training sessions!
We are so grateful to Sparta Trampoline Club SCIO for their continued support and close ties to the student trampoline community. This transaction will result in their ability to buy more amazing equipment for their venue as well, promoting a sustainable circular economy!” Hollie Fullerton, Scottish Student Trampoline Chair

 

During the periods that fall between our various competitive events and tournaments, the members of the GCU Trampoline Club will be afforded the invaluable opportunity to utilize these tables for their own training sessions.

 

“GCU Students’ Association is absolutely delighted to hear about the two trampolines and end decks that have arrived at GCU Arc and are funded by Scottish Student Sport Special Project Funds. This equipment will help our own trampoline club to grow and develop as well as offering opportunities to the wider Scottish student trampoline community to use the Arc as a place to train and compete. Thanks to Scottish Student Trampoline Development Group, GCU Arc staff and GCU Trampolining for collaborating, organising and supporting this initiative”. Solomon Ajala (Vice President GSBS, GCU Students’ Association)

 

The team at SSS is absolutely thrilled to witness the tangible and positive impact that our Special Projects funding has had on the development of student trampolining in Scotland. The success stories that have emerged from the projects we’ve supported have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s through new equipment, enhanced facilities, or innovative initiatives, the Special Projects fund has played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth and positive change within the student sporting community. The continued evolution of student trampolining in Scotland is a testament to the power of strategic investment and shared ambition.

Are you excited about the prospect of bringing your own innovative project to life? If so, we encourage you to consider applying for a Special Project grant. The SSS team is here to support and collaborate with you in turning your vision into reality. To kickstart the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Business Manager, Julia Stenhouse.

 

 

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Thursday 28th September 2023

In an exciting development for the student sporting community, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is thrilled to announce the successful purchase of seven brand-new table tennis tables through its Special Projects Fund.

In an exciting development for the student sporting community, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is thrilled to announce the successful purchase of seven brand-new table tennis tables through its Special Projects Fund. This initiative is a significant step forward for the organisation and demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the student table tennis experience in Scotland.

Special Projects Funding: A Brief Overview

The Special Projects Fund is a cornerstone of SSS’s mission to support student athletes and foster sustainable sporting initiatives. This fund allocates resources to projects that have a lasting impact on the student sporting community and align with SSS’s core values. Projects eligible for funding can receive up to £5000, enabling them to create a meaningful and sustainable difference.

Seven New Tables: A Game-Changer

The acquisition of seven new table tennis tables marks a milestone for student table tennis in Scotland. These tables boast a consistent design and a key accessibility feature—making them wheelchair-friendly. This inclusivity aspect is a testament to SSS’s commitment to ensuring that sports are accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities.

SSS’s strategic partnership with Table Tennis Scotland played a pivotal role in securing these tables. This collaboration not only facilitated a smoother acquisition process but also resulted in additional discounts, ensuring that the funds were stretched even further to benefit the student sporting community.

These new table tennis tables will find their home at Heriot-Watt University’s Oriam facility. Oriam is rapidly evolving into a hub for racket sports, including table tennis. The addition of these tables will further establish Oriam as a premier destination for athletes across Scotland.

Pictured; Cameron Hussain (TT Scotland), Jess Baillie (SSS), Max Tuma (HWU TT Club)

In October of this year and in the years to come, students from across Scotland will have the opportunity to use these tables to participate in Centralised BUCS League Fixtures. These tables will provide a dedicated and high-quality venue for competitive matches, elevating the student sporting experience in the region.

SSS has ambitious plans to collaborate with Oriam to make it the home of the Scottish Student Table Tennis Championships, hosted annually in February. This move promises to bring Heriot-Watt University into the spotlight during the prestigious Scottish Student Games weekend.

Alisa Khalid, Scottish Student Table Tennis Chair, highlighted the significance of these new tables, stating, “These additional table tennis tables are more than just equipment – they represent the growth and development of student table tennis in Scotland. Their purchase will help provide a dedicated venue for our Centralised BUCS League matches and, we hope, the Scottish Student Table Tennis Championships. They will help Heriot-Watt University’s Table Tennis Club develop too by creating an inviting environment for competitive play – inspiring new students to join the sport for both its social and competitive aspects.

Richard Yule, CEO of Table Tennis Scotland, expressed his excitement about the development, saying, “We’re absolutely delighted to see seven brand new Table Tennis tables delivered in collaboration between Scottish Student Sport and Table Tennis Scotland. It’s an exciting time for student Table Tennis, and these new tables will provide yet another venue for competitive fixtures and a space to further grow the student community.

The impact of these tables will be felt for years to come, fostering growth and development in student table tennis while providing a dedicated space for both competitive fixtures and training. As SSS continues to invest in special projects that align with its values, the future of student sports in Scotland looks brighter than ever.

If you’re interested in submitting an application for a Special Project please contact the SSS Business Manager, Julia Stenhouse, at julia@scottishstudentsport.com.

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Thursday 27th July 2023

Scottish Student Sport is thrilled to announce Technogym as the Headline Sponsor during this 4.5-year partnership! , laying the groundwork for future success.

In a monumental stride towards elevating the student sports experience in Scotland, Scottish Student Sport (SSS) has officially partnered with Technogym for the new 4.5-year deal. Technogym is the world’s leading provider of innovative fitness equipment and wellness solutions. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance the health, well-being, and performance of students across the nation

The announcement is an important moment for both organisations as they embark on a journey of shared values and ambitions. Scottish Student Sport has found an ideal match in Technogym, a company that has revolutionised the fitness industry and consumer training experience with cutting-edge technology and a dedication to improving people’s lives through physical activity.

Ben Sandham, Technogym UK Sales Director – Health, Corporate and Performance said “We are delighted to have signed this 4.5 year partnership with Scottish Student Sport as we continue to support the higher education sector with innovative solutions, knowledge, and support. Technogym have been working closely with universities across the country including University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, University of St. Andrews and Herriot Watt University. We are incredibly proud of the partnership, and look forward to working together.”

“The SSS network is delighted to be partnering with world-leading wellness solution provider and fitness equipment company Technogym.” Said Scottish Student Sport Chief Operating Officer Stew Fowlie, “We share many of the same values and have a joint ambition to engage college and university populations in high quality activity, unlocking the powers this has to enhance lives. Our new friends at Technogym have embraced the partnership and it is super to have a sense of momentum as we build towards next semester. We look forward very much to all the future possibilities and to working closely with Technogym over the next four years.”

As part of the partnership, Scottish Student Sport and Technogym will work collaboratively to host a series of insightful clinics. These clinics will provide SSS members with the latest knowledge on topics such as “Technology in Sport” and “Building Health and Wellbeing into Campus life,” fostering an environment where fitness practices and wellness techniques are embraced.

To mark the beginning of this partnership, SSS Sport and Active Health Coordinator, Ben Rowlings recently embarked on an exciting trip to the Technogym Wellness Village in Cesena, Italy. On his trip, Ben met with the Technogym experts to explore the latest developments and innovations and discussed how SSS can utilise this knowledge to better support our partners on their Active Health journey. You can read about Ben’s trip here.

Scottish Student Sport and Technogym are enthusiastic about the positive impact this partnership will have on the student community in Scotland. With the shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and active health, this collaboration is bound to redefine the student sports experience and inspire a healthier, more active lifestyle across campus.

About Technogym
Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world leader brand in fitness, wellness, sport, and health. Technogym provides a complete Ecosystem made of connected smart fitness equipment, digital services, and training content. Thanks to the open Mywellness CRM Platform people can connect to their personal training experience anywhere, both on Technogym equipment and mobile devices. With over 2,500 employees Technogym is present in over 100 countries. More than 85,000 Wellness centers and 400,000 private homes in the world are equipped with Technogym. Technogym has been appointed Official Supplier to the Paris 2024 Olympics for the ninth time, after Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018, and Tokyo 2020.

For general enquiries please contact Technogym’s representative for Scotland:
Kerrie Donaghy
kdonaghy@technogym.com
07741901295

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Wednesday 12th July 2023

SSS Sport and Active Health Coordinator Ben recently embarked on an exciting trip to the Technogym factory in Bologna.

SSS Sport and Active Health Coordinator Ben recently embarked on an exciting trip to the Technogym factory in Bologna. On Wednesday 5th July, Ben flew to Italy with the Technogym team to explore the latest developments within the Technogym range and discuss how SSS can utilize this knowledge to better support their partners on their Active Health journey.

The invitation extended to SSS was a result of the exciting news that Technogym had become a key commercial partner moving forward. This partnership opened up the opportunity for SSS staff to visit the Technogym headquarters and interact with the product and digital development teams, gaining insight into the upcoming projects and initiatives that Technogym has in the pipeline. This collaboration between SSS and Technogym ensures that SSS can provide the best possible support to partners utilizing Technogym products, ultimately enhancing the student experience and promoting Active Health opportunities.

During the visit, Ben had the chance to witness the wide range of products utilized by SSS partners in their establishments, as well as the newly developed Technogym App. Engaging with the developers, Ben was able to delve into the Active Health aspects of the products. Discussions revolved around areas such as tracking, solo and group challenges, and mindfulness and mental wellbeing. This firsthand experience allowed SSS to gain a comprehensive understanding of how Technogym products align with their Active Health approach.

Additionally, the visit included meetings with the corporate team at Technogym. These discussions focused on Technogym’s Active Workplace model, providing valuable insights that could be translated from the business context to higher education settings. This exchange of ideas further enriched the partnership between SSS and Technogym, fostering innovation and collaboration.

When asked to describe the visit in three words, Ben chose “active, exciting, and engaging.” The visit to the Technogym factory proved to be a dynamic experience, brimming with energy and the promise of advancements in the realm of Active Health.

SSS’s partnership with Technogym sets the stage for a fruitful collaboration, enabling SSS to leverage the latest developments in fitness technology to support their partners in promoting Active Health and providing exceptional student experiences.

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Tuesday 27th June 2023

Scottish Student Sport is delighted to welcome Ben Rowlings to the team. Ben brings with him a range of perspectives on sport and will be filling the role of Sport and Active Health Co-ordinator.

Scottish Student Sport is delighted to welcome Ben Rowlings to the team. Ben brings with him a range of perspectives on sport and will be filling the role of Sport and Active Health Co-ordinator.

We caught up with Ben before his appointment to find out a wee bit more about him:

Can you tell us a wee bit about yourself and your new role?

My name is Ben and I have joined SSS as the new Sport and Active Health Co-ordinator. My background is in performance sport and disability sport and I have a real passion for getting people involved in sport and physical activity. My role at SSS is to work alongside our members and partners to get as many people active as possible.

Brilliant, can you fill us in on your sporting background?

My sporting background is based mainly in performance sport. I have been lucky to represent Great Britain at two Paralympic Games and multiple World and European Championships.

What has been your favourite live sporting moment that you’ve been a part of?

I have two that come to mind the first being a personal one, my first race at a Paralympic Games. Coming out of the call room underneath the Stadium in Rio and seeing the Paralympic Stadium open up in front of me.

The second being the 2004 Champions League Final in Istanbul. I have always been a massive Liverpool fan and that was the first football match I can remember being nervous watching (the last 45 minutes anyway).

 

Ben started this week and can be found via email at Ben@scottishstudentsport.com

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