More than 100,000 students in the UK compete in BUCS Competitions and Events each academic year. From present and future Olympians to those participating in organised sport for the first time, BUCS provides a platform that students overwhelmingly agree is a positive contributing factor to their higher education experience.
BUCS’ ambition is to deliver exceptional student sporting experiences which inspire develop and unite, with a mission to embed sport and active wellbeing at the heart of the student experience.
By providing best in class sporting competition and enhancing student well-being, academic performance, and employability while fostering inclusivity and community, being active while studying and competing in BUCS is instrumental in shaping well-rounded, resilient graduates.
Our 160+ members across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales create and foster sport and active wellbeing at their institutions, and their collective strength of our membership underpins everything that we do.
The Challenge
The higher education sector is currently facing a huge range of challenges, but research has consistently shown that participating in BUCS competition while studying gives them a sense of belonging to their institution and its community. Students who remain active at universities are happier, less anxious and have greater life satisfaction than their inactive peers.
In addition to our competitions and events we facilitate, our UNIversal Gym programme supports students from universities across the country to stay active year-round, by enabling their gym membership to be used at institutions across the country at no extra cost.
Member Voice - Professor Amanda Broderick, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice-Chancellor, University of East London
I am delighted to introduce the British Universities and Colleges Sport Impact Report 2024, a comprehensive reflection of the transformative power of sport and physical activity in higher education. This report not only celebrates the achievements of the BUCS and its members but also underscores the pivotal role sport plays in shaping lives, communities, and futures.
BUCS has long championed sport as a catalyst for positive change. Student wellbeing is – rightly - increasingly at the core of university leaders’ decision-making. Using the power of sport and physical activity to unlock positive transformation in many forms has been a golden thread throughout my higher education career; my belief in its importance has become stronger still, since taking up the role of BUCS Chair in January 2024.
With over 100,000 students engaged annually across more than 160 institutions, our work comprises competition, events and more. We provide platforms for participation at every level, from beginners discovering the joy of being active to elite athletes progressing to the Olympic stage. This year’s report highlights the depth of these contributions, reaffirming sport’s essential role in enhancing student wellbeing, creating a sense of belonging, and improving academic success. And it sets the scene for our ambition to support one million students and beyond to become active and reap the benefits of engaging in one of the largest higher education sporting pathways in the world!
The data is compelling. Studies show a 10% increase in retention rates among students who participate in sport, while 93% of students in BUCS surveys report that interuniversity sport strengthens their connection to their institution. BUCS’ role extends to supporting institutions with guidance, networking, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that our members remain at the forefront of delivering impactful sports programmes. Through events like the BUCS Conference and Facilities and Operations Forum, we offer opportunities for members to further build their understanding of the sector, supporting universities to integrate sport and physical activity into broader institutional strategies, fostering inclusive and sustainable campus cultures.
This report also reflects on BUCS’ collaborative achievements. Whether it’s facilitating talent pathways through initiatives like TASS dual career accreditation, aligning with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy, or tackling challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, BUCS is a key partner in addressing the wider societal issues that intersect with sport. As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to inspire, develop, and unite through sport. With the ongoing support of our members, we will continue to unlock its transformative potential, creating a future where sport enriches every aspect of student life.
Student Voice - Ella Williams, BUCS Student Board Member
Playing in BUCS competition while studying at the University of Leeds was undoubtedly the highlight of my higher education experience. While my football team could not be classed as the best in the country (or even our own league!) the friendships I built, and the experiences we had over the three years of my course will live with me forever.
Staying active at university, and competing in BUCS competitions and events, brings so many benefits. In addition to feeling an increased sense of belonging, staying healthy and competing with your friends for your institution, being part of a club or society is a great way to learn soft skills and improve your career prospects.
To me BUCS means two things… While I was at Uni it was something I competed in on a Wednesday, it’s where I met all my friends, it’s where I had fun and relaxed. But since joining the board I’ve realised BUCS is so much more. We offer the chance for every student to be active, to build a sense of belonging to their team and institution. What we do is amazing.
Being part of BUCS can also mean other things to other students. While it’s easy to think of what we do as being providing opportunities for someone on the pitch, on the court, in the pool, it can also mean accessing a gym near home through UNIversal Gym or simply attending BUCS fixtures and cheering on your friends and fellow students.
I would encourage every student arriving at university for the first time, whether they’ve played sport or stayed active throughout childhood or are looking to be active for the first time, to explore what university sport and BUCS has to offer.
Taking part in sport or staying active has so many benefits for every student, and I can’t recommend what BUCS has to offer enough.
Our Organisational Health
Building Exceptional Student Sporting Experiences: Prioritising Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
BUCS is committed to creating exceptional student sporting experiences that not only inspire, develop and unite – but are safe, inclusive, and empowering.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, developed with the expertise of board lead Kathleen Russ, reflects our commitment to fostering equity and belonging. Submitted to Sport England for assessment in 2024, the plan outlines clear steps to engage both our staff and membership in building a more inclusive sporting environment. The appointment of Molly Byrne as our Head of Belonging in the autumn marked a significant milestone in turning this vision into reality. This role, encompassing equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion, will lead our efforts to ensure that every student feels they belong in university sport.
Staff turnover at BUCS has reduced from 21% to 13% from 2023 to 2024, and the fact that there have been ten internal promotions in 2024 indicates that it is a great place to nurture talent and allow it to flourish. Staff describe working at BUCS as fun and supportive, and our annual staff survey showed significant progress in staff understanding how their role can impact directly on achieving the key objectives of the BUCS strategy.
While we celebrate the participation of over 105,000 competitors in BUCS national competitions and the leadership roles undertaken by many students, we remain acutely aware of underrepresented groups within this demographic. We are committed to identifying and addressing these gaps through targeted initiatives and by listening to the voices of students from diverse backgrounds.
Our revised safeguarding approach ensures the safety and well-being of students, particularly as they navigate the formative years of exploring their identities away from home. This life stage brings both opportunity and risk, and we are determined to support students by creating environments where they feel secure and valued. Over the past year, we have overhauled our safeguarding policies and procedures, introduced comprehensive training for our events and development teams, and implemented robust processes at our events. Collaborating closely with our members and partners, including Scottish Student Sport, we are refining these measures to meet evolving needs.
Together, these efforts underline our commitment to supporting students not just as athletes but as individuals, ensuring their experiences in sport are positive, transformative, and empowering. By prioritising diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding, we are helping students thrive both on and off the field, contributing to their personal growth and lifelong well-being.
BUCS Corporate Governance: Strengthening Foundations for the Future
In 2024, BUCS has made rapid progress with our governance action plan, taking significant strides toward full compliance with the UK Code for Sports Governance. These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring robust, transparent, and inclusive governance structures that align with best practices in the sector.
A key focus this year has been a thorough review of the charity’s purpose and how it is expressed. Working closely with our membership, the BUCS Board has refined our purpose to reflect the vital role we play in higher education sport. Together, we partner with our members to deliver enriching and inclusive sport competitions and experiences, while advocating for the lifelong benefits of physical activity for all through higher education sport and active wellbeing.
Central to this process was a comprehensive review of our Articles of Association. Recognising the importance of member contribution, we designed an inclusive consultation process that engaged institutions across the country. This included well-attended focus groups and detailed surveys, ensuring that the voice of our membership was heard and embedded in the proposed changes. The resulting updates not only reflect the collective priorities of our member institutions but also set a clear path forward for BUCS to continue delivering on its mission effectively.
The contributions of our member institutions have been invaluable in shaping BUCS governance. Their insights and active participation have ensured that our governance framework is not only robust but also reflective of the diversity and shared ambition within the higher education sport sector. This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen our ability to advocate effectively for our community and deliver impactful sporting opportunities.
As we look ahead, these governance advancements position BUCS to better serve our members, foster greater inclusion, and champion the value of sport and active wellbeing in higher education. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of university sport.
Our Strategic Partners
