Will Roberts, current Chief Operating Officer for the Youth Sport Trust, will assume the post of Chief Executive Officer at BUCS in June.
Will has vast experience in the sport sector. He joined the Youth Sport Trust senior team in 2015 and became Chief Operating Officer in the autumn of 2019, leading transformation in the charity's technology and systems, and the development of the its long term strategy to 2035.
His appointment as BUCS’ new CEO followed a robust recruitment process, incorporating a wide range of stakeholders: Will is now tasked with driving forward BUCS’ new strategic vision, 2023-2027, to deliver exceptional student sporting experiences.
Chair of the BUCS Board, Professor Amanda Broderick, University of East London (UEL) Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “It is my great pleasure to confirm that Will Roberts is to join BUCS as Chief Executive Officer.
"Will’s high performance track record together with the energy and enthusiasm for the bold new direction we are taking at BUCS, will ensure we remain at the forefront of university sporting excellence and advance a culture of innovation and inclusive practice, unlocking the transformative benefits of sport and physical activity across the many communities our members serve.”
Amanda, who took up her post as Chair at BUCS in January, added: “I would like to thank our Interim CEO Joanna Coates and the whole BUCS team for their hard work over the past six months - it is testament to their talents that this dynamic organisation has continued to flourish.”
Having led the Youth Sport Trust’s charity's work around competitive school sport and talent development, Will worked closely with a number of sports governing bodies and UK-wide stakeholders to grow the School Games National Finals as a key part of the talent development system. Prior to the Youth Sport Trust, he worked for Volleyball England.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead BUCS into an exciting new era,” said Will, who competed in BUCS Volleyball competitions while studying at Loughborough University.
"My own university sport experiences were integral to building my career in sport, and I'm excited to be joining the BUCS team and bringing my two decades of experience in the youth sport sector to add to the amazing work that BUCS does in higher education.
“Whether that’s by providing opportunities for students to begin or continue their competitive sport experience, test themselves at the highest level, or pursue the holistic wellbeing that comes from being physically active, the breadth of BUCS’ offering is fundamental to the lives of many thousands of students.
“I can’t wait to get started and look forward to working with the BUCS team, institutions and our members in the coming years."
