This event was hosted at the University of Warwick and highlighted the transformative power of these sports in enhancing the student experience and fostering a sense of community.
Our aims for this event were to:
- Raise the profile of football and futsal in higher education: Emphasising their significant role in enhancing student experience.
- Recognise exceptional work across the sector: Acknowledging those who provide high-quality opportunities and experiences in these sports.
- Collaborate with external partners and institutions: Promoting success stories and sharing best practices.
We are proud to announce this year's nominees and winners who have made remarkable contributions to football and futsal in higher education:
Recognising both people and programmes which have provided students at their institution with opportunities within Football / Futsal to participate, which they would not have been able to access elsewhere.
Individual Nominees:
- Eleanor Todd - Kings College London
- Hayden Morris - University of Bath
- Olivia Bamford & Ella Cowell - University of Warwick
Individual Winner:
- Eleanor Todd - Kings College London
Institution Nominees:
- Kings College London - Recreational Team Initiative
- Royal Holloway University London - Learn 2 Womens Football Initiative
- University of Exeter - BUCS Development Project
- University of Surrey - Team Surrey IMS initiative
- University of Worcester - Campus Football Opportunities Initiative
- UWE - NFI Football League Initiative
Institution Winner:
- University of Exeter - BUCS Development Project
Recognising people or programmes which have added value to their local community by delivering a provision which increases the quality and quantity of opportunities available in their local community.
Winner:
- Tiago Simoes – University of Hull
Recognising both people and programmes which have provided students with meaningful opportunities to develop themselves both personally and professionally through workforce roles in Football / Futsal.
Nominees:
- Glynn Dignum (University of Nottingham) – Development of Referees for IMS Football Leagues
- Loughborough University - Football Officiating Academy
- Northumbria University & Newcastle University - Referee Development Hub
- University of Brighton - WEUROS Legacy Programme
- University of Hull - Football Leadership Programme
Winner:
- University of Brighton - WEUROS Legacy Programme
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing Football and Futsal within higher education. This will have covered supporting students to play and volunteer as well as providing opportunities for the community their institution sits in.
Nominees:
- Dane Jones - Manchester Metropolitan University
- Emma McClement - Royal Holloway University London
- Glynn Dignum - University of Nottingham
- Oreofe Alabi - University of Warwick
Winner:
- Dane Jones - Manchester Metropolitan University
The event featured presentations from the 10 BUCS funded development projects from this season, a session from The FA detailing the new grassroots strategy and how that will impact the sector. This was followed by a networking lunch allowing for staff to spend time discussing this season’s successes and challenges.
We want to congratulate all the nominees and winners for their exceptional efforts and dedication. Their work not only directly enhances the experience of students but also sets a standard of excellence in higher education sports programmes.
Photos from the event are here.
