Sports Awards Round-Up
Our annual Sports Awards ceremony is dedicated to recognising all of you – our wonderful sports clubs, committees, and coaches. You have all played an integral part in making sport at Bristol happen, and we want to thank you and take the time to recognise all of your achievements!
You can read more about each award and winner here:
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The Charitable Scheme of The Year
This wonderful award recognizes the schemes and efforts that have taken place over the year, to raise money, awareness, and/or provide support to a charitable cause through any means. The charitable scheme may have raised a significant amount of money or showed a significant positive impact on a charity or organisation.
WINNER: The University of Bristol Sailing Club
The University of Bristol Sailing Club hosted its first David Haw Memorial Trophy in September – in memory of one of its alumni, David Haw. £1000 was raised in 2 days of sailing, and the funds were split between the 6 search and rescue teams who worked to find their friend.
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Most Improved Club
All of our clubs here at Bristol are a pleasure to work alongside and achieve great things every day. But this Award recognizes those that take it one step further – that have shown exceptional growth and development throughout the 2022/23 season.
WINNER: University of Bristol Netball Club
The University of Bristol Netball Club achieved gold in the Bristol SU accreditation scheme, they were promoted to the premier division and demonstrated talent at all levels with their excellent club integration and structure.
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Participation Drive of The Year
This award recognises a scheme or particular effort to increase the participation levels of any group or students within their club outside of BUCS-level players.
WINNER: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) introduced initiatives to break down barriers – including introducing free womxn and non-binary-friendly MMA classes with B: Active, running a disability-friendly seminar, and having a low-income membership option. With their collab with iFemSoc and Women’s rugby, they had record-breaking numbers of womxn fighters at their charity Fight Night.
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Team of The Year
This wonderful award recognises achievements both on and off the field of any sports team within a wider affiliated Bristol SU sports club – and is open to both non-performance and performance teams.
WINNER: Women’s Football First Team
Women’s Football First Team won BUC’s premier league, represented both the UK and Bristol University in the EUSA Games in Albania, became the focus of four research dissertations, and secured 2 large external sponsors. Amazing!
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Student Coach of The Year
This award recognises the achievements of any student in a coaching role. So, which student has stood up and taken on a leadership role to bring your team or club to success?
WINNER: Gabriella Asman
Gabriella Asman has worked to put on beginners’ sailing sessions every single Wednesday afternoon since September, making the club more accessible to all students. Gabriella has also been coaching around 20 complete beginners up to achieving RYA levels 1 and 2 and supports a team of 10 volunteer instructors to help them develop as coaches. She has even led a Give it a Go of 100 people!
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Sportsperson of the Year
This award recognises the achievements of a sports club member during the 22/23 season, who has shown a commitment to both the wider sporting community and matters off the field, such as coaching or club development amongst other qualities.
WINNER: Emily Wright
Emily Wright has been selected to represent the GBR para-sailing team competing in the RS Venture Connect Worlds in Oman, has come 3rd in the European Blind Match Racing Worlds on Lake Geneva, and sits on the committee and raising money for the Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust.
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Lifetime Contribution Award
The Lifetime Contribution Award recognises a student’s continued contribution to sport whilst studying at Bristol.
WINNER: Maddy Padgett
Maddy Padgett was shortlisted for her commitment to both participation sports and club sports. A B:Active - a champion for the last 5 years of the scheme as lead activator she has helped her fellow activators to develop and supported hundreds of students. Alongside this Maddy has supported the Healthy Minds Programme through various fundraising efforts including running the London Marathon, formed United Bristol Hospitals Womens RFC, and has been an active member of Women's Rugby and Touch Rugby - impressive stuff!
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Sports Club of the Year
And now for the big one, Sports Club of the Year! This award has looked for a club that has demonstrated sporting success, commitment to Bristol SU values, innovative ways to increase participation, and an impact of the group on the student community as a whole!
WINNER: Volleyball
Volleyball’s women’s team now ranks 4th best in the country and the men’s team has been promoted to the highest league. This is alongside huge attendance growth and includes over 80 people per week at their B: Active session and an open Christmas event with over 100 attendees. They have also acquired their first Gold sponsorship, securing them financially and leaving them set on wanting to achieve even more next year.
What an amazing year of sporting success! Well done to everyone that has made an impact here at Bristol. Congratulations to you all! See you next year.
