Sports Ball 2024 Award Shortlists

Basketball  

In 2022, both the men’s and women’s 1st teams were crowned SSS National Champions and finished top in the national league and cup. The club recorded 108 members in 2022/23 which led to the planning for the implementation of new competitive and developmental teams as well as working to encourage further inclusion of international students allowing the club to grow further.  

Cycling  

The club achieved its most successful year to date performing best across Scottish University Cycling clubs in the BUCS and SSS points table, achieving record membership growth, and supporting members from learning to ride a bike up to the elite level. They worked on securing funding to support their members to make the club more financially accessible and for the first time secured 4 BUCS medals. 

Hare and Hounds  

The club solidified their position as the best performing Scottish Student Cross Country Club, with successes including regional, national and international medals, GB vests, and radical improvements in their training programme available for all athletes. This successful year culminated in their annual ball which raised significant funds for Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children.  

Netball  

The Netball Club have had an outstanding season across all 8 teams, notably with their 1s winning their BUCS league, and their 1-3s reaching the last 16 of Scottish Cup. Off court, participation exceeded new levels, with many new qualified coaches and umpires. EUNC sought greater connections with alumni and increased numbers in international pathways. 

Orienteering  

After being crowned SU Club of the Year 2021/22, the club continued to excel. Their 'Big Weekend' event, drew over 700 competitors from across the UK for 3 days of racing which will receive ‘World Ranking Event’ status next year. Time dedicated by volunteer members supported the Big Weekend event as well as organising the BUCS championships where the club continued its 9-year winning streak, bringing home 10 medals. 

Women’s Football 

In the 22/23 year, the club shared consistently high-quality content across all social media platforms, supported several campaigns such as Football v Transphobia and shared key resources for mental health & wellbeing with its members and the wider community.  

Gymnastics  

Over 22/23 the club came up with many fun and creative ways to share information on social media and promote the club to prospective members. This included skill Sunday, promoting and fundraising over £1000 for SAMH, vlogging each competition was alongside taking professional pictures. 

Men’s Hockey 

The club utilised their strong design skills to promote core club activities, campaigns and communications. The club supported campaigns such as ‘Rainbow Laces’, demonstrating commitment to LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusivity and ‘It's in the Bag’ a campaign to stand tall against testicular cancer, raising both awareness and crucial funds for the cause. 

Ultimate Frisbee  

The Ultimate Frisbee club utilised platforms to keep current members and alumni updated about the clubs events and successes throughout the year. The club shared a post about Women in Ultimate which went viral in the frisbee community reaching high engagement numbers on Instagram and encouraging lots of positive conversation. 

James Deardon (Boat)  

James has had an exceptional first year at Edinburgh, coming from a smaller rowing program and never having raced internationally, he went on to become the top cox in the Edinburgh rowing program and earned his first GB rowing vest. He represent GB in the men's eight at U23 European Championships where his crew had a successful campaign, bringing home a silver medal in a closely fought final. 

Amelia Tyler (Cycling) 

In her first year at Edinburgh, Amelia achieved best Irish Rider at the Ras Na Mban, finished 6th in U23 category at the British Road National Championships and secured multiple BUCS medals. Amelia will continue to represent Ireland and Alba Road Development Team on the national and international stage. Amelia is also very involved with the club, regularly acting as a ride leader to inspire new cyclists coming to the University.

Jamie Croll (Men’s Hockey) 

Jamie embodies ambition, commitment and respect for his teammates and to hockey as a sport. Jamie has been part of the GB Elite Development Programme, and played in the U21 European A-Division, as well as being selected to be part of Scotland’s senior men’s squad. 

Football (Women's)  

The club introduced several new initiatives in 22/23 to increase participation and inclusion. These included recreational training, skill development and competitive pathways and three LEAP Sports Scotland sessions which provided a safe space for people of all identities and abilities to play football in a relaxed setting.  

Gymnastics  

The club promoted participation by running weekly EdEx sessions which have evolved into their recreational programme and outreach sessions to the community offering individuals from disadvantaged background to take part in gymnastics. The club made strides in disability inclusion, adapting training to individual needs so everyone is welcome and has the same opportunities in the club.  

Korfball  

The club embraced players of all abilities through international sports club sessions, open trainings and stressbusters sessions, which fostered a supportive and inclusive environment. The club also put on voluntary coaching sessions, allowing those interested in coaching Korfball to plan and lead their own training session, empowering members and contributing to the growth of coaching skills within the Korfball community. 

Volleyball  

The club continuously develops it’s disability sport offering, hosting weekly sessions for people with reduced mobility as well as multiple tournaments and taster sessions. As of 2023, EUVC is the only Scottish club to have a sitting volleyball (LIIT) program. To promote volleyball to the wider student community, EUVC led several sessions including Stressbusters and Active Health: Just Play, and sessions partnered with Moray House. 

Edinburgh Engineers Rugby  

Following their success in 2021/22, winning IM Team of the Year, Engineers RFC had another outstanding season. The club continued to grow on the field, giving opportunities for everyone to compete in the spirit of IM sport, winning local tournaments and charity matches. They also raised over £8000 for 'Movember' and worked with various charities to host talks at socials. 

History Girls Netball Club (HGNC) 

In the 2022/23 season HGNC fielded two teams (the Match Squad and Club Squad) both who competed in the IM Netball Division 1 in which the Match Squad finished top of the league. The team created an inclusive environment grounded in genuine enthusiasm and dedication and the community all share a passion for netball. 

Medics’ Netball  

The Medics’ Netball team had a successful season in 22/23, starting with recruitment at the Medics Welcome Fair and hosting ‘bring a friend to netball’ sessions.  Medics’ Netball supports and performs at the Medics Reveal event each year which raises donations for Teenage Cancer Trust, raising £33,300 in 2023, to help provide personalised care and support for young people living with cancer. 

Edinburgh University Cricket Football Club (EUCFC)  

EUCFC enjoyed a fantastic year last year both on and off the pitch with the team winning the Wednesday 11’s Football League. Prioritising commitment over ability, the team brought together members of the Cricket Club engaging anybody interested to get involved. 

Spansoc FC  

The Spansoc football team embodies passion, unity, and the essence of Spanish culture. They have created a community through regular training and matches, as well as spending time as a team off of the pitch. #SpansocFC #FromTeamToFamily  

Splash  

Following its formation in 2021 the team grew and built a community, welcoming anyone who wanted to play basketball and desired to improve. With an increased focus on training plans and hosting scrimmages the team improved, taking part in the Intramural Basketball Cup and had members playing on the Intramural All Stars team. 

Boat  

The Boat Club has an outstanding relationship with their alumni. Alongside well organised alumni communications, the club organizes three annual events to ensure consistent contact with alumni. The club hopes that close collaboration with the alumni boat club "Alexandra Boat Club" will hopefully lead to alumni crews racing at national regattas soon!  

Swimming & Water Polo  

Swimming & Water Polo hosted a weekend long Alumni event with swim races, polo matches and a dinner, drinks and ceilidh evening. 75 returning Alumni attended to celebrate EUSWPC’s history, see friends and form new connections. They regularly contact over 280 Alumni via Facebook and create content .to keep them updated with EUSWPC. The club have seen alumni return to support as coaches this year. 

Ultimate Frisbee  

Ultimate Frisbee continue to communicate with their alumni through social media communications, as well as hosting their successful annual alumni tournament bringing new and old faces together. The club also hosted an auction with kit donated by alumni and club members to raise funds for the club which support the teams to attend Ultimate competitions. 

Archery  

This year saw Archery’s largest novice cohort in the club’s 60-year history with the club facilitating accessible sessions for members new to the sport. Across all squads, athletes achieved a total of 27 SSS medals, 16 BUCS medals, 2nd place in the BUCS outdoors medal table, and 2 Scottish senior titles. 

Cricket 

EUCC’s membership grew to 120 members, whilst the club made changes to improve training and coaching for beginner cricketers. They also had some outstanding performances with successes including; maiden wins for the new Women's 2s side, and promotions for both the Women's 1s and Men's 3s.  

Football (Womens)  

In the 22/23 year, the Women's Football Club introduced 2 new teams, recruited new coaches for all competitive teams, created a new 4-year development plan and continued to grow their Boroughmuir partnership. With their growth in memberships, EUWAFC became one of the largest university women's football club in the UK! 

Handball  

The Handball Club set out on a mission to grow handball at Edinburgh through their club values of inclusivity, enjoyment, development and learning. EUHC memberships increased by 50% in 22/23 and they saw success with both the Men's and Women's teams winning medals in the SSS league. 

Sailing  

The Sailing Club recorded their highest membership numbers in 22/23 with 142 members. They worked to fix their kit, improve the offering for beginner and casual sailing, and managed to set up a new base of operations for their activities. They also secured BUCS points at every BUCS race attended and finished 9th in the BUCS team racing finals, their best result since 2010. 

Charlie Aldridge (Cross Country Mountain-biking)  

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• U23 World Champion 

• European U23 Championships Bronze 

• 2023 British National Champion - Senior 

• Competed in 4 rounds of the UCI World Cup (racing in the elite category) 

Scott Gibson (Swimming)  

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• Scottish Record - 50m Backstroke 

• Scottish Record - 4 x 50 Mixed Medley Relay 

• Scottish Open Silver - 100 Backstroke 

Archie Goodburn (Swimming) 

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• Scottish Record - 50m Breaststroke 

• Scottish Record - 4 x 50 Mixed Medley Relay 

• Scottish Open Gold - 50 Breaststroke 

• European U23 Bronze 50 – Breaststroke 

Kara Hanlon (Swimming) 

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• 2022 European Championships Finalist 

• 2023 British Champion – 50m & 100m Breastroke 

• 2023 World Championships GB representative  

• Scottish Records through the award period – 50m Breaststroke (long course and short course); 100m Breaststroke (long course) 

Megan Keith (Hare and Hounds) 

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• European 5000m Gold 

• European U23 Cross Country Silver 

• European U23 Championships Team Gold 

• Ranked 3rd in Britain for 5000m (14:56 PB)  

Meryl Smith (Ladies Rugby) 

Highlights from 2022/2023 include:

• Player of the match – Scotland vs Ireland Womens TikTok Six Nations game 

• Womens Rugby World Cup Squad Member 

• Professional contract with Scottish Rugby (part of the first group of womens rugby players in Scotland to achieve this)  

• Signed for Premiership Women’s Rugby team - Bristol Bears 

Boat Club Novice Rowing Programme  

The Boat Club Novice Rowing Programme had their most successful season ever, medalling in every event they entered and winning competitions no other Edinburgh rowing crew has won before. With wins at Women's Eight Head of the River, BUCS head, BUCS regatta, and finally in the Frank V Harry cup at Henley Women's Regatta. They have solidified Edinburgh Rowing's position as having the strongest novice rowing program in the country! 

Fencing Women’s 2’s 

The Edinburgh W2’s fencing team had an exceptional season; they were the first 2nd team from Edinburgh to compete at BUCS Big Wednesday in the National Trophy Final. As well as dominant team appearances they had many individual standout performances. On and off the piste, the team created a supportive environment that translated into their fantastic results! 

Women’s Hockey 2’s 

The Women’s Hockey 2nd Team has had a fantastic season both on and off the pitch. Over the season they had many outstanding results and finished top of their BUCS league, Women’s Scottish Tier 1. They successfully qualified for the BUCS Trophy match at BUCS Big Wednesday in Nottingham, an achievement that stands out from previous years! 

Orienteering Girls Team 

The Orienteering Girls Team enjoyed consistent domestic success with wins at SSS Championships, and the British Championships. The team showed outstanding depth at this year's BUCS Championships where they came 1st and 2nd in the BUCS Relay as well as seven athletes finishing in the top ten in BUCS individual Women’s A race. Many members of the team also ran internationally for their countries, yielding some impressive results.