Blues and Colours Awards Evening 2025

Last night 137 students were celebrated for their sports volunteering and performances, awarding 55 Colours, 50 Half Blues and 32 Blues. Additionally, seven named awards were presented, recognising outstanding coaches, officials and athletes.

Awarded to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to University sport through leadership, service, and impact during their time at Edinburgh. 

Florence Guest has been a driving force behind the Women’s Lacrosse Club through her multiple leadership roles – as President, captain, coach, and umpire. She has helped shape the club into a successful and inclusive sporting community. 

Under Florence’s guidance, the club has introduced a recreational and mixed lacrosse programme, increasing accessibility and broadening participation across campus. Membership has grown to over 120 students, a testament to her passion, commitment, and inclusive vision. 

Florence dedicates countless hours each week to the club, consistently going above and beyond to create a space where performance, community, and fun go hand in hand. 


Awarded to a student who has shown exceptional commitment and impact through officiating in university sport. 

In his very first year with the club, Ben Burton has had an outstanding impact, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in hockey officiating. 

By February, Ben had umpired over 40 matches, more than double that of any other club member. Just weeks after joining, he was appointed Umpire Secretary, and has since built strong links with East District to help recruit and support new officials. 

Ben’s leadership and dedication have helped strengthen the club’s officiating structure and ensure matches are delivered to a high standard week after week. 

His selection to officiate at the European U20 Club Championships in April is a clear recognition of both his talent and tireless work ethic. 


Awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact through coaching within their club. 

Yasmin Hengster has made a remarkable impact on the Sub Aqua Club this year through her leadership as a highly qualified Open Water Instructor, with over 450 dives to her name. 

She has delivered a comprehensive training programme, supporting divers of all levels – from complete beginners to advanced. Through her careful planning and coordination of trips, qualifications, and practical sessions, she has played a vital role in developing both confidence and competence among members. 

Yasmin has been a consistent role model, particularly for female and novice divers, and her commitment to accessibility and inclusion has helped open the door for more students to safely and confidently experience scuba diving. 


Awarded to a coach who has demonstrated exceptional impact and leadership within student sport. 

Neil Allan has brought a wealth of elite coaching experience to the University’s Men’s Hockey programme. As Scotland’s Senior Assistant Coach and the reigning Scottish Hockey Coach of the Year, Neil has made a mark on our Men's Hockey 1st team. 

This season, under Neil’s leadership, the team delivered a series of historic achievements; 

An unbeaten BUCS Premier North campaign 

A third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership 

And most notably, a Scottish Cup victory, making Edinburgh the first university men’s team ever to win the national title 


Awarded for the Most Inspirational Sporting Moment of the Year 

At the 2024 World University Orienteering Championships in Bansko, Bulgaria, Fiona Bunn delivered a moment that will be remembered for years to come. 

Lining up for the final leg of the sprint relay, Fiona was representing Team GB against two of the sport’s leaders, Switzerland and Sweden. With the team trailing by 30 seconds, few could have anticipated what came next. 

Fiona produced an extraordinary run, marked by speed, composure, and determination. In the closing stages, she surged ahead, overtaking both teams to secure an unexpected gold medal for Great Britain. 

One teammate summed it up perfectly: “Seeing her win at the highest level of university sport showed me that anything is possible.” 

Fiona’s performance exemplifies the spirit of this award, a single moment that inspires all who witness it. Congratulations Fiona, Alex Currie Trophy Winner for Inspirational Sporting Moment of the Year. 


Presented for Longstanding Service to University Sport  

Sam Judge has dedicated over a decade to our sporting community, offering unwavering commitment, vision, and leadership throughout her time at the University.  

When Sam first took charge, the Women’s Hockey 1st team had narrowly avoided relegation. Thirteen seasons later, she had transformed them into one of the most successful and respected university hockey programmes in the UK.  

The accolades speak volumes:  

5 consecutive National League titles  

5 Scottish Cup victories  

4 EuroHockey championships  

A string of top-four BUCS finishes  

Despite the above, Sam’s legacy goes far beyond the results. She has been a pioneer for student sport in Scotland, raising the standard of university hockey and inspiring others through her leadership. Under her guidance, countless athletes have gone on to earn international honours, all while being part of a culture of excellence she cultivated so passionately.  

To add to an already impressive list of achievements as Scotland international, former Head of Performance for Women’s Hockey, and a 2013 Hall of Fame inductee – it is our great honour to now recognise Sam Judge as the 2025 recipient of the Alan Chainey Award for Longstanding Service to University Sport. 


Awarded to a student who has delivered outstanding sporting performances during their time at university 

Archie Goodburn’s time at the University has been defined by consistency at the highest level of performance. A standout swimmer, Archie has proudly represented both Team GB and Team Scotland, competing at major international events including the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 World Short Course Championships. 

He currently holds the Scottish national record in the 50m Breaststroke and added to his international success with a silver medal at the 2023 European Short Course Championships. 

Domestically, Archie has made his mark on student sport, winning an exceptional seven BUCS gold medals and two silvers over the course of his university career. 

We are delighted to present Archie Goodburn with the Cameron Blue of the Year award, a recognition of both his elite sporting achievements and his contribution to the student sporting community. 


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