Sports Ball 2026 Award Shortlist Announced

For the first year student who makes the most outstanding contribution to university sport.

Emily Hook - Lacrosse

Emily’s breakout year saw her shine for Wales and the University of Edinburgh. She helped secure a top seven finish at the 2024 U20 World Championships, ranked joint first in assists and was fast-tracked into the Senior Wales squad for the 2025 Home Internationals, earning a starting debut and scoring her first senior international goal. Selected for The Fly reserve list and the senior training squad for the 2026 World Cup pathway, she has simultaneously excelled in BUCS competition, earning multiple MVP awards for the Women’s 1’s. Her consistent impact, work ethic and leadership on and off the pitch have made her one of Edinburgh’s standout rising talents. 

James Hammond - Orienteering

James produced a dominant season across university, national and international orienteering. At home, he claimed the Men’s U20 JK Sprint and Long titles, the U20 British Middle and Long-distance championships, the U20 Scottish title and the overall M20 Scottish Six Days crown. Internationally, he placed fourth in the Junior World Championships Sprint and twice finished fourth in the Junior European Cup. In his BUCS debut, he finished second individually and anchored the relay team to victory. Alongside his competitive success, James contributed significantly to club life, helping organise EUOC’s Big Weekend and supported newcomers with coaching and leadership. 

Murray Dickson – Swimming & Water Polo

Murray achieved unprecedented success in his first year at University, becoming the first Scottish athlete in decades to captain Great Britain U20s, earning GB selection for the World Aquatics World Cup where he scored against South Africa, and winning two full senior Scotland caps. He played a pivotal role in Stirling Water Polo’s strongest season to date and was a key started for the University of Edinburgh, finishing as the team’s second-highest scorer. Named Scottish Junior Player of the Year, James combined elite international sport with a demanding engineering degree, establishing himself as one of Scotland’s most exciting young water polo talents. 

For the club with the most outstanding commitment to the promotion and delivery of strong links with Alumni.

Boat Club

The Boat club delivered one of its strongest years of alumni engagement to date, expanding communication channels and creating more frequent, personal touchpoints between past and present members. The club hosted a record-attended Henley Royal Regatta reception, welcomed alumni back for the annual Rowing Ball and coordinated informal meet ups around major races. Engagement was further strengthened through close connections with recent graduates competing internationnally. A shift toward more accessible, informal communications helped alumni feel consistently connected to the club, while collaborative work with the Sports Union and the Development & Alumni Office laid foundations for future fundraising and development activity. Their efforts reinforced the club’s belief that the bonds formed at University remain central to the club’s continued success.

Cricket Club

In 2024/25, the Cricket Club transformed its alumni engagement efforts, launching a structured newsletter published three times annually and reviving in-person events for the first time in years. With improved communications supported by guidance from the Sports Union, the club saw alumni re-engage from as far back as the 1960s and secured its largest donation in years, more than doubling its alumni fund. These funds were used to launch “The Highland Smash”, a new mixed creational indoor tournament. Alumni were invited to attend key fixtures including Varsity, summer derbies, the MCC match and the Leavers vs. New Students game, while also getting involved in charity events and supporting volunteering opportunities. Finally, two major alumni gatherings in London attracted more than 40 attendees, helping final-year students build connections and easing the transition into post-university community. The 2024/25 season marked a significant step forward in strengthening the club’s long-term alumni network.

Swimming & Water Polo Club

The Swimming & Water Polo Club continued its longstanding tradition of strong alumni connections through its annual Alumni Weekend, celebrating the club’s 137^th anniversary. Communication was sustained throughout the season via social media, sharing regular updates and building anticipation for the March weekend. The club also partnered with Give Blood for Good for its annual blood drive where alumni made up 30% of all donors, highlighting meaningful engagement beyond the pool. The Alumni Weekend brough past and present members together for social events, fundraising and competitive alumni vs club matches across swimming and water polo, raising £172 for charity. These initiatives not only maintained strong ties with former members but also fostered a sense of continuity, pride and shared history across generations of EUSWPC athletes.

For the club with the best participation and inclusion offering in the Sports Union.

Cheerleading & Dance

The Cheerleading & Dance Club has been committed to widening participation through beginner-friendly tasters, a successful buddy system, and accessible competition pathways across four levels. The club expanded recreational opportunities, strengthened coach development, increased financial support through sustained fundraising and delivered a strong programme of socials and charity events. With recreational members now making up half of the club, Cheerleading & Dance continues to offer an inclusive route into both cheerleading and performance dance. 

Gaelic Football Club

The Gaelic Football Club saw exceptional commitment to participation and inclusion, welcoming players from eight nationalities and maintaining strong attendance throughout the year. The club prioritised accessibility by offering open training, free introductory weeks, clear skill-based coaching for beginners, and a welcoming culture that encourages returning and first-time players alike. Their inclusive approach drove membership growth and created a supportive environment in one of the University’s minority sports. 

Gymnastics Club

The Gymnastics Club delivered a standout year centred on accessibility and community participation. Highlights included outreach sessions for disadvantaged children, collaboration with international student groups, and a growing public recreational class that has expanded gymnastics opportunities in Scotland. Inclusive training structures, open competitions, and new recognition schemes for members and volunteer coaches strengthened engagement and built a supportive environment for gymnastics of all abilities. 

Korfball Club

The Korfball Club placed a strong emphasis on equality, accessibility and community outreach within one of the University’s most beginner-friendly sports. The club expanded its partnerships, delivered school and youth sessions, supported national inclusion campaigns, and ran dedicated beginner training and tournaments. With three teams catering to both competitive and social players, alongside leadership development for new coaches and referees, the club continued to grow participation and strengthened its welcoming, mixed-gender sporting community. 

 Shinty Club

The Shinty Club made history in 2024/25 by becoming the first University to field two women’s teams, marking a major step forward for participation in the sport. The club continued to champion accessibility through mixed ability training, mentorship between experienced players and newcomers, and low-cost, fully supported membership. Strengthened by cultural events, community outreach and new leadership opportunities, the club built an inclusive, affordable and welcoming environment that drove record club growth. 

For most improved club of the year.

Athletics Club

The Athletics Club saw major growth with a 40% rise in membership, expanded coaching across all disciplines, and significant upgrades to training provision, including doubling Meadowbank sessions and improving S&C to reduce injuries. The club achieved medals across sprints, middle distance, jumps and throws at BUCS and continued its SSA Outdoor Championships success, while first-year athletes entered new events thanks to broadened training pathways. The club affiliated with Scottish Athletics, strengthened welfare through safeguarding initiatives, and boosted community impact via school outreach, Movember fundraising and renewed alumni engagement. It’s UK Eiden debut placed the team in the top 10 nationally, further raising the club’s profile. 

Gaelic Football Club

The Gaelic Football Club delivered a landmark year of competitive progress and stronger governance. Both men’s and women’s teams qualified for British Championship for the first time in years, with the men reaching their division final and the women winning the Division 3 shield. Club organisation improved dramatically through an engaged committee, structured coaching, added equipment provision, and expanded financial support for members. With the election of the club’s first female president and a surge of new players during Welcome Week, the club strengthened participation, performance and long-term sustainability. 

Snowsports Club

The Snowsports Club expanded beginner pathways, launching subsidised Learn in a Day sessions, a five-week Hillend programme and new touring and avalanche safety training. The club strengthened women’s participation through “Gals Who Shred” freestyle sessions and delivered strong competitive results, including multiple podiums at SUDS and top 10 finishes at BUDS, it’s best women’s performance to date. Wellbeing initiatives such as yoga, coffee mornings and stress-buster events grew engagement, while charity work raised over £3,500 for POW and Snowcamp. The club’s broad, inclusive offer and competitive progress marked a transformative year. 

Tennis Club

The Tennis Club delivered its most successful year to date, reaching a record 381 members, expanded inclusive playing opportunities, and launched a new Student Coaching Programme that strengthened coaching quality, while developing future leaders. Performance highlights included the Women’s 1’s reaching the National Championships semi-finals, the Women’s 2’s winning the Conference Cup and Hearther Barlow claiming the Tennis Scotland Open Tour title. The club raised over £2,500 for charity, earned both the Tennis Scotland University of the Year award and the LTA Excellence Award, and was featured in an LTA case study for innovation and community impact, cementing its status as one of Scotland’s leading university tennis programmes. 

Touch Rugby Club

The Touch Rugby Club achieved its strongest competitive season in history, finishing 4^th at the National BUCS Championships and earning BUCS points for the first time. A new partnership with Scottish Touch transformed performance standards, supported by sessions from national-level coaches and a Club Coach of the Year nomination. The club expanded its footprint across Scotland, strengthened ties with emerging university teams and launched women-focused initiatives such as split training sessions and the “Girls Belong” programme, leading to three players earning international debuts. With record participation and the potential to field a third team, the club’s rapid growth and inclusivity marked a major step forward in the club’s development. 

For Team of the Year

Basketball Women’s 1’s

The Basketball Women’s 1’s produced a standout season, going unbeaten in the Scottish National League Division 1, before winning the SNL Playoffs to become Scotland’s top women’s team. They added the SSS Cup title and secured a top three finish in BUCS Premier North, an exceptional result for the only squad in the league without professional club backing. Competing with a small roster, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience, consistency and player development, achieving one fo the most successful seasons in the club’s history. 

Hockey Men’s 1’s

The Hockey Men’s 1’s enjoyed a landmark season, winning BUCS Premier North unbeaten, securing promotion to BUCS National Premier and lifting the BUCS Vase. Their success saw them named BUCS Team of the Year. Domestically, they became the first men’s university team to win the Scottish Hockey Cup and finished third in the Scottish Premiership. Five squad members, alongside their coach, earned senior Scotland caps at the FIH Nations Cup 2, where the team claimed the international title. 

Netball Women's 1’s

The Netball Women’s 1’s produced their strongest season ever, finishing third in BUCS Premier North in their first year back in the division and become the first Edinburgh side to avoid immediate relegation. They reached the National Trophy quarter finals for the first time, won the National League title for a historic second consecutive year, and lifted the Scottish Cup – the first university team to do so. With multiple athletes representing Scotland and Northern Ireland age-group squads, the team combined elite performance with a strong culture, cementing their status as one of Scotland’s top university netball programmes. 

For the club with the best publicity record

Gymnastics Club

The Gymnastics Club produced an oustanding year of communications, building a dynamic multi-platform presence across Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and a new monthly newsletter. Highlights included weekly features such as “Skill Sunday” and “Fail Friday”, professional competition vlogs and high-quality content that boosted engagement and recruitment. The club actively supported university-wide recognition with a feature from Scottish Gymnastics after success at the Adult British Championships. Their strong, consistent and inclusive publicity showcased both the club’s achievements and welcoming community. 

Karate Club

Karate delivered a highly active and polished publicity effort, producing 44 coordinated posts and collaborative content with other martial arts clubs. A successful video campaign helped relaunch the intraclub tournament, doubling competitor numbers, while “Meet the Committee” and “Day in the Life” posts strengthened visibility and approachability across the membership. The club consistently showcased competitive success through real-time updates and features on national level athletes. With strong branding, working strongly with the Sports Union and cross-platform posting, Karate significantly elevated both engagement and community connection. 

Orienteering Club

The Orienteering Club expanded its digital presence across multiple social media platforms, their website and a new TikTok. Weekly roundups, race reports and strong graphic design enhanced engagement, while fast communication supported major event delivery. Online recognition included multiple British Orienteering features and winning University Club of the Year, plus three Young Volunteer Awards. 

For intramural team development.

Edinburgh University Dons FC

Founded in December 2024 by five students, Edinburgh University Dons FC rapidly expanded into a 60-member club running both 11-a-side and 5-a-side teams. In their debut season, they entered the Sunday League and remained undefeated. The team is fully inclusive, with several beginners now regular starts through strong coaching and culture. They also established an international partnership with the Braga FC Supporters Society and travelled to Porto for a football and cultural exchange, marking a standout first year. 

Engineering Netball 

Established in January 2024, Engineering Netball grew into a highly inclusive and successful team. Within a year, they progressed through the division and won the Second Division League, earning promotion to the top division. Their recruitment built a diverse squad, supported by strong welfare structures. The team also delivered impactful community events, including a Movember charity match with Engineers Rugby, strengthening links across intramural sport. 

Law Rugby 

Founded in 2024, Law Rugby quickly built a strong and inclusive team culture focused on social rugby and community impact. After a semester of friendlies, they entered the intramural league and now boast a diverse squad, representing players from six continents. The team contributed significantly to charity initiatives, including fundraising for period poverty, Movember and Motor Neurone Disease. With strong player development supported by donated equipment from Hawick Youth RFC, the team continues to grow in both performance and identity.

For the most outstanding Intramural Club of the year

Econ FC

Econ FC enjoyed a landmark year, fielding two intramural football teams for the first time in three seasons and engaging more than 60 players across the year. The 1’s dominated the top division with an unbeaten run and 29 goals in their opening five fixtures, while the 2’s clinched promotion after a strong second half of the season. The club also strengthened its community through well-attended socials, expanded opportunities for participation and retention, and successful initiatives including a Movember campaign raising over £400. 

History Boys RFC

History Boys RFC produced an exceptional season, winning the Intramural Rugby League with a high-scoring campaign and strong commitment to training. Off the pitch, the team grew to 45 members, secured multiple sponsorships and expanded development pathways for players of ranging experience. Their charitable impact was equally impressive, completing over 2,100 miles for Doddie Aid and raising £4,768 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, alongside extensive Movember involvement and a successful charity match and ball. 

History Netball

History Netball had an outstanding 2024/25 season, going undefeated in Division 1 with a 256-goal difference and their 2’s earning promotion to the top division. The club restructured its committee, strengthened inclusivity with a rebrand and grew to 51 members while keeping participation affordable. HNC also contributed significantly to the wider community through partnerships with Strut Safe and Scottish Women in Sport, raising over £1,000 across the year, and celebrated a record five players selected for the All-Stars Match. 

For the most distinguished women’s athletics performance.

Isobel Clements - Rowing

Isobel enjoyed a breakthrough year, becoming one of the Rowing Club’s most successful athletes in recent history. She won the Rowing Ireland U23 trials, then stunned the field at senior trials by winning the lightweight single ahead of reigning World Champion, earning immediate selection for the Irish national team. She went on to place 4^th in the A final at the Senior European Championships, setting new Club records in both lightweight and open weight singles. She later represented Ireland at the U23 World Championships and continued to play a key role for the University, stroking the women’s first eight at major domestic events. 

Megan Keith – Hare & Hounds

Megan capped an exceptional season with a 23^rd-place finish in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympic Games, a British 10,000m title and selection for the 2025 World Championships. Ranked 2^nd in the UK over 10,000m and 3^rd over 5,000m, she also achieved qualifying standards for the Commonwealth Games in both events. Balancing elite competition with her studies, Megan has been a longstanding figure within Hare & Hounds and continues to represent the club at the highest international level. 

Sarah Calvert – Hare & Hounds

Sarah delivered another outstanding season, retaining the Scottish 1500m and 800m titles, anchoring Hare & Hounds to a national XC relay podium and winning the mile at the Loughborough International for Scotland. On the BUCS stage, she claimed the 1500m title, before securing silver at the FISU World University Games. Meeting Commonwealth Games standards in both the 800m and 1500m, she now ranks among the UK’s top eight in both events, underscoring her status as one of Britain’s leading middle-distance talents. 

For the most distinguished men’s athletic performance.

George Wood - Rifle

George excelled across both Smallbore and Fullbore disciplines, culiminating in his selection for the Fullbore GB U25 Team for 2026. He represented Scotland in the National Match, helped secure victory in the Scottish Universities National Match and contributed to the Rifle Club’s top four finish at fullbore BUCS. In Smallbore, he won the BUCS Outdoor Men’s Individual and Pairs titles, competed in all SSS A-team events, and finished 3^rd overall in the SSS Grand Prix series. Within the club, he stepped up as Smallbore Captain mid-year, coaching across both disciplines and earning Half Blues for his leadership and performance. 

James Hammond - Orienteering

James Hammond delivered a standout season on both the national and international stage. Domestically, he won the Men’s U20 JK Sprint and Long titles, the British Middle and Long Championships, the U20 Scottish title, and the overall Scottish Six Days crown. Internationally, he placed 4^th at the Junior World Championships and secured top 10 finishes at the Junior European Cup. At his first BUCS, he finished 2^nd individually and anchored the men’s relay team to victory. Alongside his performances, he contributed significantly to the club, supporting newcomers and helping organise major club events. 

Neil Sinclair - Rifle

Neil had a landmark year on the national circuit, breaking both the Scottish and British Junior qualification records in the 50m rifle and setting a new Scottish Junior finals record. His results included British and Scottish Men’s (and Junior) 50m titles, a Scottish Long Range Matchplay win, and 2^nd place in the British Shooting 50m 3P Series. He also retained his Scottish 50m Grand Prix title and achieved a GB ranking of #3 in 50m 3P. At University, he competed across all BUCS and SSS events and contributed extensively off the range as Match Secretary, FAC holder, coach and key driver of club governance. 

For the most outstanding Club of the Year

Cheerleading & Dance Club

The Cheerleading & Dance Club competed at five national university competitions, earning two Grand Champion titles, six first places and top four finishes in over 80% of routines. It remains the only Scottish university offering Level 3 cheer and completed the routine co-ed for the first time. Recreational programmes saw record demand, leading to waiting lists and the creation of an expanded varsity performance pathway. Strong financial growth enabled major equipment upgrades and improved accessibility. The club strengthened community engagement through high-attended socials, charity fundraisers and its biggest ever annual showcase. 

Gymnastics Club

The Gymnastics Club delivered its most successful year to date, achieving a record medal haul at the Adult British Championships (1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze) and taking its largest team ever. The club expanded development opportunities by running its first CPD session, the first university judging workshop in Scotland and its inaugural coaches’ awards night. Member experience improved through new communications, socials and enhanced recognition initiatives. Significant investment in safety equipment and expanded outreach provided opportunities for non-students and disadvantaged young people. The club also led a blood-donation drive and continued to grow recreational pathways, strengthening accessibility across the sport. 

Netball Club

The Netball Club delivered an outstanding year across performance, community and development. Six BUCS teams finished in the top three, with the 1^st team placing 3^rd in their debut Premier season and winning both the National League and Scottish Cup. The club was named Netball Scotland’s Club of the Year for 2024/25. Off court, members raised £1,000 for Edinburgh Women’s Aid and expanded inclusive social programming. Major development initiatives included a new partnership with Castlebrae School, increased umpire qualification success, a strengthened recreational pathway and significant national squad representation across age groups.

Orienteering Club

The Orienteering Club had another exceptional season, highlighted by an 11^th consecutive BUCS victory and major podium success across national competitions including the JK British Championships and Scottish Championships. Internationally, the club represented Edinburgh on the world stage at Jukola, Finland, finishing as the top British team. Six domestic training trips, strong participation across all levels and an inclusive programme of socials solidified the club’s standing as a successful and community-focused club. 

Tennis Club

The Tennis club had a landmark year, serving 381 members and delivering over 18 hours of weekly coaching across all levels. Competitive highlights included the Women’s 1’s reaching the National Championships semi-finals and the Women’s 2’s winning the Conference Cup. The club launched a new coaching programme, wellbeing initiatives and intramural opportunities to broaden participation. The club raised £2,500 for charity, expanded its Access Fun and strengthened partnerships with Tennis Scotland and local tennis providers. The club was named Tennis Scotland University of the Year and received an LTA Excellence Award, recognising its national impact.