Georgia standing on the right hand side of large banner promoting Rothesay Classic Tennis eventCategoriesEvents Student News

Love at First Swing: Georgia’s Tennis Journey from Player to Spectator

Love at First Swing: Georgia’s Tennis Journey from Player to Spectator

Recent Business Management graduate, Georgia, really got into playing tennis during her time as a student.

Cloudy day at the priory, with a view of the tennis courts

EMBRACING THE COURT

 

In January, she first decided to try out one of our Cardio Tennis sessions, which involves completing cardio-based circuits whilst hitting tennis balls!

 

After going to a few sessions, Tennis coordinator, Jack, suggested that Georgia should try out the popular Try-a-Sport tennis course, helping her develop her skills week by week. Other than P.E back in school, Georgia hadn’t really engaged in any tennis activity in a while.

Near the end of the term Jack found himself with a spare ticket to the Rothesay Classic Tennis Tournament, taking place at the Priory in Edgbaston – just a short walk from campus! He offered them to Georgia who saw it as a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the action of her new found passion.

spectator view of outdoor tennis court
picture from 'bereal app' with front camera showing georgia smiling for a selfie, and bak camera showing spectator view of the court

FROM THE SIDELINES

 

Georgia went for the afternoon and saw a few matches which she really enjoyed, further inspiring her to keep playing tennis as a graduate.

 

‘I had a great centre court seat and got to see some tough competition, including Katie Boulter, current British Women’s number one.’

Interested in trying out tennis? We have opportunities to play at different ability levels – find the one that works for you!

TENNIS
Fran playing Netball in Vitaly Roses KitCategoriesEvents Student News

Netball World Cup: 5-minutes with Francesca Williams

Netball World Cup: 5-minutes with Francesca Williams

Ahead of England’s first game of the Netball World Cup against Barbados this evening, we sat down with England Goal Defence and UoB Alumni Francesca Williams.

Fran smiling at a fellow Vitaly Roses

Photo creds @bensnapsstuff

Fran has played netball professionally since graduating from the University of Birmingham in 2021 and is part of the recently-crowned Vitality Super League Champions, Loughborough Lightening. During her time at Birmingham, Fran was an invaluable member of the UoB Netball Club Performance Squad and an Elite Sports Scholar.

 

Read on to hear more about how Fran’s time at Birmingham helped to prepare her for life as a full-time, professional netballer, how she managed to balance her Economics degree alongside elite sport, what she enjoyed most about being a student-athlete at UoB and what she’ll be taking into this year’s World Cup from her debut experience in 2019.

 

How do you feel your time at the University of Birmingham helped to prepare you for life as a full-time England Rose?

 

My time at the University of Birmingham, and in particular working with the Performance Centre as part of the scholarship set up there, was huge in terms of the role it played and how it helped me to prepare to become a full-time athlete.

I made the transition from the England pathway onto the Vitality Rose’s full-time programme whilst studying at the university and I think the performance sport support network that the University has set up is something that enabled me to do this so seamlessly – it’s something I’ll always be grateful for. I really feel like the scholarship programme and Performance Centre practitioners helped me understand what it’s like to live and train as a full-time athlete while I was studying, going above and beyond to support me and provide the individualised help that an athlete needs – whether that be on court, in the gym, with your nutrition or managing your dual-career lifestyle.

What did you enjoy most about representing UoB Sport in BUCS?

 

The thing I enjoyed the most about representing the University and being involved in BUCS while I was at Birmingham was the fun that I had with it and the life-long friends I’ve made.

The BUCS Premier League is huge in netball – it’s got athletes from across different super league teams and international programmes, so it’s a really good standard of netball that challenged me to consider other areas away from my usual role on court, ultimately improving my overall game.

BUCS Women's 1 Squad group photo in UoB kit for BUCS

How did you manage to balance your Economics degree with elite-level netball and everything that comes with it?

 

I managed to complete my Economics alongside being a full-time athlete purely because of the flexibility that the Economics department and the Business School gave me.

 

I made the transition to being a full-time athlete whilst I was at the university, so as I started to play netball more regularly, attend more frequent England camps and travel abroad for tournaments, that’s when I decided to split my second year. This is something I didn’t know was even possible until I started discussing options with my scholarship Performance Lifestyle mentor, who offered me support and helped me make that communication between my lecture and coaches to ensure it worked seamlessly.

 

Once I’d built those working relationships, I felt so supported throughout my degree, in terms of when I maybe needed extensions or deadlines or rearranging exams or even sitting exams away from the University. I actually took some exams once on a tour with England Netball, so that flexibility was just massive in ensuring I could keep up both academics and elite sport. All of that wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have that support and communication help from the scholarship team.

Fran playing Netball for BUCS

In 2019, you were the youngest player on the England Roses Netball World Cup Squad: what did you learn during that experience that you’ll take with you to South Africa?

 

Although I’m no longer the youngest member of the squad, the experience I had four years ago has definitely made me feel really prepared, confident and ready for what’s to come this summer, especially the intensity of tournament netball. We’re going to play eight games in ten days and knowing what that feels like each day, having to play a completely different style against other international teams, that’s massive.

 

I think it’s also just made me feel really hungry to make even more of an impact on the team in this tournament and see what I can do and push myself to, you know, really strive for more. I think four years ago I was just excited to be there and I couldn’t wait to soak in the environment and enjoy the whole experience. I’ll still do the exact same this summer, but I feel even more ready to step up.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2023 Netball World Cup?

 

Aside from the competition element – because I’m super competitive and can’t wait for that! – the thing I’ll enjoy the most is the fact that it’s in South Africa. It’s really exciting that an African nation is hosting the netball World Cup for the first time, as every time I’ve been to South Africa before they’ve always been amazing hosts and super welcoming and I can’t wait to see what kind of show they put on. And you know, that culture come to life through the way that they put on the World Cup and run the tournament. I think the crowds and the way that everyone’s going to get behind all the teams and as well as support our own team, I think that’s going to be massive.

 

We can’t wait to watch Fran and the rest of the England Roses squad in action over the coming 10 days and wish them all the very best of luck. For those of you that wish to tune in and support from home, all matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with one game per day also available on the Sky Sports YouTube channel and  BBC channels  from Monday 31 July 2023.

Hockey players on pitchCategoriesEvents Student News

Birmingham 2022: A Year On

Birmingham 2022: A Year On

This Friday 28 July 2023 marks the first anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and a year on from Birmingham hosting the largest sporting event ever to take place in the West Midlands – an achievement within which the University played a huge part.

Squash courts at the Commonwealth Games
Hockey winners posing with medals on hockey pitches

As Official Partner of Birmingham 2022 – the most comprehensive University partnership the Games has ever seen – host of the largest Athletes’ Village and official host of both the Hockey and Squash competitions on campus, the #B2022 legacy is one we are incredibly proud of.

 

To celebrate, we’re taking a brief look back at some of the stand-out achievements from the Games and the enormous part our University campus and community played in making the event the unforgettable success that it was and will always be remembered for.

Game Changing Sport, Game Changing People, Game Changing Legacy.

 

It goes without saying that we are so proud of our community’s achievements during the Games, as well as our immediate UBSport team’s involvement.

 

· Over 500 UoB students, staff and alumni volunteered in different roles, helping to accommodate and support 3500 athletes and officials on campus

 

· 20 UoB baton bearers brought the Queen’s baton home and shared their inspiring stories

 

· More than 2500 staff and contractors were accredited

 

· 20 UoB students and alumni competed at B2022, with 13 medals won:

Cyclist Anna with silver medal around neck, holding up England flag
Yasmin smiling in Judo clothing under the stadium lights

GOLD🏅 Lily Walker, Lily Owsley, Hannah Martin, Flora Peel, Holly Hunt, Anna Toman (Hockey), Lachlan Moorhead (Judo)

 

SILVER🥈 Anna Henderson (Cycling), Non Stanford (Triathlon), Joel Makin (Squash)

 

BRONZE 🥉 Yasmin Javadian (Judo), Rhys Thompson (Judo), Nick Bandurak (Hockey)

Lachlan Moorhead, -81kg Judo Gold Medalist for Team England & current UoB Elite Sport Scholar

 

“The Birmingham Commonwealth Games was incredibly special to me – to win in front of my family and friends meant everything and is something I will never forget. Beating the calibre of opponents I did to win the title gave me the boost and motivation I need, as I now concentrate on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Dean Miller, Baton Bearer & UoB Athletics Club Endurance Manager

 

“For me, being able to celebrate the Commonwealth Games as a baton bearer in my adopted home-city was a magical and humbling experience. The experience really kicked off the party atmosphere for me, throughout which Birmingham was centre stage. I was, and still am, immensely proud of how the city and the University showcased themselves to the world and hosted a remarkable 2 weeks of sport. I’ll never forget it!”

Image of Dean Miller holding baton in CWG branded tshirt
Lily playing Hockey on the blue astroturf hockey pitch at CWG

Lily Walker, Hockey Gold Medalist for Team England & current UoB Elite Sport Scholar

 

“My biggest achievement to date is winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal here on the University pitch in front of Old Joe and an incredible crowd. Having represented the University on this pitch for five years in both BUCS and the Premier League, to being selected to represent my country in my home city – I have some amazing memories that I will treasure forever.”

Hugh Sproston, Team England Futures’ Team Leader & UoB Sports Scholarship Manager

 

“I volunteered as part of the Team England Futures programme, which ran alongside the Games and provided selected talented young athletes with a ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience. This aimed to inspire and prepare them towards future Major Games and it was my role to ensure each young athlete had the opportunity to make the most of the experience. It was fantastic to see first-hand the influence that Birmingham 2022 had – and will continue to have – on inspiring this country’s next generation of athletes.”

CWG volunteers sat on spectator seats overlooking sports field

To mark this anniversary, Birmingham is celebrating with a FREE 10-day festival, 28 July to 6 August.

As a principal partner for the festival, The University of Birmingham is excited to support the delivery of a packed event schedule at Centenary Square in the city centre, as well as host a number of free exhibitions and public workshops throughout the festival at The Exchange.

Local South African team with University of Birmingham Rugby Union smiling for group photoCategoriesEvents Student News

A Rugby Journey Beyond the Field: Men’s Rugby Union Tour South Africa’s Wonders 

A Rugby Journey Beyond the Field: Men’s Rugby Union Tour South Africa’s Wonders 

Our Men’s Rugby Union embarked on their first performance rugby tour in 2023. It was a fun-filled tour combining rugby, sightseeing, and experiencing the diverse cultures of South Africa.

 

Head Coach Tom Drewett took 28 players on the tour ranging from first team players all the way to fourth team social players, with aims of broadening the offer of rugby at Birmingham. Despite a delayed departure and luggage issues –  the boys didn’t let it stop them from having an incredible time!

Rugby Union group photo at Motherwell High School
Rugby Union with large seal

X2 MATCHES ON SOUTH AFRICAN TURF

 

The club played two matches and took part in a specialist coaching session with two former Springbok players. The team claimed victory across both matches, beating the oldest Rugby club, the Villagers, (58 – 0) on a wet evening under the beautiful Table Mountain, and Park Rugby u21’s (38 – 12)  showing skill to beat a tough, physical South African team

The club were then hosted by both teams with a good hearty South African Braai.

 

Players took the opportunity to mingle, with many swapping their touring shirts and kit!

Unveiling South Africa’s Spectacular Sights

 

The tour was also chance to make some great memories; from eating the local delicacies, to touring the endless sights South Africa has to offer – including a Cape Peninsula tour, wine tasting, a Hout Bay boat ride with seals and penguins, and a Stellenbosch University Rugby Stadium tour. 

 

The club also had the chance to watch the Junior Springboks train against the Maties 1st XV in preparation for the Junior World Cup. To top it off, in the Club house, they came across Coach Tom’s photo on the wall, celebrating the winning of the South African Club champs in 1997!

Rugby Union in classroom sat down in rows of tables
Rugby Union group photo standing in front of safari cars

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

 

A highlight of the tour were the two outreach/community days, which were supported by the University of Birmingham impact fund. Children were provided with boots and kits, kindly donated to the club.

 

The first outreach day involved a visit to Langa township, the oldest in South Africa, eating in a local ‘bar’ and soaking up the atmosphere. In the evening, the club coached 40 children from Langa who are involved with the Ubombo project run by former Langa residents and now successful businessmen. This was an incredible experience for everyone, and after the coaching session the club learnt and sang songs with the young children.

 

Day two of outreach was in Motherwell township just outside Port Elizabeth. The club visited a primary school and high school, meeting the students and teachers as an opportunity for the players to experience the life of a young person in Motherwell and providing them with kit to support their rugby journeys.

Group of elephants on safari
CLUB RIDING ON QUAD BIKE
Picture of a giraffe on safari

Into the Wild

The tour ended with a three-game safari competition, with the club splitting into smaller groups with aims to see the most spectacular sightings on each game drive. The sightings were incredible with Rhinos (Black and White), elephants, cheetahs and lions!

 

The tour was an astounding success, and the club hope to build on the links made with Ubombo project and the Motherwell Rugby Club.

Men’s Rugby Union tour to South Africa was an unforgettable experience that combined the passion for rugby with the exploration of a vibrant and diverse country.

 

Interested in playing Rugby at our University?  Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the sport, there are opportunities for everyone to participate in Rugby at the University – check them out below!

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