Megan Jackson, Author at University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness

Trio walking alongside the outdoor courts

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

May marks National Walking Month, centred around promoting the benefits of walking on your physical and mental wellbeing.

What are the physical benefits of walking?

From a physical health perspective, walking is a fantastic form of exercise that can increase cardiovascular fitness. When done regularly, it strengthens bones, boosts endurance and improves your heart health. Whether you prefer a slow stroll with a friend in the park, or a faster paced walk whilst listening to your favourite hype songs – all forms of walking are beneficial.

How can walking improve mental wellbeing?

Walks can help increase mental alertness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. They are a great way to clear your head, re-align your focus and self-reflect. Fancy some company? Taking a stroll with friends, family and loved ones provides the perfect opportunity to have a conversation and share thoughts at the same time as keeping active – it’s a win win!

Walking opportunities at the University

Active club

As part of our Active Club Programme, we host Walking Sport sessions which are exactly as the name suggests – playing your favourite sports, but at a slower pace by walking. These sessions are open to all, and offer a gentler form of exercise tailored to all fitness levels. With Table Tennis, Basketball, Football and Netball taking place every week, get involved and meet likeminded people.

Explore the campus

With a beautiful campus to explore right at your fingertips (or toe-tips in this case), take a scenic walk around our facilities and the wider campus. We may be biased, but the path alongside our outdoor sports courts offers a fantastic view of both sports action and the blooming blossom trees.

The Campus Mile is a guided route around campus, that takes 30 minutes on average to complete at a leisurely pace – we recommend you check the weather forecast beforehand!

Discover our gym facilities

Should the sunny spring weather not hold up, there’s always the option to get your steps in indoors!

With our recent Technogym refurbishment, we have a range of recently installed, world-class cardiovascular equipment for you to track your steps, speed, endurance and more!

April 29, 2024April 29, 2024 Megan Jackson

Sports Awards attendees holding name placeholders in spectator seats

Announcement Student News

Secure your tickets for Sports Awards 2024

Clubs, coaches and recreational teams can now secure their seats for this year’s Sports Awards 2024 evening taking place on Thursday 30 May 2024.

Nominations closed last month across the 13 categories which celebrate the sporting success of the Universities competitive and recreational representatives, welcome over 250 applications this year.

Returning once again to the Brammall Music Building, general tickets for this year’s Awards can now be secured by filling out our online form, open from today. In a slight change to the usual proceedings and to allow for more availability, individuals can now book their place, as well as up to an allocation of four additional places.

There are 200 general tickets allocated and are based on a first-come-first-served basis, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. To allow for inclusivity, some larger clubs may be capped at the discretion of the Club Development team to ensure all clubs/teams can be represented.

Please note, all shortlisted nominees across each category will each receive an additional ticket for a guest to join them on the evening. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted at the beginning of May, and any duplicated ticket bookings as a result of earlier bookings will be managed by our team.

To book, CLICK HERE and simply provide your details, the names and email addresses of those attending in your party as well as their respective club/team. Once submitted, each individual will receive a confirmation email – these may not be sent out immediately, but our team will look to process confirmations twice a week. There will also be an option to include an accessibility support that may be required, such as a BSL interpreter.

This year’s event will welcome back last year’s compères Club Development Manager Amy Preston and Participation Manager Helen Coy, alongside a welcome from the University’s Director of Sport Andy Allford.

Guest presenters will also introduce each of our awards, with official photographs as well as the chance to have your own group photographs courtesy of Take That Photo.

Attendees will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, as well as food options post-awards as well as musical entertainment from the University Music Society ensemble.

Keep an eye on the UoB Sport social channels and website for updates, as well as news of this year’s shortlisted nominees in the build-up to Thursday 30 May.

April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 Megan Jackson

Man and woman taking part in Hatha Yoga class with hands reaching up to ceiling

Events

Prioritising Mental Health and Wellbeing with The BRIT Challenge 2024

Prioritising Mental Health and Wellbeing with the BRIT Challenge 2024

From Saturday 24 February – Sunday 24 March, Sport & Fitness participated in the BRIT Challenge 2024.

The BRIT (British Inspiration Trust) is a charity focusing on supporting and improving mental health, fitness, and wellbeing. We hosted a number of fitness-focused activities for students, staff and members to get involved in, with some challenges shaped around the number ‘24’, this year’s BRIT Challenge theme.

Meditation

For those looking to channel their inner zen, we hosted a mix of free self-guided and instructor-led mediation sessions, both in person and online, allowing people to join in from the comfort of their own space! Meditation is an easy and accessible way to bring a feeling of calm, control and focus to busy life schedules that can often feel overwhelming.

Classes

To make our regular class timetable even more accessible, we reduced costs to £2.40 per session, encouraging members and non-members to engage in physical activity in a fun, social and supportive environment. From intense cardio spin classes and body-attack to gentle Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, there was something for everyone to get involved in.

Social Sport

During the month we also offered free taster sessions for our popular social sport and sessions, encouraging people to engage in sports they may not have tried before. Sports included basketball, tennis and netball. Participating in sports, regardless of ability level, can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety whilst connecting with others.

Cardio Tennis

Over on our outdoor courts we promoted our, fast-paced Cardio Tennis sessions, designed to combine hand-eye coordination, physical activity and most importantly – fun! To tie into the BRIT theme, we set a 24-shot rally challenge, keeping our participants on their toes.

Active Residences

Students who live in University or partner-owned accommodation can benefit from our free student sport and social activities timetable through the Active Residences programme. Alongside the regular timetabled activities including wheelchair basketball, games nights and just run sessions, the team hosted two aesthetic walks around Winterbourne Botanic Garden. Studies prove that walking in nature reduces stress, lifts mood, and promotes overall wellbeing.

240-Hour Fitness Challenge

To ramp up our BRIT Challenge efforts further, from Thursday 14 March, we set a challenge for our members to achieve a combined total of 240-hours’ worth of cardio activity across our treadmills, cross-trainers, rowing machines and spin bikes in just ten days. Our members didn’t disappoint, hitting the target in just three days, and finishing with an incredible 296 hours logged by the end of the challenge period, far exceeding our initial target!

BRIT CEO visits Sport & Fitness

Midway through the challenge we had a visit from BRIT Challenge Non-Paid CEO, Phil Packer. It was a pleasure to welcome Phil to our Sport & Fitness Centre, showing him around our facilities whilst discussing the importance of promoting physical activity as a key tool for improving mental health and wellbeing.

It was fantastic to have so many students, staff and community members engage with our BRIT Challenge activities this year. We look forward to putting on even more activities next year, whilst continuing to promote activities that help boost mental health and wellbeing across communities.

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 Megan Jackson

Men's and Women's Squash club winners hold trophy and stand behind Champions sign

Events Student News

Treble for Squash Champions on BUCS Big Wednesday

And just like that, another season comes to a close with the annual BUCS Big Wednesday Finals showcase, held in Loughborough, welcoming six teams from the University of Birmingham.

With Football, Water Polo and Hockey also competing, it was our Squash club who led the way on the day to secure their second successive BUCS National Championship.

An impressive three-straight 5-0 wins for the Men’s 1s, Women’s 1s and Women’s 2s saw Birmingham remain as the nation’s powerhouse for squash across the UK.

With the Men’s defeating Heriot-Watt and the Women’s 2 seeing off the challenge of Edinburgh, the treble was secured by Birmingham’s Women’s 1s to mark an incredible achievement for the club.

A special mention must go to our Squash Head Coach Jon Tate for his ongoing dedication, support, and guidance that has helped the club excel this season.

Elsewhere, the day was kicked off with Men’s 1 Football as they faced Cardiff Metropolitan 2s in the Aldi Men’s National Trophy.

After taking the lead early on, both teams went in at half-time level as Cardiff pulled a goal back. But it was late on where Cardiff scored late on to steal a 2-1 win.

The travelling supporter turned their attention to the swimming pool next as Water Polo Men’s 1s battled it out against Leeds Men’s 1 in the Men’s National Trophy.

A high-scoring affair was edged by Leeds 11-10 for yet another narrow defeat for our Lions.

With a huge crowd cheering on our hockey players, our Women’s 1s faced Nottingham 1s in the ICG Women’s National Championship final.

Nottingham led the first-half and following a closely fought battle secured the win adding a second to win 2-0 on the day.

It’s been an incredible season of BUCS action, with victories celebrated every single week.

Whether we win, draw or lose, our Lions never fail to bring their fighting spirit to every fixture.

March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 Megan Jackson

Umpires and the University of Birmingham Performance Team group photo.

Announcement

UoB Sport Performance host Olympic Preparation Camp for Hockey Umpires

UoB Sport Performance host Paris Olympic Preparation Camp for Hockey Umpires.

Earlier this month our Performance Centre team collaborated with the National Programme Umpiring Association to host an Olympic Preparation Camp for four Hockey Umpires who have been selected to officiate the Paris Olympics this summer.

Among the Umpires selected for the Games is UoB Alumna Hannah Harrison (formerly Hannah Sanders), who graduated from the University back in 2006 from the School of Economics.

Hannah reflects on how it feels to be selected for the prestigious Olympic Games:

‘It really is a dream come true for me, it’s something I’ve worked really hard for the past 15 years to achieve’.

Watch the full interview here

During the camp, our Performance Team delivered content across a number of key areas:

Dr Sue Jones (Sports Psychologist) covered the psychological pressures of officiating under the scrutiny of elite teams, crowds and the media.

Mike Gosling (Physiokinetic) showcased physical movement screening and biomechanical interventions.

David Sheldon (SportExR/UBSport Exercise Physiologist) presented heat acclimatisation and cooling strategies.

Luke Gunn, Head of Performance who helped to deliver the camp says:

‘We were delighted to be able to assist the NPUA and the wonderful four GB Umpires who will officiate in Paris this summer.

Just as the athletes need to be at peak performance at the Olympics, as do all the officials for whom this is also the pinnacle of their sport. We were honoured to be able to share our expertise to aid their preparations.’

The Camp aimed to cover the physical, mental and nutrition aspects required of umpires to ensure they are on optimum form for the Games. Hannah found the content extremely valuable, saying:

‘I feel incredibly lucky that the family of the University of Birmingham have welcomed me back, and that I’ve been able to access such great facilities and some real experts’.

February 19, 2024February 19, 2024 Megan Jackson

Three women from Rugby team taking diagnostic swab out of packaging, with BBC videographer filming.

Announcement

BBC Sport cover ‘ground-breaking’ concussion research in Women’s Rugby

Last month, we had a visit from BBC Sport and Marker Diagnostics as part of their ongoing research into concussion testing on female Rugby players. Marker Diagnostics is an emerging biotech company that was founded in 2016 following pioneering concussion research conducted at our university.

The test involves a simple mouth swab to collect saliva samples, which can then detect biomarkers for concussion.

After collaborating with the Rugby Football Union in the elite men’s competitions last year, Marker is now collaborating with Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) to validate the existing test in women, with evidence suggesting that effects of concussion may be more severe in women.

BBC Sport Correspondent Katie Gornall interviewed members of our Women’s Rugby Union club during their early morning training session on the pitch. Many members of the club had already taken part in the ground-breaking saliva swab test and noted that the test was ‘easy, quick and efficient.’

Watch the behind-the-scenes clips of the club’s morning with the BBC.

‘Being a part of the progression it feels really good, especially seeing the difference between when I started and now. There’s so much input going into it now which is really important for the women’s game’

Jemima Moss, University of Birmingham Rugby and former Worcester Warriors

As part of the research, BBC Sport also interviewed Former Rugby Union wing and University Alumna Kat Merchant, who last September was inducted into our University of Birmingham Sport Hall of Fame for her incredible achievements across her sporting career.

During her time playing rugby, Kat experienced over 30 concussions, stating:

‘There are some really, really dark times with it, because you don’t know what’s normal any more’.

Watch the BBC Sport Interview.

This highlights the importance of concussion testing within higher-risk sports to help better understand the signs and symptoms. It’s estimated that up to 80% of people experiencing concussions aren’t diagnosed.

February 16, 2024March 7, 2024 Megan Jackson

Image of sportswomen hugging after a match

Announcement Student News

Award-winning New Year for University of Birmingham Sport

University of Birmingham Sport and Sport & Fitness has been recognised by the national governing body for University sport for our excellence in increasing physical activity opportunities for members and students.

Awarded with the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Physical Activity Excellence Award, this is a huge achievement that celebrates the world-class facilities, coaching and opportunities that sport provides across the campus.

With more than 60 University sports clubs, and welcoming professional athletes and recreational clubs and groups from around the world – such as the recent British Junior Open Squash 2024 event in January – Sport & Fitness continues to offer sporting opportunities for all abilities, all year round.

Sport & Fitness boasts outstanding facilities including two water-based synthetic pitches, all-weather and numerous grass pitches, ten netball/tennis courts, four indoor sports hall arenas, a climbing wall, 50m swimming pool and two-floor gym.

Across campus there is also an all-purpose Athletics Track and additional off-campus student-only gym.

The BUCS Physical Activity Excellence Award produces a sector standard for higher education institutions to achieve, that demonstrates good practice in increasing physical activity engagement across its population.

Chris Anthony, Head of Sport Development at the University of Birmingham, said: “It’s been great to be recognised for the breadth of work that Birmingham does and the opportunities available to our student, staff and community to become – and remain – active with us.”

With 17 current award holders across the UK, the University of Birmingham is now also eligible to apply for the esteemed ukactive Physical Activity Excellence Award later this year.

January 26, 2024January 26, 2024 Megan Jackson

Events

British Junior Open Returns to Birmingham

Widely regarded as the second most prestigious junior open squash competition after the U19s World Junior Squash Championships, early January saw Sport & Fitness host the 2024 edition of the British Junior Open.

Welcoming 600 talented young athletes from around the world in U11, U13, U15 and U17 grades, individuals battled it out across five days of competition from 3-7 January.

There was a huge buzz across the facility as the Munrow Hall was transformed into a world-class squash glass court, alongside the six current squash courts located on the first floor.

Of the women currently on the world stage, four of the top six have won the BJO U19 title, including the world’s top three players, Nouran Gohar, Nour El Sherbini and Hania El Hammamy. In the current men’s rankings, seven of the top ten have won BJO titles. Day one alone saw 482 matches across 22 courts!

2024 saw Egypt sweep the board on finals’ day at the British Junior Open, with Mohamed Zakaria and Fayrouz Aboelkheir lifting the Under-19 titles at the University of Birmingham.

All ten champions across the five age groups were Egyptian, with six of the deciders being all-Egyptian affairs.

Andy Allford, Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham, said:

“It’s been fantastic to work alongside England Squash, Edgbaston Priory and all the partners involved in putting on the prestigious British Junior Open.

“It remains a fantastic fixture for our sporting calendar and congratulations to all this year’s winners, and those who competed, in some cases travelling across the world to our world class facility here at the University.

“Squash continues to be hugely important, as one of the University’s seven performance sports, led by head coach John Tate at the highest level of BUCS competition. From recruiting world-class athletes to study and compete here at Birmingham to success on the pitch, we’re already looking forward to what 2024 brings.’

“The staff at Sport & Fitness also deserve a notable mention, once again going above and beyond to deliver an international event.”

Sport & Fitness has a huge range of squash and racketball opportunities suited to all ages and abilities including: introductory coaching courses, social sessions, recreational and competitive leagues and events.

Members can book each of our six glass back squash courts via the app.

January 12, 2024March 7, 2024 Megan Jackson

Events

From Student Athlete to Coach: Para Sport with Dean Miller

Dean Miller is our Endurance Manager and Coach for the Athletics club here at the University. To mark Disability History Month and International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we spoke to Dean about his journey as a former Para-athlete.

Once a student himself at the University of Birmingham and part of our Athletics club, Dean provides real insight into the opportunities that were made available to him through the University and beyond, and reflects on how the opportunities have changed over the years within the para-sport field.

Credit: Zach Bridgelands

Q: For those less familiar, what is Para Sport?

‘It’s a fantastic spectrum of events, and actually it’s really hard to describe in just a few words – but it’s a huge thing, it’s a movement. It’s a sporting spectacle based around the Paralympics and Paralympic sport, which is born from the Olympic Games. But our sport is based around sport for disabled people at all different levels, ranging from participation level in clubs athletes, fitness and rehab, right the way through to the real elite and world class side of things at the Paralympic Games, who receive sponsorships and make a living from sport. I’m a massive advocate for Para Sport and we’re trying to do more for the University’.

Q: What opportunities were available to you that helped you get involved in para-athletics in the first place?

‘I actually think that my path was probably slightly different in that prior to joining the University of Birmingham as a student, I was already involved in non-para sport. My dad was an athletics coach. I think it was the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004 that I happened to be watching, which would go on to be my classification, the 1500.

I said to my dad, those guys run like me – could I be on that stage? Then we started to explore how I could get into Para sport, and I was fortunate enough that I was a pretty good club athlete and with my Cerebral Palsy and the level of training, I was able to make some GB teams.

Off the back of that, my profile and where I was in the sport allowed me to come to University of Birmingham and be part of the scholarship program.’

Q: What was your experience on the University of Birmingham Sport Scholarship Programme?

‘I was really well supported as a student athlete here; Birmingham has become my home. As I say, I’ve been here since 2007 now and they supported me well as a student athlete with a disability at a world class level.

I graduated in 2011 as an under-grad, but I’ve never left the place. They continued to support me through a graduate sports scholarship from 2011 to the end of my career in 2015, when I retired for injury. I’m now coaching the Universities athletics team here. I think in terms of opportunities the university is given me as someone within para sport, it’s kind of endless.

And from supporting me with the job, supporting my kind of my athletic skills as an athlete along with socially and educationally.’

Q: What is your fondest memory during your time competing?

‘It has to be the home games. I didn’t ever think I’d compete in front of 80,000 people, which I got to do.

The 2012 Paralympics is the biggest Paralympics ever. It’s the first Paralympic Games ever to be sold out. I remember speaking to one of my training partners at the time that summer and he said, I can’t get a ticket for your event. And I said, I’m sure we’ll be able to sort one out. And actually, at that point I think I realised I was going to be competing in front of a packed-out Olympic stadium.

I think I was one of only two Brits on that evening, so it was a pretty surreal moment. I always describe as I felt like I was running in a PlayStation game. It felt crazy and I probably never experienced anything like that again. For me, having that evening in the stadium to run a Paralympic final was really, really special.’

Q: How have the opportunities available to para-athletes improved since you first got involved, and what specifically does the University of Birmingham offer para-athletes, in terms of opportunities to participate, develop and compete?

‘It’s funny how opportunities available to us athletes have improved since I first got involved and what specifically was being invested in the athletes. I think the Paralympics and the Paralympic movement and power sport is always like a little sister or brother to the Olympic Games, so we always we are always playing catch-up in that sense.

But as I said, I’ve just spoke about the 2012 Games and what the games did for our sport in helping throw para sport into the mainstream channels, like marketing campaigns.

We’ve seen so much more opportunity, the Paralympic Games are growing. More sports are involved now, and there’s more money in the sport so our athletes can genuinely be world class in the classification in our event and go on top careers, which is something that maybe like 20 years ago and just before the London Games was much smaller.

And you’ve got household names. You’ve got you got your Jonnie Peacock, Johanna Cockcroft, they aren’t just world class athletes, but also celebrities and have made careers and are advocates for para sports. So, I think what the games in 2012 did was massive from a university perspective.’

Credit: Zach Bridgelands

You can find out more about the Athletics club that Dean coaches using the link below.

November 30, 2023March 7, 2024 Megan Jackson

Swim club group photo, wearing new balance kits on red background

Events Student News

A Stellar Season For The Swim Club This Summer

The swimming strokes have been in full force this summer, with students competing in a number of events across the UK and beyond! From the British Swimming Championships and the Island Games, to the World Deaf Swimming Championships and World Aquatic Championships, we are so proud of the Club’s achievements this season.

SWIM ENGLAND SUMMER NATIONALS

The National Summer Meet is Swim England’s biggest domestic swimming event of the year. Taking place across 2 – 6 August this year, the Summer Meet forms part of a swimming competition structure in Great Britain whereby the top ranked swimmers are invited to compete at the British Swimming Summer Championships.

Five students from the Swimming Club competed; Adrian Ting, Ben Newell, San Menzer, Ellie Sibbald and Ella Jenkins. We saw some incredible swims across the five days, with strong performances in both the heats and the finals.

The squad came away with three club records, two gold medals , one fourth place finish and two top ten finishes.

A superb way to finish the season that as undoubtedly been the Club’s most successful season ever, with 75 club records set and record high levels of representation and participation at meets of all levels.

Coach Gary Humpage (left) and Adrian Ting (right)

WORLD DEAF SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Earlier this month,Lucy Jordan-Caws headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete in the sixth World Deaf Swimming Championships. Alongside intensive training, across the summer Lucy spent time fundraising to cover the costs associated with competing. With generous donations from friends, family and organisations including the Rob George Foundation, she successfully met her fundraising target.

Lucy gave it her all against some tough competition, finishing in 6th place in 200m butterfly, 11th in 100m butterfly, 13th in 50m backstroke and 16th in 50m butterfly and setting two personal bests and two season bests in the process.

She will now be focusing her time towards qualifying for the 2025 Deaflympics, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

OLLIE MORGAN REPRESENTS GREAT BRITAIN IN JAPAN

July saw Elite Swimming Scholar, Ollie Morgan, travel to Fukuoka, Japan to represent Great Britain at the World Aquatic Championships. Ollie has had an incredible season, becoming a x3 British Champion at the British Swimming Championships and becoming the second-fastest British man in history to swim the 50m backstroke earlier this year.

Ollie made it all the way to the semi-finals in Japan, securing 9th place in both his 100m backstroke (Olympic A qualifying time) and 200m backstroke (Olympic B qualifying time) – what an incredible result! His next goal is to be selected for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Photo creds: Mines Kasapoglu

The team start back training in September to prepare for BUCS and Swim England Winter Nationals, and long term preparation towards Paris Olympics trials.

Keep up-to-date on the clubs achievements via their social media.

August 29, 2023March 7, 2024 Megan Jackson

Author: Megan Jackson

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

What are the physical benefits of walking?

How can walking improve mental wellbeing?

Walking opportunities at the University

Active club

Explore the campus

Discover our gym facilities

Secure your tickets for Sports Awards 2024

Prioritising Mental Health and Wellbeing with the BRIT Challenge 2024

Meditation

Classes

Social Sport

Cardio Tennis

Active Residences

240-Hour Fitness Challenge

BRIT CEO visits Sport & Fitness

Treble for Squash Champions on BUCS Big Wednesday

UoB Sport Performance host Paris Olympic Preparation Camp for Hockey Umpires.

BBC Sport cover ‘ground-breaking’ concussion research in Women’s Rugby

Award-winning New Year for University of Birmingham Sport

British Junior Open Returns to Birmingham

From Student Athlete to Coach: Para Sport with Dean Miller

A Stellar Season For The Swim Club This Summer

SWIM ENGLAND SUMMER NATIONALS

WORLD DEAF SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

OLLIE MORGAN REPRESENTS GREAT BRITAIN IN JAPAN

Sport & FitnessUniversity of BirminghamEdgbaston BirminghamB15 2TT

Classes

Pool

Active Club

Gym Group Training

Social Sport

Climbing Wall

Level Up Workshops

Sport

Performance Sport

Scholarships

Volunteering

Social Sport

Campus League

Pool

Sport & Fitness Gym

Tiverton Gym

Classes

Squash

Indoor Sports

Outdoor Sports

Active Club

Raymond Priestly Centre

Junior

Climbing Wall

Facility Hire

Sport & Fitness
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT