Stack of 4 pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with blueberries and bananas on a red plate.CategoriesNutrition

Tasty Protein Pancakes with a Sprinkle of Nutrition

Tasty Protein Pancakes With a Sprinkle of Nutrition

Pancake day, also known as ‘Shrove Tuesday’, is a day where many of us indulge in a stack (or three) of tasty fried batter, with a generous drizzle of your favourite toppings.

 

It’s a given that pancake day isn’t usually a day focused around nutrition, however for some, you want may plan your toppings and ingredients around your personal fitness and intake goals. Here is a recipe recommended by our Lead Sport Performance Nutritionist!

Ingredients 

 

  • 200-250ml dairy or non-dairy milk
  • 50g oats
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Toppings of choice
Egg and flour in a mixing bowl with egg shells surrounding bowl

 

How to make your protein pancakes

 

Step 1:

Blend the oats, protein powder and baking powder together in a blender

 

Step 2 :

Add the milk and half the banana and blend the 5 ingredients together

STEP 3:

Heat a small amount of oil/oil spray in a pan and pour the mixture to the desired size

Step 4:

Check when the pancake is ready to flip by lifting the edges with a spatula to see where the pancake is stuck

Step 5:

One cooked through, flip the pancake and over cook it on the other side

Step 6:

Alternate the cooking between the sides until golden brown

Step 7:

Repeat temps 3-6 until all the mixture has been used

Toppings

Banana pancakes with caramel sauce
Nut butter in a jar
Pancakes drizzled in syrup and covered with strawberries and blueberries

This is where the fun really starts…choosing your pancake toppings! Toppings are both a great way to add extra flavours and textures to your pancakes, but also to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into each bite. Depending on which nutrients you want to focus on, here are some tasty toppings to inspire your tastebuds and help you achieve your goals (especially if you develop the pancake bug and start craving them daily)!

Carbohydrates

 
Banana slices, jam or honey can provide some additional carbohydrates to help you fuel for, or refuel after a workout or run.
 

FATS

 
Nut butters are a great source of healthy fats and energy if you are looking to gain mass or increase your energy intake.
 

GENERAL HEALTH/WEIGHT LOSS

 

Generally, fresh or frozen berries help support overall health and are a good to include in all diets. They can also enhance weight loss efforts as they are fibre and nutrient rich to keep you satisfied and help meet daily micronutrient needs.

Enjoy your pancakes!

 

The key to pancake day is to fully enjoy them. If that means a healthy serving of Nutella, go for it! If you have a strict routine to support your sport performance, you can still enjoy the more indulgent toppings in moderation.

Pancakes drizzled in chocolate sauce and topped with strawberries
Image of Hockey scholars in their UB New Balance kit at the hockey pitchesCategoriesStudent News

Talented Hockey Scholars Selected for EDP Programme

Talented Hockey Scholars Selected for GB EDP Programme 2023

Four of our Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) scholars have been selected for the highly competitive GB Elite Development Programme (EDP) 2023. This programme is designed for Hockey players who are identified as having the potential to be medal-winning Olympians, providing them with opportunities to excel and reach their full performance potential at an international level.

 

Evie, Millie, Betsan, Emma (from left to right) are part of our Women 1’s Hockey Club, representing the Lions at various national and international Hockey events.

 

We asked them a few questions about their recent success!

What aspect of the EDP Programme have you found most valuable so far?

 

‘I think just the experiences it gives you, so going on tournaments abroad- we had the World Cup last year which was an incredible experience. It kind of sets you up for more than just Hockey.’- Emma (reselected for the EDP)

 

‘For me it’s great to keep the contact with a lot of the girls I’ve been playing with for such a long time. It’s just nice socially to go and have a good time and play at a really good standard.’ – Millie (reselected for the EDP)

What part of the programme are you most looking forward to?

 

‘I’m most excited to meet new people and play Hockey at the highest level. Coming from a University that already provides good Hockey, I now get to try my hardest in a new environment’. – Betsan (new to the EDP)

Betsan in action on the pitch
Emma sat with Hockey team

How has the support from the EDCAP programme helped you with your goals?

 

‘I think we’re lucky to have such good coaches here, Chris helps so much on the pitch with sessions twice a week, then we have Mark in the gym, and then we have Nutritionists and Physiotherapists that keeps us well and taped up, so we can still be playing and training.’- Evie (reselected for EDP)

 

‘It’s always flexible, at any given point you can pop in and see someone and get advice or change a session if you need to change it. So the availability of the support is really good here as well.‘- Millie

Hockey Goalkeeper Evie Wood in action
Millie Gigglio in action on the pitch

What’s the next thing you’re working towards?

 

‘The next big tournament is the Junior World Cup in Chile in December, and then there’s just other smaller tournaments and training camps.’- Emma

What would your advice be to anyone looking to get into Hockey?

‘I think definitely surround yourself with people who have similar objectives to you, like if you can go out there and join a team that is a standard that you aspire to be that really helps. Take a look at your life as a whole, we put in a lot of work off the pitch as well on the pitch, it doesn’t just come down to what you do on a training day or a game, it comes down to your decisions the minute you wake up to the minute you go to sleep. I guess take more of a holistic approach to it.‘- Millie

A big congratulations to our scholars on this incredible achievement. We can’t wait to see what they go on to accomplish through the programme as a result of their hard work and commitment to Hockey! 

 

To learn more about our sport scholarships, check out our dedicated webpage. 

 

Interested in joining a Hockey team? We have a number of opportunities for you to get involved, ranging from beginner level all the way up to competitive.

Photo credits: Eva Gilbert and Nathan Styles Porter

New Balance logo next to UoB Sport & FitnessCategoriesStudent News

Time for a new look: New Balance x UoB

TIME FOR A NEW LOOK: NEW BALANCE X UOB

This year saw the University of Birmingham kit project being taken on by New Balance, a multi-year partnership for the supply of all our playing kit, training wear, leisurewear and sport staff uniform. This was an incredibly exciting step for the University – not only were we able to bring this global brand to our students, but it meant a new look, especially for the teamwear. 

Traditionally, our gold lion directly from the University crest has been synonymous with Sport, and this very much still plays a part in our identity – our teams, athletes and participants are Birmingham Lions, and we are extremely proud of being part of that Pride. But, when this opportunity presented itself, we knew it was time to design a kit that felt representative of everyone on campus – however sporty or not you are. Because we are one community, and we wanted to create a kit that connected the whole campus, and everyone who is a part of it.

 

It was important to us to honour the history of the red from the University crest for the teamwear, ensuring our players can stand out proudly on game days. But how to ensure that people would want to be a part of the community and don the kit, even if they weren’t competing?

 

After a number of ideas and designs, working with elements like the lion, the University skyline, and Old Joe, it was clear that one iconic building stood out and was a fondly-regarded symbol of the campus – our clock tower. As any UoB alumni will proudly attest, Old Joe – named after Joseph Chamberlain, the first Chancellor – is the tallest free-standing clocktower in the world, and will probably be the first thing people say when offering facts about the University’s story.

 

This is how the patterned design on our teamwear came to be. A geometric representation of the clock face is repeated across the bottom half of our kit – in a subtle nod to our campus.

For those not playing for a club, a leisurewear range – comfortable loungewear to wear anywhere – is also in the pipeline. Stay tuned – we will be announcing when this is available to buy soon!


We are excited to be working with their product design team on other projects, focusing on specific designs for key underrepresented groups. All in all, it’s a very exciting time to be part of the Pride and we are delighted to be partnering with this global brand.

YOUoB Connect Festival BannerCategoriesEvents Student News

UoBe Festival Week Round-Up

UoBe Festival Week Round-Up

Last week students took part in UoBe Festival, offering a jam-packed schedule of activities and events before the academic term settles in. It was a great success, with students from all backgrounds engaging in our activities, from Try-a-Sport sessions to the Daily Varsity challenge to the College Cup and more! 

 

Here is a summary of some of the highlights across the week.

 

Image of students taking part in sunrise yoga session on the top floor of the main library

Sunrise Yoga

The week started off strong with some early morning Yoga held on the 4th floor of the main library, providing an unbeatable view of the infamous Old Joe clock. Our brilliant yoga instructor facilitated the session, allowing students to start their days with relaxation, balance and gentle stretching. 

Image of students standing with Jack. Tennis Coordinator

Tennis Masterclass  

 

Our amazing Tennis Coordinator provided a one-week free Tennis Masterclass designed to introduce beginners to tennis and teach them the basics. 

 

By the end of the week, all of the students were able to play in a tournament, with doubles and singles matches. Overarm serves, forehands, backhands, volleys and an understanding of the correct tennis scoring system were all put into play on the final day! 

 

Students reported feeling more confident in playing tennis and will take the skills they’ve learned into future games they play!

Varsity Daily Challenges 

 

From 2-3:30pm every day, our Participation Team organised a daily Varsity challenge. With the challenge changing each day, students gave a great effort and were awarded additional points towards their college for the overall College Cup score.  

Image of students playing football on Bournbrook Pitches

College Cup  

 

Across the week students represented their colleges in daily sport matches as part of the College Cup competition. From 3 v 3 basketball to Football on the Bournbrook pitches, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) claimed a well-deserved victory! 

Two adjacent squash courses in use by students
A student climbing towards the top of the climbing wall

Try-a-Sport sessions 

 

Students had the opportunity to try out a new sport through our Try-a-Sport sessions and social sport sessions. Facilitated by our Sport Development Team, Participation Team, and Student Societies, students got involved in various mixed ability sport sessions including Judo, Climbing, Squash, Netball and Bench ball. 

It was great to see so many students engaging with our facilities, especially those who don’t usually take part in sporting activities. Sport is for all, and sometimes it just takes trying out a few different things to find what you warm to the most!

 

Has one of our sessions inspired you to get more involved in sports? We have an extensive range of sporting opportunities designed for all levels of skill and commitment.

Image of Andrew Ward bench pressing at a championshipCategoriesMember News Physiology

Member Spotlight: Andrew Ward, GB Powerlifter and Entrepreneur

Member Spotlight: Andrew Ward (GB Powerlifter, Entrepreneur, and Author)

Alumni and community member, Andrew Ward has been using our Sport & Fitness club since we first opened back in 2017. Andrew’s hard work begins here, most recently securing fourth place in the IPF Bench Press World Championships 2022 in Kazakhstan, using our facilities to train for competitions, alongside his active lifestyle.  

 

Andrew has been powerlifting for nearly a decade and has an impressive competition history. From winning the IPF British Bench Press Championships three times, to competing twice at the World Championships representing Great Britain, he has been making history! 

 

We asked Andrew a few questions about his experience and background, to hear his inspiring story. 

Image of Andrew Ward winning 2021 competition

Photo credit: White Lights Media

 

How long have you been strength training, and what got you into it?

I have been training in powerlifting for roughly 10 years but have always been involved in sports. I started my training journey with athletics when I was younger and then progressed to gymnastics when I was at university. I trained at the Munrow sports centre, and when I graduated, I found it difficult to maintain a structured gymnastics program. I then started going to the gym with a friend and lifting weights. One of my friends pointed out I would qualify for the British championships, so I decided to give it a go.

 

Why did you start training at University of Birmingham?

I initially chose the University of Birmingham due to its excellent facilities. It has a wide selection of equipment and calibrated plates, making it the perfect environment for my powerlifting training needs. Its central location and ease of parking make it extremely accessible.

 

What makes the Sport and Fitness club a good place for your training?

The staff at the gym have created a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. They are incredibly friendly and helpful and have even accommodated my requests for new equipment. For example, they recently added a heavy-duty bench with safety bars for use when lifting heavier weights. This means I don’t have to worry about dropping the bar on my neck.

 

What was it like competing at the World Benchpress Championships?

Competing at the World Championships was an incredible privilege, marking a massive achievement. On one hand, you are able to perform at a high level that enables you to compete internationally. On the other, you are surrounded by the greatest athletes in the world, giving the experience a unique spectacle. Everything is also well-organised and professional.

Additionally, it is a great privilege to be able to travel internationally for your sport; for example, I have been to Budapest, Kazakhstan and Lithuania, places I likely would not have visited otherwise.

 

How easy is it for our members to get into Powerlifting?

Powerlifting is an inclusive sport that is open to anyone, regardless of age and experience. The main lifts are the Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift, so if you are already lifting weights and enjoy those exercises, you will likely enjoy powerlifting.

There is an active and welcoming community that is easy to get involved with, as each region in the country has its own powerlifting group that runs competitions. These competitions cater to beginners and more advanced athletes, so you don’t have to be at an elite level to give it a try. If you find yourself lifting at a high standard, you may even qualify for the British Championships. For more information on upcoming competitions, visit the British Powerlifting website.

 

How did you get into running your own Software Development business?

I’ve been interested in technology since I was a young child. After finishing my Taekwondo classes, I began to browse the internet and became fascinated by the idea of creating. After college, I was given the opportunity to work at Rolls-Royce. This provided me with invaluable experience and knowledge which I applied to my degree in computer science for business management. I continued doing freelance work alongside my studies as an additional source of income, making use of my corporate experience.

 

Upon graduating, I decided to set up a limited company, offering more complex web apps and online tools; this business has been running for nearly 13 years, and now specialises in complex mobile apps and online software.

Andrew Ward in first place on the podium for the Benchpress World Championships

Photo credit: White Lights Media

 

It’s safe to say that Andrew has an exciting future ahead of him, after already accomplishing such amazing things within the sport and business fields. Graduating in 2010 with a degree in Computer Science and Business Management, Andrew has gone on to run an app and online software development agency, and he has even published his own book. 

 

He plans to continue powerlifting, with a goal of longevity in his sport. We feel great pride that he chooses to train at the University gym and utilises our extensive range of equipment to help him perform.  

 

You can follow Andrew on Instagram via @andrewleeward, or read more about him on his personal website. Or check out Andrew’s intensive training routine in action! 

 

If you’ve been inspired by Andrew’s story and want to find out more about our gym memberships – whether you’re an athlete in training, or simply keeping fit – view our memberships today.  

Do you have a personal story about your fitness journey at Sport & Fitness? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch by emailing [email protected] to feature on our channels.

A group of British Junior Open medallistsCategoriesEvents

The British Junior Open 2023: Celebrating Success

The British Junior Open 2023: Celebrating Success

We are proud to have partnered with England Squash to host the prestigious British Junior Open tournament again this year. Bringing together the best junior Squash players from 53 countries for the U19’s tournament, there was a great buzz in the building across the week!

Recognising our Scholars

Two of our first year Scholars took part in the British Junior Open, both with strong Squash backgrounds including rankings in the December 2022 BUCS Individuals and the Professional Squash Association. Hana Ismail is one of our Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) Scholars, studying Medical Life and Geo Sciences. Our second Scholar, Olivia Besant, is one of our Squash Scholars who is studying first year Physiotherapy. With Hana finishing in 16th place representing Egypt, and Olivia in 23rd place representing England, they both gave an incredible performance!

Spanning across 5 days, we saw 650 players competing in 552 high-energy games. Our Munrow Arena was transformed with training courts and the main Glass court which was overlooked by hundreds of spectators.

An action shot of two males competing in the British Junior Open in the Glass Court

Tournament Winners

On the final day of tournaments, we saw Finnlay Withington (England) and Amina Orfi (Egypt) claim their well-deserved under 19s titles.  

British Junior Open winners Finnlay Withington (Left) and Amina Orfi (Right) holding their trophies.

A big well done to everyone who took part in the tournament this year, including those who volunteered to help make the event happen!

Interested in playing Squash at UoB? From social squash, to student squash teams, to performance squash, we offer something to suit all levels of abilities and personal goals.

Volunteer Becki sits on giant letters spelling #B2022CategoriesStudent News

Five Minutes With: Becki McWhinnie

FIVE MINUTES WITH: BECKI MCWHINNIE

We caught up with alumnae, staff member and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games volunteer Becki McWhinnie, to find out what it was like to be behind the scenes of the city’s biggest sporting event ever!

Q: What’s your current role at the University? 

 

A: Club Development Manager for UoB Sport & Fitness – this means I manage the student sport side of things, including our 56 sports clubs!

Q: Why did you choose to volunteer for the Games? 

 

A: To get involved with a unique experience on my doorstep. I didn’t want to have the fear of missing out and wanted to be as involved as possible! I played cricket when I was at the University and it is still my favourite sport, so to have the chance to be a part of that at an international level was too good to miss – especially as I used to play at Edgbaston where the event would be! 

Q: What role did you have? What were you expected to do? 

 

A: I was a Field of Play Team Member at Edgbaston, supporting the grounds staff in making sure the field was up to scratch for the players. This included things like laying out the (very heavy) boundary rope, checking access to the pitch and putting the covers on when it rained.

Q: Where were you based? 

 

A: Mainly at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. It was great because you got to know a few of the other regular volunteers, but also met new team members every day, so it was very varied. 

Q: Did you get to see any of the Games as a spectator? 

 

A: Yes! I was lucky enough to get tickets for hockey, diving and netball. Hockey was my favourite experience by far, watching players and spectators come from all over the word and marvel at the beauty of campus. I was very proud to be a part of it both from the volunteer side and from the alumni / staff side! 

Q: How was the experience? What are your favourite memories? 

 

 

A: Amazing. Being on pitch side during the India- Pakistan game was unbelievable. Two teams with the best supporters created the most amazing atmosphere. 

Q: Do you have any unusual/amusing stories of things that occurred?  


A: I did sustain a very impressive bruise from the boundary rope at one point – it is so heavy that you need a number of people to move it in sync, so if someone is out of time and you lose your hold it gives you a bit of a bump! 

Q: How did it feel to know your place of work was hosting the Games, and many of your colleagues were involved? 

 

 

A: It made it feel so much like we were a part of it, and felt like sharing something special with everyone. Seeing so many people you recognised when walking around campus as a volunteer or staff make it feel like such a great community. 

Lachlan Moorhead with his CWG gold medalCategoriesStudent News

Five Minutes With: Lachlan Moorhead

FIVE MINUTES WITH: LACHLAN MOORHEAD

Student, Judoka, and now Commonwealth Games gold medallist – we spoke to UoB Business student Lachlan Moorhead about his incredible experience at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Sport Scholar Lachlan fought off some tough competition to win University of Birmingham’s first ever Commonwealth gold medal for Team England.

Q: Looking back to the summer, has the medal win sunk in yet? 

 

A: I think my title has sunk in. It’s hard to say, it’s not like us judo fighters get time to ‘smell the roses’ – as soon as we were finished with the Commonwealth Games we were straight into qualification for the Paris Olympics. Better never stops!…


Q: Tell us about your expectations and hopes going into the Games. How had your training and warm-up competitions gone? Did you have any injuries to deal with? 

 

A: Going into the Commonwealth Games I was hoping to win. I wasn’t the favourite, but I drew confidence from my training, and how I’ve faired against the top athletes in the Commonwealth in training. My warm-up completions were very tough events in Europe and Asia, so it’s safe to say I was ready for a challenge. Regarding did I have any injuries… I’m a judo player, so I probably had hundreds! I think I fought with so much tape on my right hand it was completely immobilised!

Q: What are your memories of the judo competition? Were you nervous? Any tense moments during the competition? 

 

A: My memories of the competition are some of most intense but best memories I have. I was nervous throughout the whole build up, and the nerves on the day were (almost) unbearable. But this pressure was a privilege, and I knew I would perform the best under the pressure. The most stressful moment of the day was the first round, where I was 5 minutes into golden score (extra time) before emerging victorious. I was a fine margin from going home empty handed. 

Q: How have you balanced your University work with your training and sporting career?

 

A: I have managed to balance my university studies and sporting career with great difficulty and commitment. I work long days, training throughout the morning and afternoon and studying when I am home. Perusing both endeavours has given me a resilience I can’t imagine getting from anywhere else. That being said, without the support of UoB Sport Scholarships and the well-being department in the business school, I would not have been able to achieve what I have. Their interest, understanding, and flexibility is the main reason I am able to continue my studies whilst perusing my sporting dreams. For that I am very grateful. 

Q: What’s next for you?

 

A: What’s next for me is to work towards the Paris Olympics. I’ve beaten the fighter in the world top 10 and I’ve broken the top 25 myself. My goal is to win a medal at the Paris Olympics. I’ve trained full-time since I was 18, and I believe if I continue on this trajectory of commitment and sacrifice to the sport, then the sky is the limit.

Gold Medallists Team England celebrate during the Women's Hockey Medal Ceremony on day ten of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at University of Birmingham Hockey & Squash CentreCategoriesStudent News

Twelve Commonwealth Medals for UoB

Twelve commonwealth medals for the University of birmingham

In Alumna and students from the University of Birmingham become sporting heroes in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – securing a total of 12 medals.

Current student Lily Walker and five alumni – Hannah Martin, Holly Hunt, Anna Toman, Lily Owsley and Flora Peel – were part of the gold-winning Team England women’s side which beat Australia to claim Commonwealth Games victory for the first time.


The University of Birmingham Hockey Centre provided an iconic backdrop for their Games victory and all six players had previously played on those same pitches representing the University in British Universities and Colleges Sport and national league hockey.

The University’s game-changing hockey reputation also helped gain medals for Team England’s men’s squad with the return of 2013 graduate, Nick Bandurak. Narrowly missing out on a place in the final after losing 3-2 to Australia, they went onto beat South Africa 6 – 3 to secure the bronze medal with Nick as Team England’s top scorer in the competition.

Hockey alumni Hywel Jones and Dewi Roblin also competed for their home nation, Team Wales, who secured their highest ever Commonwealth Games finish in sixth. The squad beat Ghana 6-1, only to be beaten by finalists India in the next round.

Team Wales’ women’s squad also featured alumni Holly Munro and Xenna Hughes to secure an eighth place finish. Current Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student, Amy Costello, finished in sixth place in the women’s hockey event as part of Team Scotland.

University of Birmingham students also won medals in the Judo competition. Current Business student and Sport Scholar, Lachlan Moorhead, fought off some tough competition to win University of Birmingham’s first ever Commonwealth gold medal for Team England.


Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student Rhys Thompson won a bronze medal for Team England in the -100kg category in his first Commonwealth Games.

Judokas Lauren Semple and Yasmin Javadian represented Jamaica and Northern Ireland respectively. Lauren reached the -63kg bronze medal match, just losing out on a medal, but sport scholar Yasmin scooped bronze in the -52kg category for Northern Ireland.

Cyclist Anna Henderson is a current Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student and won silver in the Women’s Individual Time Trial before an exceptional performance in Women’s Road Race later in the week.

ITU World Triathlon Champion in 2013, Non Stanford secured the silver medal for Team Wales in the Mixed Triathlon and also competed in the Women’s Triathlon event, placing sixth.

In addition to the 12 medallists, there were University of Birmingham students and alumni across multiple competitions at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. MSc Economics alumna, Gemma Atherley, made history for Team Jersey by becoming the first swimmer to make a Commonwealth Games final in the 200-metre backstroke. Gemma raced exceptionally well and finished in eighth place.

Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student and high jump athlete Laura Zialor reached the final – finishing in eighth place for Team England at her first Commonwealth Games and second-ever major championship.

Alumnus Imran Rahman, was selected to represent Bangladesh in the 100-metre sprint and Biomedical Science alumna, Hannah Leighton, took to the Netball courts for Team Scotland. Their classification match against Northern Ireland ended in their 43-33 victory, placing them ninth overall.


Alumna Heather Cowell opened the Rugby 7s competition at Birmingham 2022 with Team England with a resounding 57-0 win over Sri-Lanka. The team finished in fifth place overall.  

Current physics student, Muqtadir Nimji took part in the squash competition with Team Kenya and reached the semi-final of the Men’s Singles Plate competition.

University of Birmingham Director of Sport Andy Allford commented: “Congratulations to all our students and alumni on their sporting success at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Everyone at the University of Birmingham is exceptionally proud of what our campus, staff and athletes achieved during this game-changing summer of sport.”

CategoriesStudent News

Past and Present UoB Stars Selected for Birmingham 2022

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games just around the corner, it is safe to say excitement is building here at the University of Birmingham as we prepare to welcome athletes, coaches and spectators from all around the Commonwealth.

The University of Birmingham is the official host venue for hockey and squash, as well as hosting the largest athletes’ village and training venue for both swimming and athletics; being the official catering provider for athletes, spectators, Games family and workforce; providing accommodation for technical officials and sponsor workforce; and hosting multiple conferences and events across campus venues.

In addition to the above, we are delighted to share that a huge number of staff, students and alumni have been selected to represent their home nations in the Games.

Birmingham 2022 will showcase the very best talent from across the Commonwealth countries, which is why we are thrilled for the students who we have witnessed go from strength to strength this year earn this all-important selection. This includes dentistry student and European under-23 bronze medalist, Yasmin Javadian, who will be proudly representing Northern Ireland at the Games.

Third year student and University of Birmingham Sport Scholar Yasmin has achieved some remarkable accolades during her time at the University, proving she is more than capable of balancing her studies alongside international competition. As a Midlands native herself, we also know how much competing on home soil means to Yasmin, and she’s a fantastic example of the home-grown talent we have here at UoB.

That’s not the only good news for the UoB Judo Club, as Biology student Lauren Semple has also been selected to represent her home nation, Jamaica, in the Games. Lauren, who is also a valued member of the University’s netball club, has recently returned from the British University Judo Championships where she finished in fifth place. We are very much looking forward to following her inaugural Commonwealth Games appearance in Birmingham.

Fellow Judo scholars Rhys Thompson and Lachlan Moorhead will also be competing between Monday 1 – Wednesday 3 August, but will be representing Team England. Fresh from their performances at the recent European Championships, 81kg fighter Lachlan will join his fellow British Judo team mate Rhys, who will compete in the Men’s 100kg category.

One former student who we will be warmly welcoming back this summer is alumna, Gemma Atherley. Gemma, who was very recently a popular member of UoB Swimming Club, will return to Sport & Fitness to train for the Games, as she prepares to represent Team Jersey in this year’s 100m and 200m backstroke events. Netball alumna Hannah Leighton will also be returning to the Midland’s to represent Team Scotland at the NEC arena next month.

Congratulations are in order for alumna and TASS scholar Heather Cowell, who will be taking to the Coventry Arena to form part of England’s Rugby 7s team in the Games. Alumni Oscar Clayton has also been selected as an injury reserve for Team Jamaica.

After seventy-two athletes were confirmed for selection to represent Team England in the Games, there were plenty of reasons for the UoB Athletics Club to celebrate. The list included current student and sport scholar, Laura Zialor, who will compete in the high jump event. Laura will be joined in the Team England athletics camp by UoB alumni and fellow former athletics club member, Chris McAlister, who has been selected to compete in the 400m hurdles.

As news of selections have continued to roll in, Team England have also announced a current UoB student is set to join their 35 strong cycling squad at this year’s games. Sport scholar and Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student, Anna Henderson, will join the likes of five-time Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny this summer as she competes in the road cycling event.

Another UoB student who has recently celebrated his selection to represent his home nation in the Commonwealth Games, is squash first team member and current Physics student, Muqtadir Nimji. A huge advantage for Muqtadir is he will compete on the same courts he trains and competes with the University’s squash team at UoB Sport & Fitness.

After some incredible performances for his club during this academic year, including at BUCS Big Wednesday and the University of Birmingham Squash Open, we are really excited to see what Muqtadir has to offer this summer.

It has been a long wait for our hockey stars, as several current students have patiently waited to hear if they too have been selected to join many of our hockey alumni at the Games.

We are delighted to confirm that current student and talented midfielder Lily Walker has been selected to represent Team England; Lily is already extremely familiar with the Birmingham 2022 hockey pitches after putting in some brilliant performances for the University this year. Having only made her international debut in April this year, 20-year-old Lily is the youngest member of this year’s senior Commonwealth squad, and we are really looking forward to seeing her compete on home soil.

Lily will no doubt be well supported by her UoB hockey predecessors, including Hannah Martin, Lily Owsley and Anna Toman, all of whom competed for Team England in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia. Congratulations to alumna Holly Hunt and Flora Peel who will also return to their familiar University pitches this summer. In total, one-third of Team England’s hockey squad is made up of students past and present from University of Birmingham! We are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of Team England men’s hockey team.

After competing in her first Commonwealth Games in Queensland back in 2018, current Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences student, Amy Costello, has once again been selected to represent Team Scotland this summer.

Hockey Wales have also made the all-important Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games announcement recently, with a number of UoB alumni also set to represent their home nation at the Games. This includes Welsh alumni Holly Munro and Xenna Hughes (Women’s team), as well as Hywel Jones (Men’s team).

Following his successful journey at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo last year, we are thrilled that current PhD student and Para Powerlifting champion Ali Jawad MBE will be supporting at the Games this year. As a double Commonwealth Games medalist himself, Ali has been appointed to the board of Commonwealth Games England as an athlete representative.

Another athlete who we are also looking forward to cheering on once again is UoB alumna and Para Triathlete, Alison Peasgood. Alison will be competing for her home nation, Team Scotland. Joining Alison at Birmingham’s Sutton Park this summer is fellow UoB alumna and 2013 ITU World Champion, Non Stanford, who will be hoping to lead Team Wales to triathlon victory in this year’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Finally, as well as proudly congratulating their selected students, one of our very own UoB coaches has also earned his place at this year’s Games. Luke Gunn will be taking a short break from his duties as Head of Athletics at University of Birmingham to work as part of Team England’s Endurance Support staff. Having competed in three Commonwealth Games himself, Luke will be sure to bring his experience, insight and knowledge with him.

We have so many reasons to celebrate the fantastic home-grown talent we have at the University of Birmingham, so congratulations to all of those who have been selected. We are also wishing the very best of luck to our athletes who are still waiting to hear, so watch this space for more Birmingham 2022 announcements.