Leicester internationally recognised for supporting student sport
Innovation and demonstration of best practice has helped Leicester win a European Award for supporting student sport.
The University’s Leicester Academy picked up the top prize at the European Network of Academic Sports Services event.
Through working with the Widening Participation Team at the University, Sport and Active Life have been able to deliver a project which looks to enhance the skills of WP students through sports coaching and provide them with the experience of working with local primary schools. Students volunteer their time to work with children whose schools are also within WP areas. The students become positive role models for the children promoting a more physically active life and encouraging the children’s aspirations for higher education.
Winning the award has allowed the team to gain international recognition for some of the good practice taking place at the University and has seen the start of conversations with International universities to explore ways of collaborative work in similar areas.
Matthew Weir, Head of Sport and Active Life at our University, said: “The European Network of Academic Sports Services (ENAS) is a fantastic opportunity for us to share the work we do and also learn from others and the award gives us the encouragement to strive to deliver a really impactful project which benefits both our students and the wider community. The recognition that our peers have given us throughout Europe has been fantastic to see. I am really pleased for everyone that has been involved in establishing Leicester Academy.”