More Than Competition: Why Community Matters in University of Bristol Sport

Posted on by Megan Leeson

University sport is often associated with competition, teams, and training schedules. But its impact goes far beyond that. In this week’s blog, our Business Development Manager, Jo Blackett, explores how sport helps build community at university, supporting belonging, wellbeing, and connection, and why that sense of community is so important to the student experience.

University sport is far more than competition or physical activity. At its best, it brings people together. Sport helps build community by connecting students, staff, and the wider city, and plays a huge role in helping students feel a sense of belonging, thrive both on and off the pitch, and enjoy their overall time at university.

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“The Support, Motivation and Post-Run Chats”: What Makes the Bristol Run Series Special

Posted on by Megan Leeson

The Bristol Run Series isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about getting outside, getting moving, and feeling part of the #WeAreBristol community. Launched in 2020, the series continues to grow year on year, and so does its impact. Last year (2024-25), more than four in five participants said the series had a clear positive impact on their mental wellbeing, while 91% of staff and student participants reported that it improved their physical wellbeing, showing just how much of a difference moving more and feeling part of something can make.

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Building One of the UK’s Biggest Tennis Clubs

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This year has been a standout one for our tennis community, filled with growth, teamwork, and incredible progress both on and off the court. In this week’s blog, our Director of Tennis Andy Trott celebrates the highlights, progress and the people that have made it all happen.

🥳 A Year Worth Celebrating

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5 Benefits of Staying Active While Living Away from Home

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Moving away from home for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. In this week’s blog, our Facilities and Operations Manager, Gordon Aitken, shares how regular physical activity can support your wellbeing and help you adjust to university life!

Starting university or college is one of life’s biggest transitions. For many, it’s the first time living away from home. A time filled with excitement, independence, and new challenges. Amid managing classes, social life, and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook personal wellbeing. Yet, one of the most effective and enjoyable ways you can stay balanced and feel your best is by making physical activity a regular part of your routine. Here are 5 benefits of staying active while living away from home:

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Pre-Season: Building Strength, Power and Resilience

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog post is written by our Strength and Conditioning Coach Ethan Preddy, who joined the Sport, Exercise and Health team at the beginning of pre-season. Starting on 11 August 2025, pre-season is an opportunity for our student clubs to prepare for the BUCS season ahead, through four weeks of training and team building. Ethan tells us how the clubs got on:

New Beginnings at the University of Bristol

It’s been an exciting few weeks stepping into my role as Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach at the University of Bristol! Diving straight into pre-season in August with multiple clubs has been intense, busy and exactly the kind of challenge I enjoy.

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5 Easy Ways to Kickstart Your Active Life at the University of Bristol

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Starting university is the perfect time to try new things, make friends, and find your rhythm. At the University of Bristol, getting active isn’t just about fitness – it’s about community, wellbeing, and having fun along the way. Whether you want to get involved in competitive sport, join a free fitness session, or set yourself a running goal, there are lots of ways to get moving with us. Here’s your guide to getting active at Bristol from day one! 👇

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Sport Spotlight: University of Bristol Tennis Club’s Remarkable 2024-25 Season

Posted on by Megan Leeson

For the 8th consecutive year, we’re proud to end the 2024/25 sporting season in the top 10 of the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) overall points table! All of the Bristol clubs, coaches and staff have worked hard throughout the year to get us in this position, with a total of 13 league titles and 9 promotions.

One club that has had a very successful season is the University of Bristol Tennis Club (UBTC), and in this week’s blog post our Director of Tennis Andy Trott tells us why the 530+ members of UBTC have a lot to celebrate.

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Where Swim Qualifications Can Take You

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Learning to swim isn’t just a fun activity – it’s a fundamental life skill that can quite literally save lives. But what if you could take that skill and turn it into something more? Getting your lifeguard or swim teacher qualifications doesn’t just mean helping others, it can open doors to a whole world of opportunities. From working at summer camps in the US, spending time in sunny places like Dubai, or even travelling the world doing something you love, training as a lifeguard or swim teacher is a valuable and important job all over the world.

For this week’s blog post, our Aquatics Manager Caitlin tells us her story on how lifeguard and swim teacher qualifications got her travelling the world!

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10 Tips for Staying Motivated When You Begin a New Exercise Journey

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Embarking on a new exercise routine can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or simply enhance your overall wellbeing, the journey begins with that crucial first step: motivation. This week’s blog post is written by our Group Health and Fitness Manager James Rowntree, on his top 10 tips for staying motivated when you begin a new exercise journey.

1. Set Clear Goals 💪
Having specific and achievable goals can provide direction and a sense of purpose. A strong goal for beginners is to maintain their new routine for the first 6 weeks. If you can get through this, there is every chance your new workout will become a permanent part of your weekly routine!

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4 Easy Ways to Start Playing Tennis

Posted on by Megan Leeson

🧠 April is Stress Awareness Month, a good reminder to check in with your mental well-being and explore healthy ways to unwind. Being physically active is often recognised as a beneficial way to help manage stress, with the NHS stating that “physical activity is one of the best things you can do try and help deal with stress”.

Tennis is not only a fun and energising workout, but it also offers a number of stress-relief benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up a racket for the first time, here are 4 easy and low-stress ways to enjoy tennis at the University of Bristol:

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