On Saturday 8 June, the University of Bristol Tennis Club (UBTC) hosted the annual Hobson Cup at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, with all money raised going to towards our Healthy Minds programme. Our Director of Tennis Andy Trott explains what the Hobson Cup means to the University’s Tennis Club in this blog.
The Hobson Cup was started in memory of Jack Hobson, a former UBTC member, BUCS player and student coach. Jack’s contribution to UBTC and tennis at the University during his time as a student was outstanding. Jack sadly passed away after he graduated.
Ali Blackett (Head Coach of Tennis and winner of Coach of the Year at the 2024 REDS Awards) has played a key role in the delivery and development of the Hobson Cup since 2019, and has effectively led a sub-committee of UBTC members to ensure the event retains its place in the calendar. This event is particularly close to Ali’s heart and she should be very proud of her role in this event (we all are).
Over fifty past and present UBTC members took part in the mix of tennis, netball and football fixtures throughout the day, in a bid to lift the Hobson Cup. After a competitive and fun-filled afternoon of sport, the alumni team claimed the victory – for the fifth year in a row!
It is an outstanding event in the calendar each year and it means a lot to everyone involved. Jack’s parents and his brother have attended in recent years and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Jack’s life with his peers and members who have joined UBTC since he graduated.
Being a member of UBTC significantly enhances the student experience and we need to continue to shout about the transformational impact that membership to a student club and society has. This season we have helped the UBTC committee create experiences and events that will live long in the memory of every student. These opportunities have helped our students:
- Have fun
- Become better players and coaches
- Become happier, healthier people more resilient to life beyond university
- Create a positive distraction / a third space between their degree and home
- Develop strong friendships that will sustain them for many years to come
- Gain valuable employability skills that we know will support them into the world of work
- Build self-esteem and confidence in their ability on and off the court
- Network with partners across the sector
The list goes on!
These are ‘money can’t buy’ supplements alongside a world-class education. We look forward to seeing how these experiences go on to shape the students when they graduate and of course, we look forward to welcoming them back to compete for the Hobson Cup.
💡 Are you feeling inspired? You can hire indoor or outdoor tennis courts and enjoy tennis with us over the summer! Find out more about pay-as-you-go court hire on our website – or download our mobile app to make and manage activity bookings on the go.