5 Reasons to Move More in 2024

Posted on by Megan Leeson

As we start the New Year and our New Year’s Resolutions get underway, our Development Officer, Molly Poulter Williams, explains how moving more in 2024 can benefit not only our body, but also our mind.

Do you set yourself New Year’s Resolutions? If you do, you’re not alone.

More than 60% of Brits set themselves New Year’s Resolutions in 2024 – the highest rate seen since 2019. And it’s looking like this year is shaping up to be a year for health; the top-three most popular resolutions for adults focus on physical self-improvement, with mental health awareness and improvements coming in a close fourth.

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Coombe Dingle’s Sports Pavilion: Arson, Suffrage and Street Skirmishes

Posted on by Megan Leeson

With pre-season underway and the second half of the BUCS season just around the corner, History Graduate and Hospitality Assistant Joseph Sharp looks into the history of Coombe Dingle’s Sports Pavilion as it opens back up for the new term.

While working at Harry’s Bar, I investigated the history of the Pavilion itself given that I was studying History at the university. One of the most interesting chapters of the Pavilion’s history was connected to the suffragette movement.

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A Brief Reflection on Teams, Teamwork and Team Dynamics

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog post is written by our Director of Tennis, Andy Trott, and his reflection on why teamwork is so important.

The most inspiring part of my role is building and leading a team of passionate, skillful and dedicated individuals who all care desperately about our players, the development of our programme and our profile in the sector. The Tennis Team is composed of over 50 people (staff and volunteers), each of whom helps shape our programme and contributes to the experience of our players.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Go Out and Walk in the Rain

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog post is from our Development Officer, Molly Poulter Williams, as she gives 5 reasons why a rainy walk has more well-being boosting benefits than you think!

At this time of year, it’s difficult not to think that certain creatures have got it right with this hibernation malarkey. However, as tempting as it is to spend the next 6 months cocooned in your cosiest blanket, we’re here to tell you five reasons why you should grab your waterproofs and head out for a walk in the rain this season:

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10 Ways to Stay Motivated in Winter

Posted on by Megan Leeson

As winter fast approaches, James Rowntree, our Group Health and Fitness Manager, tells his 10 top tips on how to stay motivated when it’s cold and dark outside.

Why do we find it so much harder to keep our activity levels high in the winter months? There are some legitimate factors working against us:

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Pre-Season: What’s all the fuss about?

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog is written by our Performance Sport Manager, Matt Paine! Taking place from 21 August – 15 September 2023, Matt describes why pre-season is so important to our student athletes.

Sunshine, unlimited chance to play your sport, conditioning in the gym and field, and access to the best experts in Performance you say? And, we have not even talked about the Burrito Bar yet! Well, that’s what took place for five weeks in August and September at the University of Bristol. (more…)

From Student to Staff Member – Christine’s Story

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Christine O’Shea shares her experience from transitioning from a student at the University to becoming the new Sports Development Assistant in the Sport, Health and Exercise department.

Christine at her graduation

Hi, I’m Christine and I recently graduated from the university with a Social Policy and Politics Degree. During my course, I became interested in public health which led me to jump at the opportunity of becoming the new Sports Development Assistant!

From the outset, I knew I would enjoy the position which includes helping the progression of the B:Active programme, as in my second year of university I was a regular participant at B:Active sessions. (more…)

Our Tennis Community

Posted on by nicola.willis

By the end of the 2022-23 season we will have helped over 5,000 people play tennis at least once including over 1,000 University of Bristol (UOB) students (or about 1 in every 29 UOB students).

We have worked with a range of partners this season to increase the number of opportunities for people to play and we have tried our best to target people who may not have had the opportunity to play before. (more…)

Staying Safe in the Water!

Posted on by Beck Throup

In the UK and Bristol, we are surrounded by water. The docks and river Avon is a huge part of the history of the city but also carries its risks. An average of 312 UK and Irish Citizens lose their life in an accidental drowning each year. With the summer around the corner, I wanted to write about the importance of having respect for the water as well as highlighting water safety and what the role of a lifeguard brings to society. 

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