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Do what moves you

The joint strategic plan for Sport and Physical Activity

Our vision is to be the best University for being active in the UK. 

We want to create an inspiring environment where the choice for students, staff and local communities to be active is easy, accessible and rewarding. We will do this through our facilities, services and partnerships. 

We’ve engaged with staff, students and stakeholders at the University; below is a snapshot of what we want to achieve over the next four years.

OUR GOALS

  • Improved wellbeing for staff and students
  • Students ready for their future
  • Enriching the student experience
  • Creating a positive impact on the city
  • Demonstrable commitment to sustainability

OUR AIMS

  • Develop your skills and broaden your horizons
  • Improve your health and wellbeing
  • Reach your potential

OUR ENABLERS

  • Customer focused
  • Financially sustainable
  • One team
  • Demonstrating value

Read the strategy in full

We will create the conditions for students, staff and local communities to ‘Do What Moves You’

We deliver meaningful results for students, staff and local communities

Kim Daybell

CASE STUDY

Supporting Athletes

The University of Leeds awards around 70 students with a Sports Scholarship each year, enabling them to balance their academic studies and sporting aspirations.

This flexibility was key to Kim Daybell – who chose the University to complete his medical degree – in preparing for and competing in two Paralympics and a Commonwealth Games, where he won the Silver Medal in Men’s TT-6-10 Table Tennis singles, gaining a career-high ranking of fifth in the world!

Kim’s unique sport scholarship package included a tailored strength and conditioning programme, delivered on behalf of the English Institute of Sport, as well as physiotherapy support and nutrition advice, and a bursary from Alumni donor, Stuart Ledge.

“The University has been fantastic through my time with them” Kim explains. “I think as a team, we showed how a student athlete should be managed and what can be achieved with the right framework, personnel and attitudes.”

Antonia Panayotova

CASE STUDY

Inspiring Activity

Our Get Out, Get Active programme (GOGA) provides opportunities for all staff and students at the University to try new activities in a safe and friendly environment while exploring the beautiful Yorkshire Countryside. Ever popular with international students, Get Out, Get Active is a great option for people looking to make friends and explore their new surroundings.

Antonia Panayotova, an international student from Bulgaria became a keen participant in the programme, taking part in a number of climbs, walks and trips throughout her first year at the University.

A real asset to GOGA, Antonia eventually became a regular volunteer and then employed as a Student Activator within the programme – a role she stayed in throughout her second and third year.

With GOGA’s help, I made many friends and had many adventures that will stay with me forever” explains Antonia. “I got the dream university and international experience, where you learn a lot about other cultures and people, as well as getting to travel constantly. I would recommend to everyone to get involved!”

Leeds Refugee Forum

CASE STUDY

Inspiring Activity

Refugee Forum

Working with Leeds Refugee Forum, our community project has students delivering football coaching and English language skills at One Community Centre, Harehills. The programme is designed to engage with Leeds’ refugee community while encouraging students to develop their confidence and communication skills.

“I found this volunteering project so enjoyable” explained Callum Bailey, one of the students recently involved in the project. “I would definitely consider doing it again in the future and would recommend others to do it as well. It helped me improve on skills such as leadership, teamwork and confidence. Everything I’ve learnt will also help my employability in the future.”

Ali Mahgoub, Director of Leeds Refugee Forum has also voiced his support: “Integration through sport and other activities is an important part of what we do at the Leeds Refugee Forum. The support of the students at the University of Leeds has exposed our young refugees to different cultures and allowed them to practice their English conversation.”

How can we help you move more?

Do you have an idea that could help you and others to be more active?
It could be anything, from Yoga in your meeting room or lecture theatre to rewards for travelling by bike or foot. Let us know below.

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