News for home page. The latest four new stories will be displayed in date order.

University of Leeds represented at 2019 Leeds Sport Awards

Beth Stanfield
January 18, 2019
Leeds sport awards 2019 finalists announced

The University of Leeds Netball Club and Boat Club have been made finalists in the Student Sport, Special Contribution Category of the 2019 Leeds Sports Awards.

Netball have increased their outreach work this year and are doing lots for the local community. Seven of their members are working towards coaching qualifications to enable them to coach in local primary schools across Leeds every week. Over ten of the club’s members umpire at social leagues across Leeds, with some working towards their umpiring qualifications too. In addition to this, 2 of their members run a weekly social netball session, open to anyone who wants to try out netball or play in a relaxed environment. On top of all this, the teams are excelling in their BUCS leagues, raising money for charity and trying to increase the profile of netball across the district.

Netball team warming up

Boat Club want rowing to be a part of breaking down barriers to higher and further education. 23 of their members coach in the community as part of an outreach programme where they deliver weekly sessions in local secondary schools. They aim to not only get young people active, but also build their confidence.
Once a term, the club volunteer at the RowLeeds Indoor Champs, where hundreds of school students come together to put their training to the test. The club also work closely with The Gorse Boat Club (TGBC). TGBC was founded in 2016 and is the school boat club for 5 academies and 1 sixth form centre from across Leeds. The two clubs often train together and UoLBC invite TGBC boats to their club regattas at the end of each term.

This year the boat club have also chosen to focus on mental health, working to improve the support they give to their members. In September, their 20 committee members were trained on how to support their members mental health and they’ve introduced a clear signposting system within the club. In October they did a 12 hour ergathon outside LUU to raise money and awareness their chosen charity: Mind.

rowing boat on the water

Sports Scholar Sam Dickinson has also been made a finalist for Sportsman in the Senior Achievers Category.
Sam is a member of the UK Sport Lottery Funded World Class Performance Programme and trains at the Leeds Triathlon Centre. In 2018, he won a silver medal in the U23 event at the ITU World Championships.

Sam Dickinson posing for a photo

In addition to our students being recognised, our Sports Performance Manager, Sarah Robinson, coaches at the City of Leeds Synchronised Swimming Club, who’ve been shortlisted for Young Club/Team in the Young Achievers Category. Sarah coaches the junior team and duet/solos towards the British Championships as well as the England Talent Development Squad 2019.  

The winners will be unveiled at the awards on Thursday 28 February at the First Direct Arena.

Tickets for the event are available here
A full list of the 2019 Leeds Sports Awards nominees is available here

What’s happening at The Edge in 2019

Vickie Hesketh
January 15, 2019

Make 2019 your fittest year yet with our incredible challenges and courses. 

This 2019 we have loads of exciting opportunities for you to boost your health and fitness and some great events for you and your friends to train towards.

  • 3 March is our Brownlee Centre Festival of Running. Brave the new year elements and get training for an event of your choice ranging from 1 to 20 miles. Find out more here. 
  • We have two of our most popular fitness courses returning; Self Defence and Women Only Strength Training start back week commencing 4 March. Find a four week, 1-hour course to suit you. Find out more here. We even have future course dates advertised running up until November 2019 if you can’t make the March ones.
  • 29 & 30 March is the annual, nationwide Swimmathon event, with two events hosted here at The Edge. Sign up and swim distances from 400m to 5k. Sign up here. 
  • A date for your diary! Our annual Adamons Bequest Fitness Challenge returns on Thursday 21 March with £1,000 prize money up for grabs for the fittest University Students. Prizes for University of Leeds Staff and Public Edge members as well. More information to follow shortly. To register your interest please drop us an email here.

Also, make sure you are following us on social media as we’ve got loads more workout videos planned to inspire your sessions and ensure your technique is correct.

Tom de Glanville named in England U20s Elite Player Squad

Beth Stanfield
January 7, 2019

University of Leeds sports scholar Tom de Glanville has been named in the 32 man England U20s Elite Player Squad.

The announcement was made by England Rugby on Friday 4th January.

Tom de Glanville head shot

Tom studies Biology at the University of Leeds, whilst also playing for Bath Rugby A. Tom is a sports scholar here at the University which allows him to study for a world class degree and play sport at the highest level.

Tom has previously represented his country at Under 18 level, where he featured in test matches against France and Wales.

The squad will compete in the 2019 Six Nations as well as the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina. They open their Six Nations campaign against Ireland on Friday 1 February. The side then take on France on Saturday 9 February live on Sky Sports.

The U20s next face Wales on Friday 22 February, live on S4C, before a second home fixture of the tournament with the side playing against Italy on Friday 8 March live on Sky Sports. Their final fixture of the Six Nations will be against Scotland on Friday 15 March live on Sky Sports.

The 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship will be held in May/June.

Tickets for the England under 20 fixtures can be found here.

Tom de Glanville kicking a rugby ball

Full Squad

Forwards

Olly Adkins (Gloucester), Josh Basham (Durham University), Will Capon (Bristol Bears), Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Nic Dolly (Sale Sharks), James Dun (Bristol Bears), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Ted Hill (Worcester Warriors), Aaron Hinkley (Gloucester), Joel Kpoku (Saracens), Samson Ma’asi (Northampton Saints), Kai Owen (Worcester Warriors), James Scott (Worcester Warriors), Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Willis (Wasps).

Backs

Tom De Glanville (Bath), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Connor Doherty (Sale Sharks), Ollie Fox (Yorkshire Carnegie), Tom Hardwick (Leicester Tigers), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), Josh Hodge (Newcastle Falcons), Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors), Sam Maunder (Exeter Chiefs), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Cameron Redpath (Sale Sharks), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Gus Warr (Sale Sharks), Kieran Wilkinson (Sale Sharks).

The Edge wins ‘Education Facility of The Year’ at the National Fitness Awards 2018

Tom Exeter
December 6, 2018

We are proud to announce that Sport & Physical Activity, The Edge has won ‘Education Facility of The Year’ at the National Fitness Awards 2018.

The National Fitness Awards is an annual event which recognises excellence and achievement in gyms throughout the country. The Education Facility of the Year category is aimed at gyms which are based within a school or college or on a university campus.

The University of Leeds beat some stiff competition from six other shortlisted institutions including Coventry University and the University of Edinburgh

Shortlisted gyms have all been scored on being able to offer a  wide range of excellent facilities, with staff engaging with students, staff and the wider community; successfully spreading the positive word of health and fitness to the younger generation. Judges have shortlisted Sport & Physical Activity and scored The Edge highly based on the rage of equipment and group classes available, as well as how as a service we are able to support a range of sports clubs and elite athletes, and how The Edge facility enhances the experience of those living and working on campus.

Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport & Physical Activity had to say …

“I’m delighted for the whole team who work tirelessly to provide a great experience for all our users. It’s especially pleasing that the award recognises not just the range of our facilities but how we engage students, staff and the community and how we are successfully spreading the word about health and fitness. This effort is in line with our new joint emerging plan “Do What Moves You” which will be published in January 2019″.

This fantastic achievement builds on The Edge being runner-up in the ‘Group Exercise Gym of the Year’ at the 2017 awards.

National Fitness Awards’ event director Judith Halkerston said:

“All our winners have had an arduous journey to this point – the standard of entries seems to just get stronger year on year and every facility that walked away with an award should be extremely proud”.

University Celebrates Sport Scholars

Tilly Hall
December 4, 2018

The University of Leeds Sports Scholars have been awarded their scholarships by the University chief operating officer, Tim Peakman, and chief financial officer, Jane Madeley at a special reception evening.

Over 60 students studying a variety of courses, from Medicine to Geography, are all supported by the Sport Scholarship Programme to help and guide them in achieving their goals to the highest of their ability, both within their sport and their academia.

One student who was celebrated this year is Joanne Pettitt, who is studying Physician Associate Studies and has represented team Scotland at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at netball. She has also represented Scotland at the European Championships in 2017 and the European World Cup Qualifiers 2018.

“I have been lucky enough to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and at the 2015 netball world cup in Sydney”.

 

Sam Dickinson has also been awarded a sport scholarship following a successful year in triathlon. He was a late starter to the sport, but two years after his introduction he became British junior champion and topped the table at the British Triathlon Super Series in 2015. In 2016, he won silver at the ETU European championships and represented GB at the ITU World Championships. This year he won silver in the U23 elite race at the ITU World Championships on the Gold Coast.

 

 

The university has over 60 scholars competing from a vast variety of sports, from rugby players to snowboarders, competing at a range of competitions throughout the year. The scholarship programme gives each athlete a personalised package of support to meet their individual needs. This includes a personal mentor who helps ensure that they are managing and maintaining a healthy balance between University work and sporting committments.

Scholars also receive free access to The Edge, to help aid with their fitness, sport and wellbeing. A personal programme of nutritional advice, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning training, as well as a bespoke bursary to ensure they can manage their financial demands of performance sport.

This year a dual career policy has also been introduced.

Dual Career Policy

The University of Leeds dual career policy seeks to ensure that our student-athletes who are training, competing and studying at the very highest level have the support in place to allow them to succeed. The policy allows them to achieve their sporting and educational aspirations without sacrificing one to be a success in the other. You can read the full policy on the Student Education Service website here.

 

Take a look at all our Sport Scholars below and find out more about our Sport Scholarship programme online here.

 

Caitlin Fox Canoe Polo

Caitlin Fox

BSc Sustainability and Enviromental Management
CANOE POLO

 

Christmas Opening Hours 2018

Tom Exeter
December 4, 2018
The Edge

Be sure to fit in your fitness over the holidays!

The Edge opening hours will be as follows throughout the Christmas holiday period:

DateFacility Opening Hours
Friday 21st December 201806:30 – 18:00
Saturday 22nd December 2018Normal opening hours
Sunday 23rd December 2018Normal opening hours
Monday 24th December 201808:00 – 14:00
Tuesday 25th December 2018Closed
Wednesday 26th December 2018Closed
Thursday 27th December 201810:00 – 17:00
Friday 28th December 201810:00 – 17:00
Saturday 29th December 201810:00 – 17:00
Sunday 30th December 201810:00 – 17:00
Monday 31st December 2018Now 08:00 – 14:00 (previously 10:00 – 17:00)
Tuesday 1st January 2019Closed
Wednesday 2nd January 2019Normal opening hours

Please note that on days with reduced opening hours, all Edge Club and Edge Club Extra members will be able to use all the facilities at any time of day.

There will also be no women’s only swim and gym sessions on the above dates.

The Exercise Class timetable will be reduced over the Christmas period and can be found here.

Our swimming pool timetables can be found here.

Parking will be available at any time for customers on days with reduced opening hours (December 24th – January 2nd). Members who have registered their car can benefit from unlimited parking during these days, and all other members or pay as you go customers can use a 3 hour free parking code at any time during these days.

 

Why not take advantage of our special December Deal and train for a bargain this Christmas?

December deal 2018

 

Find out more Buy now!

Last chance for The Edge December Deal!

Matt Hamnett
November 29, 2018
December deal 2018

Get started on that festive fitness, work off Christmas dinner and start your New Year’s resolution early.

  • 5 days of fitness for £5
  • 12 days of fitness for £10
  • The whole of December for £20

All offers are premium, meaning you can watch your favourite Christmas films on Netflix while you train and attend the gym at all available hours for a silent night or a day of Christmas fun.

So before you hang up that mistletoe, come work on that muscle-tone.

Before you start up with jingle bells, pick up those dumbbells.

And sleigh it at the gym this Christmas.

Yule wish it was Christmas at the Edge every day!

Already an Edge member?

Don’t forget that any of these offers would make the perfect gift for a friend or a loved one.

Find out more Buy now!

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Please note: £5 or £10 deals must be taken as 5 or 12 consecutive days. Premium access includes gym, pool and classes (subject to availability).
Deal is only valid during the month of December excluding days of gym closure. Gym will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Last day of December Deal use is 31 December.

 

The Edge features again at the National Fitness Awards

Tom Exeter
November 25, 2018

Sport & Physical Activity, The Edge has been shortlisted for the fourth year in a row at the National Fitness Awards, this time in the category of Education Facility of the Year.

The National Fitness Awards is an annual event which recognises excellence and achievement in gyms throughout the country. The Education Facility of the Year category is aimed at gyms which are based within a school or college or on a university campus.

Shortlisted gyms have all been scored on being able to offer a  wide range of excellent facilities, with staff engaging with students, staff and the wider community; successfully spreading the positive word of health and fitness to the younger generation. Judges have shortlisted Sport & Physical Activity and scored The Edge highly based on the rage of equipment and group classes available, as well as how as a service we are able to support a range of sports clubs and elite athletes, and how The Edge facility enhances the experience of those living and working on campus.

James Buckley, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing Manager had to say …

The National Fitness awards are one of the most highly respected, independent and sought after awards in the Health and Fitness industry so to be shortlisted again, this time in the newly established Educational category is fantastic! The shortlisting panel were particularly impressed by our commitment to customer service excellence across the breadth of services on offer, and our integrated, inclusive, and collaborative approach to delivering Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing services as part of a whole-university approach of supporting students, staff and the wider community in becoming more Physically Active.

The final results will be announced this Friday 30 November at the awards ceremony held at The Athena in Leicester.

A New Partnership for University

Heather Hall
November 12, 2018
leeds rhinos

We have been working with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation (LRF) to develop some new volunteering opportunities for our students. 

The LRF has recently won Foundation of the Year award from Rugby Football League (RFL) due to their amazing work in the local area. This new partnership has been created to expand the number of volunteer programmes available to University of Leeds students, with some staff also being involved. It will look to build on new experiences to work with schools, the wider community and performance sport.

Head of Sport & Physical Activity, Suzanne Glavin shared her support for the new programme:

“We are hopeful that this pilot will be very successful and allow us to continually expand the programme. Our ambition is to have up to 300 students as part of this partnership! We would love to see students volunteering across Leeds on a range of different projects to benefit the wider community.”

The following projects are being piloted in 2018/19:

Schools

Working with LRF schools programme, we will be training and sending 15 students to help assist in schools. The volunteers will come from our many clubs and societies and will work alongside a designated LRF schools cluster coach. Through working alongside a qualified coach the volunteers develop their skills and also bring their own sport to local primary schools in Leeds.

Head of Community and Engagement at Leeds Rhinos Foundation Gareth Cook said:

“We are delighted to be working with the University of Leeds on these projects. Our work in schools now reaches over 100 schools so the support from the students will be extremely valuable. Last year we launched our Physical Disability Rugby League team, which was a huge success and in the next year we expect more people to get involved and more fixtures for the team. To have a team of volunteers focussing on their S&C will be a great resource for the team.”

Strength and Conditioning

Students will also be given the opportunity to assist with strength and conditioning (S&C) sessions for the Leeds Rhinos Physical Disability team. A number of our own staff will work alongside the students to help develop the squad. They will be assisting the Rhinos training and helping them prepare for their upcoming season.

 

If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Leeds then take a look at our volunteering page.