The University of Leeds is hosting this year’s British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) National Conference from 11-14 July reinforcing its role as a leader in Sport & Physical activity in the sector.

Largest HE sporting conference

The largest higher education sporting conference of the year, it will see over 140 different institutions taking part in three days of information sharing and development.

This year will be headlined by Sir Clive Woodward, England World Cup winning rugby coach and Yorkshires’ own Jamie Jones Buchanan, ex-Leeds Rhino player and current head of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at Leeds Rhino’s.

Collaboration

The conference is a collaborative effort by the University led by Sport & Physical Activity and Conferencing. Alongside this, catering (Great Food at Leeds), Residences and Leeds University Union (LUU) came together to win the bid to host this event.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Conversations at the conference will focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. It will also focus on working with partners, both internal and external, on collaborating so that everyone achieves their goal. The full list of guest speakers are:

  • Sir Clive Woodward: England World Cup winning coach
  • Kay Cossington: FA Women’s Technical Director
  • Sophie Christiansen CBE: 8-time paralympic champion
  • Jamie Jones Buchanan: Head of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at Leeds Rhino’s
  • Arun Kang OBE: CEO of Sporting Equals

Multiple partner companies of both BUCS and the University of Leeds are attending including:

  • New Balance
  • Technogym
  • SIS Pitches
  • Catapult

Head of Sport Suzanne Glavin commented:

I’m delighted to be hosting the conference alongside Leeds University Union with wider support from the Facilities Directorate. We are looking forward to welcoming onto campus all our colleagues and friends from across the UK University sport & physical activity teams alongside sponsors and national governing bodies of sport. There will be breakout sessions for sharing good practice plus an inclusive activity evening at one of our outdoor sites, Sports Park Weetwood, as we practice what we preach!

Ella Williams, Student Activities representative said:

At Leeds University Union we are very excited to be involved in hosting the National Conference as part of the Leeds Sport partnership. The conference is a special day for everyone involved, and a great way share and learn. We can’t wait to see everyone come to Leeds for what will be an exciting and memorable week!

Find out more about British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).