Sports at Leeds is changing
The University and Leeds University Union's (LUU) sports teams have merged in order to improve both the quality of teaching and user experience.
Following the launch of the new University and LUU Strategy for sport and physical activity in March, the changes to the way in which sport is delivered will support the achievement of the new vision: ‘To be the number one provider of Higher Education sport and physical activity experience in the UK’.
The sports development team, within the Sport & Physical Activity service (SPA), has merged with the LUU sports team to become ‘one team’ that will be responsible for the delivery of all the sports related programmes across the University. The merger will provide a seamless approach to sport for our students, maximising the resources available to ensure that inspiring programmes are delivered across the sport offer.
A new sports office has been created in the LUU building and the new team will be based across both the LUU and SPA facilities.
Fiona Metcalfe, Activities Officer, said: "The merger of the teams provides a fantastic platform from which we aim to deliver the array of sporting opportunities from elite sports; to recreational programmes; to personal development opportunities."
Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport, continued: "The bringing together of the two teams is a direct response to strong feedback received during the strategy consultation process about the disjointed sport offer at the University. I'm sure this new approach will enhance the experience of our students and staff."
The team has already started to work together and have so far attracted over £300K in additional funding from Sport England and partners, to support a new participation programme and recruit four new heads of specific sports, in Hockey, Rugby, Netball and Rowing.
The rollout of the new team will continue over the coming months, and this will include a new brand for sport and a dedicated sports-specific website.