Union Sport
The Union of Students have a dedicated Communities Team that support our student sport clubs and create welcoming and inclusive environments for you to join.
No matter what your experience or ability there will be something for you. We have over 30 sporting communities and are always on the look out for new opportunities to enhance your time at the University.
There are social sport sessions, competitive weekly BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) fixtures throughout term time, and opportunities available to represent the university as an individual if you already compete at a high level.
Sports Council
We have an elected group of students who champion sport at the Union, this Sports Council help promote sport and sporting opportunities to students at Derby. They're a great first port of call if you have any questions about sport, or our Communities.
Jessica Allen
Hi I’m Jess, I’m the Sports Chair and currently studying MBA Global. I’m involved in the Badminton Club, where I also serve on the committee as Secretary. This year on the Sports Council, I’m keen to enhance the visibility of all University sports clubs by increasing their social media presence. I also aim to continue and expand the BUCS Wednesday Takeover helping to spotlight different clubs and boost engagement across campus.
Sophie Watson
Hi, I’m Sophie I’m studying Criminology. I’m a part of the Badminton Club and the club’s Social Secretary and also the women’s first team Captain! As a Sports Councillor I really want to help highlight the sporting successes we have throughout the Uni whilst helping our smaller clubs to gain exposure. You may see me around campus on a BUCS Wednesday, come and say hi or get involved in our BUCS takeover!
James Butler
Hi, I’m James, a third-year Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation student and the men’s Squash number one. My aims for the year is to unite clubs, strengthen collaboration, and ensure sport at Derby is inclusive, visible, and rewarding for everyone.
Phoebe Wigmore
I’m Phoebe, I’m a 3rd year Film and High End Television student and I’m the women’s captain for hockey. Some of my key aims as a Sports Councillor are to encourage more women to play sports at uni and support under-represented clubs. Feel free to reach out to me and i hope to see you all on a BUCS Wednesday!
BUCS Sport
BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK. Its vision is to enhance the student experience in three key areas:
- Performance
- Competition
- Participation
To do this, BUCS works with student athletes, Union staff and elected officers, as well as professional sporting staff, coaches and volunteers at its 161 member institutions. It offers a comprehensive, multi-sport competition structure and manages the development of services and facilities for participative, grass-roots sport and healthy campuses through to high-performance, elite athletes.
The BUCS sporting programme is available to the 2.3 million students across the UK. Over 100,000 students regularly compete in BUCS competitions, leagues and events. BUCS delivers 50 sports to these students and universities and organises 150 individual final or championship events each year.
Sports Pass
In order to join any of our sporting communities, or compete individually for the University, you must purchase a Sports Pass. This covers some of the costs and allows the Union to support our Communities, the benefits to you are:
- Access to join Communities and access training
- Eligibility to compete in BUCS competitions
- Eligibility to purchase tickets to annual awards event
- Personal Accident Insurance for community sport activities
BUCS Individuals
Alongside running a league programme comprising of over 4,800 student teams BUCS also hold over 100 championship events throughout the year for individual students to compete in.
Students who compete in the Individuals programme will have the opportunity to win medals and BUCS points which goes towards our University total helping us achieve our goal of cementing a top 50 place in the overall BUCS University standings.