University of Salford Students’ Union awarded £149,000 to encourage student sport

Students playing basketball in Sports Hall

Students who don't fancy joining organised clubs are to be given the chance to try sports on a drop-in basis, thanks to £149,298 of funding from the National Lottery Fund.

The Give Sport a Go programme is run by the Students' Union and will last for three years - allowing Salford students to take part in six sports in an informal way without having to commit to joining student teams or get involved in competitive play.

Students interested in basketball, football, netball, badminton, squash and racquetball will initially be able to attend drop-in sessions held by coaches from the governing bodies, including the Football Association and England Basketball.

Following the initial sessions, the students will have the option to increase their participation in any of the sports up to the level of friendly competitions and leagues.

The whole year's programme will conclude at Easter with a festival of sport where local clubs will be able to recruit the newly enthusiastic students as participants, coaches, volunteers or officials.

Tracey Robert, the Activities Manager at the University's Students' Union said: "The reason that we bid for this funding is that our research has shown that many students have to juggle their studies with jobs and childcare responsibilities so they can't commit to regular organised sport.

"Give Sport a Go isn't competitive and is extremely flexible, so that even the most reluctant student can get involved. We're really pleased to have won the funding and we firmly believe that it will help many more students keep active both during their time with us and for the rest of their lives."

The Salford project, which was bid for jointly by the Students' Union and the University's Development team, is also being supported by Salford Community Leisure who are providing facilities, and Swans Travel who are helping with transport.