Wednesday 26-06-2024 - 13:44

 

 

As part of the completion of the Sport Review implementation this year, we looked to the Focus Sport programme and the direction that it will take in the future.

 

 

As it stood, the ‘Legacy Focus Sport Programme’ was coming to an end this academic year, with the phasing out of the current cohort. Applications for our new ‘2024 Focus Sport Programme’ were opened to all sport clubs in March, with interviews for the five shortlisted clubs going ahead a few weeks later. We are proud to announce we have three new clubs entered into the Focus Sport programme.

 

What is the Focus Sport programme?

Over 8 years ago, the Students’ Union designated seven clubs as 'Focus Sports' that it felt strived for excellence, showcased a strong desire to improve, and performed at a professional level in their sport. These clubs also engaged with the student community and actively promoted their club on campus. These ‘Focus Sports’ benefitted from additional funding for high-level coaching, additional competition, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning support.

The offer for Focus Sport’s has remained the same in the years since and definitely needed a re-structure. The exact offer for each successful applicant will be reviewed for the successful applicants, and will likely be bespoke to each successful group to meet their uniqueness. The new Focus Sport programme will include a better quality offer for a reduced number of groups, these clubs will have access to a richer support offer, with additional support for all aspects including participation, performance, training, and recovery.

 

The application process

Clubs completed an Expression of Interest form which included a 1000-word segment for clubs to make their case as to why they should be considered a Focus Sport. The criteria for Focus Sport status are as follows:

 

• Must demonstrate a commitment to growing their sport and offering activity for various levels of commitment and ability.
• Must demonstrate a history of good practice and conduct within the group.
• Must not currently be under suspension or any ongoing disciplinary action or sanctions from either the SU or University.
• Must be compliant with all requirements of current funding (e.g. club kit requirements, sponsorship regulations, etc.).
• Suitability of University facilities for appropriate training and competition in the sport must exist where applicable.

Men’s and/or Women’s designated clubs can be considered for focus sport status on their own and their fate will not be tied to that of a separate club (e.g. we have a separate Men’s & Women’s Football Club. The Women’s club could become a focus sport without the Men’s club and vice versa). 
Upon receipt of applications, a panel shortlisted applicants against the criteria above. 

 

Successful applicants through this initial stage were then invited to attend a follow up interview day. In their interviews they presented on the following:

 

• A holistic long term club strategy, focused on the three year student cycle.
• A clear identification of performance athletes and/or team within your club setup, and evidence of their commitment to performance over the last three years in a nationally recognised sport competition (e.g. BUCS).
• Evidence of a participation and development pathway that enables all students to compete at the highest level based on their ability, with the opportunities for player movement.
• A willingness to work with the Students’ Union sport team to determine key performance indicators (KPIs) for each academic year, in line with a club plan.
• A commitment to operating under reputable club governance and processes.
• A shared ambitious club vision to drive progress, including the delivery of a comprehensive annual training plan, supported by a committed coaching team.
• A commitment to a harmonious working relationship with University Sport Facilities and external organisations where applicable (e.g. Travellers Choice, BUCS, officiating bodies etc).
• Proposals for future engagement in Students’ Union events and activity beyond BUCS (e.g., Open Days, Freshers Fair, showcase events, Roses Varsity).
• Full club adherence to the current kit licence and procedure (including intent to comply with the implementation of our new kit provider from May 2024).
• Evidence of sound Health and Safety practices.
• Evidence of excellent club conduct, including club ‘socials’ and social media presence.
• An appetite to work in collaboration with wider community groups and engagement with National Governing Body projects and campaigns.

 

Successful clubs entered this year’s Lancaster University Focus Sport programme are…

Following hearing the presentations, the panel selected the following Sport Clubs to enter into the new Focus Sport programme for 2024: Lancaster University Women’s Rugby Union Club, Lancaster University Squash Club, and Lancaster University Fencing Club.