“I’m from a smaller club,” Jack explains. “For most of my time at university, Alex has been the Sports Officer. This has allowed me to see what the role really involves. When you first start university, you don’t realise how much work goes on behind the scenes. But once you’re part of a committee, you see just how much effort people put in.”
Jack gained his first real insight into how university sports operate through his involvement on a committee. After meeting the Sports Officer during training and early events, he began to appreciate the level of organisation, communication, and volunteer work needed to keep clubs running.
Sports clubs aren’t run by staff—they’re run by volunteers.
“Being on the committee and now in the AU Exec this year, I’ve seen how much people contribute to sports here,” he says. “Sports clubs aren’t run by staff—they’re run by volunteers. Committee members organise training sessions, manage finances, run social events, and make sure everything works smoothly.”
Witnessing that dedication first-hand motivated Jack to take on a larger role. “That was when I realised I wanted to run for the AU executive. I wanted to give back, and help represent clubs like mine—especially smaller clubs and individual sports that don’t always get enough attention.”
I wanted to give back, and help represent clubs like mine...
Sports like trampoline, athletics, and swimming often struggle to gain visibility compared to larger team sports. While Jack appreciates the strength of the university’s major teams, he believes there’s a need to highlight a broader range of sporting accomplishments.
“Our team sports are fantastic, but individual sports can be harder to showcase,” he says. “I’d love to focus on making sure those clubs get the recognition they deserve and that their achievements are acknowledged across the university.”
Jack has also noticed the financial challenges many clubs face. “One thing that really struck me is how many clubs struggle financially. Committees work incredibly hard, often volunteering their time, and they deserve more support and recognition from the university.”
Jack thinks sports are crucial in attracting students to the university. “Many people choose a university because of its sports teams—whether that’s rugby, volleyball, swimming, or something else. But those teams exist thanks to the work committees put in, and that effort deserves recognition.”
Outside of university committees, Jack gained valuable experience as an activity leader at an international summer school in Kent. He led sports sessions and creative workshops for students from various countries learning English.
“I mainly worked as a sports leader,” Jack explains. “The students came from different countries and backgrounds, but as soon as they started playing sports together, they connected instantly.”
That experience reinforced his belief in the power of sports for inclusion. “Sport breaks down barriers quickly. Even though the students were younger, the principle is the same at university—people come from all over the world, and sport is one of the easiest ways for them to meet others and feel part of something.”
That experience reinforced his belief in the power of sports for inclusion.
Inclusivity has been a priority for Jack in his past committee roles. As social secretary, he collaborated with the club’s welfare officer to ensure events were accessible to everyone.
“For every drinking social we organised, we made sure there was at least one sober social as well,” he says. “Not everyone wants to drink, but everyone deserves a chance to relax and be part of the community.”
Jack believes universities could do more to encourage students to watch and support a wider range of sports. “A lot of people want to attend matches but don’t know when they’re happening or if they’re allowed to watch. I’d love to make fixtures more visible and encourage people to come out.”
He is particularly excited about organising group trips to matches. “Sometimes people don’t go because they’re unsure of where they’re going or who they’ll be with. If we organised group meet-ups to travel to fixtures together, it would be more social and welcoming.”
Jack is also passionate about creating events that allow students to try new sports and meet people from different teams. “Things like charity competitions or a big university sports day could be great,” he suggests. “They’d raise money for good causes while helping people interact across clubs and build a stronger sports community.”
His love for sports began long before university. Growing up, Jack tried many activities—from dance and tennis to football and badminton. “I was always the kid who signed up for everything,” he laughs. “I just loved trying new things and making friends through sports.”
He hopes future students can have the same experience. Jack’s own introduction to the trampoline club happened almost by accident.
“I went to the Freshers' Fair with a friend signing up for societies,” he recalls. “I hadn't planned to join a club, but the trampoline stand caught my attention, and that’s how it all started.”
Looking ahead, Jack hopes his term as Sports Officer will boost inclusivity, improve communication between clubs and the union, and lower barriers for students wanting to get involved.
If we can provide better support, ease financial pressures, and make sports feel more accessible, that would be a big win.
“I’d love to see more people joining sports clubs and fewer committees feeling overwhelmed,” he says. “If we can provide better support, ease financial pressures, and make sports feel more accessible, that would be a big win.”
Ultimately, Jack's vision is straightforward: a university sports culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and eager to participate.
“Sports bring people together,” he says. “If more students feel included and more clubs feel supported, then we’ve achieved something positive.”