What was it like having to campaign and be elected for the role of AU officer - was it how you expected?
I experienced a blend of stress, enjoyment, and enlightenment throughout the entire process. Engaging with various sports clubs, societies, and individuals provided valuable insights into Newcastle University's sporting community. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I actively promoted myself across social media platforms and on campus. Despite moments of embarrassment while filming both humorous and serious content, I ultimately relished the campaign process and recognized it as a significant learning opportunity. The experience exceeded my expectations, and the extensive support from my friends, family, university staff, and sports clubs was monumental. It's reassuring to know that many individuals not only read my manifesto but also rallied behind my campaign and cast their votes in support of me as the next AU officer.
What inspired you to go for the role of AU officer?
My involvement in the university's sports life, from serving on the AU exec for two years to holding leadership roles within NUWRFC, has fueled my desire to take on the role of AU officer. Additionally, this year, my club's experiences, along with conversations with friends in other sports clubs, have highlighted the need for enhanced student-athlete support and a more integrated community. Recognizing this gap in the community has motivated me to step forward and advocate for positive change in the role.
What was it like when you were first getting involved within sport at university?
I joined university during the Covid-19 pandemic, so university life in 2020 was very different to how it is now. I’ve been playing rugby and netball since I was young so was always keen to join when I started uni. I remember reaching out to NUWRFC over Instagram, and from there I joined the training sessions. The 2020/21 season was heavily disrupted by lockdowns, resulting in the absence of league games. Nonetheless, we had weekly zoom call workout sessions and socials, and the occasional on-pitch training session. By the end of my first year, I was honored to be elected as the social secretary, which set me up perfectly for the start of the 2021/22 season where training, matches and socials returned to normal! Despite the effects of Covid-19 during my first year, being a member of NUWRFC massively shaped my experience as a fresher as I had an escapism from university stresses and was able to branch out to a whole other friendship group of girls I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t join.
After having experience, did this make you more aware of issues you wanted to prioritize?
My involvement in Newcastle's sporting community from 2020 until now has provided me with valuable insights into areas where I believe enhancements are needed. I aim to prioritize transparency within the AU's processes, regulations, and available resources. This includes implementing more comprehensive training programs covering crucial areas such as sexual violence prevention, mental health awareness, and active bystander training. Furthermore, I envision fostering increased participation and spectatorship, as well as promoting greater collaboration and communication among sports clubs, societies, and the AU. Recognizing the challenges faced by student-athletes, I am committed to addressing the pressures they encounter and finding ways to alleviate the demands of balancing academic responsibilities with rigorous training and competition schedules wherever possible.
You highlighted mental health support in your manifesto, do you believe this to be a key area?
Absolutely, mental health support is indeed a key area of focus going forward into next year. The well-being of student-athletes and members of the sporting community is paramount, and addressing mental health challenges is essential for fostering a healthy and supportive environment. By prioritizing mental health support, we can ensure that individuals have the resources and assistance they need to thrive both academically and athletically. Additionally, promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing seeking help are crucial steps toward creating a more supportive and inclusive sporting community. Implementing support systems and resources to assist athletes in balancing academics and sports, such as athlete check-ins, peer support networks, and anonymous feedback mechanisms, is something I would put into practice. More support and training for coaches, captains and committee alike needs to be set up so individuals can recognize and understand signs and symptoms and know where to guide their members to the help they need. Being a student-athlete can be stressful, I’ve experienced it myself and recognize the need for development within the university. I hope to implement support mechanisms to alleviate these stresses, such as flexible class schedules, academic tutoring services tailored to athletes' needs, access to mental health resources, dedicated athletic academic advisors, and comprehensive time management workshops. These measures aim to provide student-athletes with the necessary support and resources to succeed academically while pursuing their athletic goals!
What are your aims when it comes to getting people involved with sport?
Whether you're playing, coaching, spectating, or supporting your mates, there are many ways to be part of Team NCL and engage in the vibrant sporting community. My overarching aim is to make sport accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for everyone, ultimately promoting physical well-being, mental health, and social connection within the broader university community. I hope to put this into practice with three main goals in mind: Enhance student spectatorship - I propose the implementation of a monthly flagship event hosted by a different sports club each month. This event will feature a vibrant atmosphere with a pop-up DJ, professional photographer, bar service, and diverse food truck options. The aim would be to create an enticing and immersive experience that not only celebrates athletic achievements but also fosters a sense of community and excitement among students. I also hope to implement a brand-new yearly event to the sporting calendar: "The Battle of the Clubs". This thrilling tournament will see sports clubs go head-to-head in a specific sport, showcasing their skills and determination as they vie for victory. This idea is still in the works but would be an incredible opportunity to get people involved with sport. Increased social media visibility – I hope to enhance social media presence through various platforms and on-campus live screenings events. Utilizing NUTV's sports coverage, Instagram/TikTok takeovers, commentating reels, and periodic recaps can significantly amplify visibility for smaller and underrepresented clubs. Extending the 2-week free pass for sports facilities – I hope this will offer students more opportunities to explore the gym, attend classes, and join sports clubs without the financial commitment of the £70 Gym Membership. This extension provides individuals with the flexibility to experiment with various sports or facilities until they find the right fit. University is a time for exploration and trying new things, and it's important that everyone has the chance to experience and represent Newcastle in their own way.
How do you hope to widen the awareness and knowledge of sport on campus?
I aim to broaden awareness and knowledge of sport on campus through a multifaceted approach. This includes increasing visibility through strategic marketing and promotion campaigns across various channels, such as social media, campus newsletters, and posters. Additionally, I plan to organize engaging events and activities (like the flagship events, ‘Battle of the Clubs’, Varsity etc) that showcase the diversity of sports available on campus and highlight the achievements of our student athletes. As AU officer, I would play a pivotal role in supporting sports clubs to make freshers fair, refreshers, and taster sessions a big recruitment opportunity. I would work closely with sports clubs to organize interactive booths and engaging activities during Freshers' Fair to attract new members. I plan on overseeing taster sessions for various sports clubs, ensuring they are well-publicized and beginner-friendly to encourage participation of all students regardless of their background or skill level. I would also provide follow-up support to sports clubs by assisting them in following up with interested students and providing additional resources or guidance as needed to facilitate their integration into the club. Overall, as AU officer, I would actively support sports clubs in their efforts to attract new members and foster a vibrant sporting community on campus through effective coordination, promotion, and advocacy.
What is the thing you’re looking forward to most starting this role?
The aspect I'm most excited about starting this role is the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of individuals and clubs within the university community. I'm eager to hear people's perspectives, comments, and insights on the AU and the sporting world as a whole. Additionally, I'm looking forward to collaborating with the new sabbatical officers and building upon the remarkable foundation established by Kimiko and other student officers over the past year. I'm excited about the prospect of engaging with other universities within BUCS and participating in sporting events, which will provide valuable networking opportunities and foster a sense of camaraderie within the broader collegiate sports community. I'm thrilled to dive in headfirst and put my ideas from paper into practice, making the most of this exciting new academic year!
Kimiko has done a great job this year, is there anything she has done you hope to build on?
Kimiko has excelled in supporting clubs with recruitment efforts, and the victorious Varsity win is a testament to her dedication and leadership this year. I'm inspired by her commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere within the sporting community. Moving forward, I aim to build on this positive momentum, further enhancing the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere she has cultivated. Kimiko's social media presence has been instrumental in keeping everyone informed about fixtures, results, and opportunities for involvement. I’ve really enjoyed the ‘Club of the Week’ posts and commentating reels, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements within our sporting community. As we look ahead, I am eager to continue this tradition and maintain the momentum she has established across social media platforms. Additionally, I'm excited for the upcoming AU Ball, which promises to be a fantastic celebration of all the sporting efforts this year.
Lastly, what is your advice to people looking to get involved with sport?
My advice to those looking to get involved with sport is simple: just go for it! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, there's a place for you in the world of sports. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Explore different sports and activities until you find one that resonates with you. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, so don't worry about being perfect right away. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and enjoy the process of learning and growing both physically and mentally. Most importantly, have fun and make the most of the incredible opportunities that sports can offer in terms of fitness, friendship, and personal development. Sport has played a pivotal role in shaping my university experience, providing me with invaluable opportunities for rugby development, leadership growth, and lasting friendships. I can’t recommend it enough!
