Newcastle University Trampoline Club's display of remarkable talent

On January 24th, the annual varsity trampoline competition between Newcastle University and Durham University lit up the Newcastle University Sports Centre. Athletes from both universities showcased impressive aerial skills. The much-anticipated event featured routines in various disciplines, including individual trampoline, synchronized trampoline, and, for the first time at this level, double mini-trampoline (DMT). The crowd cheered enthusiastically as competitors executed high-flying flips, twists, and technical moves.

The varsity scoring system tallies the top six routines from each university, based on form, execution, and difficulty, to establish a team total. Durham held a slight advantage with a combined score of 315.65, surpassing Newcastle’s score of 303.2. This result means Durham retains the varsity shield for the second year in a row, reinforcing their position as the region’s top university in trampolining.

Even though Newcastle University Trampoline Club did not win the overall title, they celebrated individual successes, with medalists in every discipline and age category. The athletes displayed remarkable talent and resilience against tough competition. Among the standout performances:

Newcastle’s athletes delivered impressive individual performances across multiple disciplines. Liv Greenwood secured two podium finishes, placing third in Level 1 Individual Trampoline and third in Higher Synchronized Trampoline. Meanwhile, Lois Carpenter achieved a notable second-place finish in Level 1 Individual Trampoline and also placed third in Higher Synchro. Stephen Dornan had a strong competition, earning second place in Level 2 Individual Trampoline and repeating this result in Higher Synchronized Trampoline. In the newly introduced double mini-trampoline category, Jess Hill garnered a third-place finish in Lower DMT and took second in Lower Synchronized Trampoline. The highlight for Newcastle came from Megan Sewell, who claimed gold in Level 3 Individual Trampoline and added another medal with a second-place finish in Lower DMT.

The variety of medals in multiple categories highlighted the squad's depth of talent, reflecting many months of preparation and commitment.

Club president Phoebe Metcalf expressed her pride in the team’s achievements, both on and off the mats:

“I’m so proud of what an amazing group of people we have in the trampoline club. Though we may not have taken home the overall title, I could not be prouder of such a lovely group of individuals. Not only were they impressive on the trampoline, their dedication and support for one another is beyond anything I could have hoped for, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.”

Her remarks captured the spirit of the event: a mix of elite sport, community, and shared enthusiasm that defines university trampolining.

While varsity is a highlight, it is just one milestone in a busy competitive schedule. Newcastle will next compete in the Northern English University Trampoline (NEUT) League, with events in cities like Leeds and Manchester. They will also participate in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Trampoline and DMT Championships, a national competition set for late February in Kettering.

The season will culminate with the Durham Open, where Newcastle’s trampolinists will return to Durham seeking redemption and further success. With strong individual talent and growing team unity, the Newcastle squad is ready to make an impact at every competition