A key initiative of our strategy, the Sport Review is developing and implementing an enhanced inter-university competition programme for all student athletes, at all levels. 

Introduction

This page details the history of the Sport Review process since the concept’s inception in 2016, the impact the body of work has had across the membership and also how we aspire to shape and connect the future of higher education sport via our stakeholder, member and student needs.

In the 2025-26 season, BUCS will deliver 55 sports within our league and knockout, and events programme. With the launch of the current BUCS 2023-27 Strategy in July 2023, Sport Review  and the Sport Review Implementation Group (SRIG) will now play a significant role in not only aiding the delivery of embedding the company mission, but also cutting through the strategic theme of competition. The process, and group, are the vehicle in which we contribute to driving membership engagement and strategic partnerships. With an understanding that our stakeholders can utilise the Sport Review forum to produce co-designed programmes that are fit for purpose and recognised as exceptional experiences. 

History and current direction 

History (Cycle one - Six)

A detailed history of Sport Review can be downloaded from the resource menu on the left hand side.

CYCLE Seven

The purpose of SRIG and the remit of Cycle Six will remain as per the 2023-24 season (Cycle Four), with the vision and associated aims at the core of how the Sport Review Implementation Group operate recognised as: 

Vision: To ensure sports that sit within the BUCS competitions programme, are fit for purpose, deliver an exceptional experience, and maximise NGB engagement for our student athletes whilst in a safe and inclusive environment. 

Core aims: 

• Striving to review our current offers and programmes with all key stakeholders by building a robust and transparent assessment framework

• To have an understanding of what a ‘good’ offer and programme looks and feels like for our students and members to create an ever-improving level of service and experience

• Working alongside National Governing Bodies to fully engage them in the delivery of our services

Critically, we must now align our vision and aims to the BUCS Strategy 2023-27.
 
How to engage 

The current Sport Review Implementation Group (SRIG) members can be found below:

FULL NAME INSTITUTION
Adrian Ibbetson Lancashire
Andrew Miller Manchester
Chris Campbell Nottingham Trent
Anna Evaldsson Strathclyde - Student Officer
Anna Russell Cardiff  - Chair of Competitions Group
Ed Nicholas Independant Chair
Fraser Kennedy Newcastle
Jasmyn Smith Nottingham Trent - Student Officer
Natalie Gould Wolverhampton
Oren Flynn Middlesex
Samantha Walsh Loughborough
Sian Doherthy Birmingham
Tom Drewett Birmingham
Tom Edwards City St George's

Any questions can be directed to BUCS Head of Competitions Neal Kington.

Making Changes to BUCS Competitions (New sports/Events) - September 2025 Update

We have published the Making Changes to BUCS Competitions framework. It sets out the routes for adding, amending or trialling sports and events within BUCS competitions. The framework includes eligibility criteria, timelines and the process for trial events.

All information can be found here.