A Day at Loughborough University for Aspiring Sports Enthusiasts
Last Thursday, we organised a visit for Lower Sixth students studying A Level PE and BTEC Sport to Loughborough University. The purpose of the trip was for them to see the exceptional facilities and provide them with insights into the world of University-level sports. Loughborough University, renowned for its sports programmes, has a student population of approximately 19,000 and has maintained its position as the top-ranked University for sports subjects for seven consecutive years. Remarkably, Loughborough has also dominated the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Leagues for an astounding 42 years.
During our tour of the campus and sports facilities, we discovered that Loughborough University offers a comprehensive range of sports opportunities, catering to everyone’s interests and abilities. Their offerings include performance sports programmes, para-sports, and recreational sports, as well as coaching and volunteering opportunities.
Loughborough is home to the largest concentration of world-class sports facilities in the country, all conveniently located on a single campus. Students at Loughborough have access to an impressive array of amenities, ranging from high performance training venues to open recreational areas. These facilities include two gyms, a 50-metre swimming pool, the National Cricket Centre, a 3,500-seat Football stadium, and a high-performance Athletics centre.
The University provides opportunities to participate in 62 different sports, and it boasts representation in 14 National-level sports, including Netball, Rugby Union, Wheelchair Basketball, Cycling, and Football. Students enrolled in performance sports programmes receive comprehensive support, encompassing strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, physiology, performance analysis, performance lifestyle, and sports and performance psychology. Scholarships are available to support these endeavours. There are also opportunities for students to engage in coaching, officiating events, and event management, all with the backing of performance support.
At Loughborough University, the sporting experience is so positive that it has a life-altering impact. Successful applicants are even greeted with ‘golden tickets’ on results days, welcoming them to the University.
To provide our students with a first-hand perspective of life at Loughborough, they met Theo Sackey-Mensah, a performance Footballer who shared his insights and experiences at the University. Students from RGS enjoyed their visit which encouraged them to think about possibilities for their futures.
Mrs Audrey Williams, Head of Careers