#playthefield- Before the field plays you.
The sports officer role is in many ways the perfect fit for me and one I find massively exciting with its inherent ability to facilitate change and improvements. Previously at undergraduate and now masters level I study Sport and Exercise Science where I’m a student rep, highlighting my exceptional interest within the field. Throughout University I have been involved with various sports clubs and have first-hand knowledge of improvements that could and should be made.
You might remember me most from serving you drinks at Fab, or…… selling you more tickets and hungover food the next day if I’m realistic..! When the Guild changed student pay from weekly to monthly, I took on responsibility of voicing 350+ staff’s opinions, organising meetings with the finance manager and chief executive. From a position of no power I represented students, changing pay dates to ones better suited. Subsequently, I’m keen to use the sports officer position to facilitate the best changes possible.
My manifesto has four key policies. The first is increasing participation across all sports, focussing upon rescheduling trials - each year sports trials clash, restricting choice over which sport to go for. Additionally, creating a trials timetable allows a greater pool of talent to be assessed and hopefully move into teams. Participation at competitive and recreational levels would increase, also ensuring greater monetary reinvestment across clubs. Minority sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, Bowling, Sailing will be better publicised. I will also implement “sports team of the month” from which teams will receive a funding prize, encouraging additional development. This policy forms the focal point of #playthefield.
My second policy is making sports night bigger and better! I want sports nights to include silent disco just like fab - having worked at Joe’s bar for two years I have the ability and links to change this. A silent disco additionally increases capacity, allowing more teams to go. Many don’t know but £1 from each sports night ticket goes to sports ball, an event recognised by all as needing improvement - bigger nights and ticket sales will enable this.
The third policy is creating “Intra-Uni sport”. This will position between intra-mural and BUCS, enabling individuals to play at a more competitive and fun level compared to intra-mural. Intra-Uni sport would also act as a “feed-through” system to BUCS teams, increasing competition for places and team quality.
My last policy is creating an online platform for all sport teams. Each year at open day’s prospective students ask about sport, receiving a mere flyer. Even current students don’t know enough with information not easily accessible. I plan for sports teams to create a video highlighting training venues, costs, team numbers etc. This will provide more accessible information and create a friendly atmosphere to clubs. New students will already feel as though they know team members and will be more confident attending initial sessions.
Let me change what needs to be changed and improve sport at Birmingham.
Remember…. Vote #playthefield!!!