Southampton: Solent University wins national award

Southampton Solent University has won the Most Improved University at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) National Awards. The annual awards event, attended by the 160 competing institutions in the UK, is the showcase event at the end of a very long sporting calendar. 

The Most Improved University accolade is awarded to those who have risen the most in the BUCS ranking table over the last season.

Solent, up against the University of Bristol and St Mary’s University, scooped the award after one of its most successful seasons for sport to date. With an additional 240 points, Solent climbed 13 places.

“We are delighted to receive Most Improved University at the BUCS awards after such a successful sporting year,” says professor Graham Baldwin, vice-chancellor of Solent.

“There were many contributing factors to this rise, such as the performances of the men's and ladies cricket & basketball teams, and other league wins from teams such as men's rugby, men's squash, and ladies football to name just a few.

“Congratulations to all of our students, coaches and staff at Solent Sport who've worked hard this year to make this all happen.”

This success and rise in performance is also a reflection of changes to Solent Sport's strategy, as head of Solent Sport Martin Nailor explained: “It proves that developing a good strategy, especially during challenging times, is vital, as is having a good team who understand it and who can find the tactics to deliver it.

“Well done and thank you to all involved in this fantastic achievement. Now the hard work really starts as we look to sustain our position and continue to look at ways in which we can improve our position.”