2025–26 has been an outstanding year for Northumbria Sport, packed with national success, unforgettable moments and incredible achievements both on and off the field.
Our students delivered exceptional performances across BUCS competitions, with Rugby League Men’s 1st Team and Women’s 1st Team both completing the treble - winning their league, cup and 9s competitions. Football Women’s 3rd Team (i2i), Netball Women’s 1st Team and Water Polo Women’s 1st Team also enjoyed fantastic seasons, securing league and cup doubles.
At BUCS Big Wednesday National Finals, three teams represented Northumbria on the biggest stage in the university calendar. Rugby League Men’s 1st and 2nd Teams both claimed national titles, while Women’s Football 1st Team produced a dramatic comeback victory to become national champions. Across the year, Northumbria students also earned three gold, three silver and five bronze individual BUCS medals, while Boxing finished as the number one men’s team at the BUCS Championships.
This year’s Varsity was our biggest yet, featuring 81 fixtures across 30 sports and culminating in a spectacular finale attended by almost 5,000 spectators. Memorable victories included Water Polo Women’s 1st, Netball 1st, Tennis Men’s 1st, and Gymnastics, who secured their first-ever Varsity win.
The success extended across the wider sporting programme, with 30 students selected for university and national squads across six sports. Our sporting community also continued to grow, with 2,780 club members representing 37 clubs and competing across 88 BUCS teams.
Away from competition, Northumbria students continued to make a significant impact through volunteering, leadership and community engagement. An incredible 520 volunteers, interns, and placement students contributed more than 22,000 hours of their time throughout the year, helping to deliver opportunities, events and programmes across the university and wider community. Their dedication remains a vital part of the Northumbria Sport experience and the continued success of our clubs and initiatives.
We are also proud to see four students and a staff member travel to Zambia this summer, where they will undertake eight weeks of volunteering. The programme provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact through sport, education and community development.
In addition, Northumbria Sport continued to make a huge impact for charity, with £50,000 raised for 19 different charities throughout the year. A record-breaking £23,000 was raised during the Movember campaign alone, bringing together 40 sports clubs and societies in support of men’s health. Highlights included the 60km Movember Run, Quad Day and The Big Dip, demonstrating the power of sport to drive positive change beyond the field of play.
From national titles and Varsity victories, to volunteering, fundraising and community impact, 2025–26 has been a year to remember for Northumbria Sport. Thank you to every student, volunteer, coach and supporter who played their part in making it such a special year.
