What our sports scholars have been up to this term - from Europe to BUCS.
Our 25 sports scholars have settled into the year with energy, focus and good spirit, and the first term has already brought plenty of moments worth celebrating. We welcomed them into the programme just a few months ago, and now, as Christmas approaches and the first term comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to share what they’ve been up to.
Each year, our scholars represent the University on national and international stages across a wide mix of sports, and this year’s squad is no different. From long jump to clay pigeon shooting, basketball to javelin, and windsurfing to BMX, golf, badminton and more, their talent reaches into a wide variety of sporting disciplines. Here’s a look at some of the standout moments from their first term.
The opening months have been full of energy, hard work and impressive achievements. While some scholars have spent the term training and preparing for a packed 2026 season, others have already been taking on international opponents or lining up alongside the nation’s best.
One of the biggest early-season highlights comes from windsurfer Max Beaman, who recently returned from the IQ Foil European Championship in Italy. Competing for Team GBR, Max made the gold fleet and secured an impressive 44th place out of 87 top-tier international athletes. The five-day regatta threw everything at the competitors - from unstable, shifty winds to rolling three-metre swell, but Max took on the challenge and delivered an outstanding performance.
Meanwhile, taekwondo scholar Ella Dent put on a brilliant display at the British Students Taekwondo Championships last weekend, taking home gold in the ITF category and silver in the WT category.
Ella shared her thoughts after the competition:
I was very happy with my performance at the recent British student taekwondo championships as well as the outcome and am looking forward to continue competing for the university and developing my taekwondo.
Our badminton scholar Anupam Akolkar has also had a packed schedule, competing back-to-back at the Turkey International Challenge and the Welsh Open International Challenge in November. After the two major tournaments, he’s now back in training and preparing for BUCS fixtures early next year.
Photo credit: @sailingenergy @iqfoilclass
This time of year also brings trials for several of our athletes. Lacrosse scholar Ben Filer took part in England squad trials earlier this month and will be returning for a follow-up trial in December. Our basketball scholars - Adela Balakova, Lukas York and Sofia Mortifi - are also gearing up for the English Universities Sport trials in the coming weeks. We wish you all the best of luck!
And lastly, gymnast Dan Mock is returning to Portsmouth in January to begin his Master’s degree, but he certainly hasn’t taken a break from competing. Since graduating in the summer, Dan has been performing across Europe, most recently placing 9th at the Gymnastics European League in Prague, representing Portsmouth Gymnastics Club. We’re looking forward to having you back on campus!
These are just a few snapshots from a remarkable group already making their mark this year. With the second term just around the corner, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds for our scholars and the stories they’ll bring back to campus!
Sport Scholarships
We provide financial and specialist support to student athletes, helping maximise their sporting potential.
