Giving to Glasgow

The Power of Taking Part

This summer, Glasgow once again welcomed the Commonwealth Games, with elite sport taking centre stage across the city. At the University of Glasgow, however, sport is about more than competition.

Across 51 sports clubs, students at Glasgow take part in everything from athletics and rowing to badminton and trampolining. Last year, around 90 nationalities were represented across those clubs, reflecting the diversity of the University community and the many different ways students participate in sports.

For some, sport is about performance and competition. For many others, it offers something equally valuable: friendship, routine and balance. University life can be exciting, demanding and, at times, overwhelming. Alongside lectures, deadlines and exams, sport at Glasgow provides a vital outlet: a way to manage stress, protect mental wellbeing and build relationships beyond the classroom.

Jonathan Jones, Assistant Director of Student Services, describes sport as part of the “glue” of the wider student experience: something that helps students settle into university life and thrive beyond their academic studies.

Students say the same. In a recent survey of Glasgow students involved in sport, the benefits mentioned most often were improved mental health, social connection and the sense of balance sport brought to busy academic lives.

One student said: “Sport and exercise are absolutely fundamental to my mental and physical wellbeing while doing a PhD. It's the ultimate stress reliever.”

The video above features Karl Kirkpatrick, who served as GUSA President from 2024 to 2026. The current GUSA President is Eilidh McQuillan.

Access through generosity

Thanks to supporters like you, more students can enjoy these opportunities, whatever their financial circumstances.

Membership fees, equipment costs and travel expenses can create barriers to participation. Together through the Sports Bursary Programme and the Chancellor's Fund, you remove barriers, making it possible for more students to take part.

Last year, around 120 students received bursary support. For some, this meant help with club membership. For others, it provided more substantial support while balancing academic study with high-level training. Support like yours helps students reach the very highest levels of competition. Last year, we were proud to have students compete for Great Britain at the World University Games in Germany.

Just as importantly, your support helps students who simply want the chance to belong - to join a club, make friends and become part of the University community.

Whether it's a first-year student who cannot afford club membership, a student facing unexpected financial hardship or a person trying out a sport for the first time, your support opens the door to experiences that can enhance their time at Glasgow.

As another student remarked: “Socially, mentally, and physically my life is improved for being part of a Glasgow University Sports Association club.”

Beyond graduation

Founded in 1881, the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA) is the oldest student body on campus, and for almost 150 years, student sport at Glasgow has been about much more than training and competition.

Today, that spirit continues not only on the field, track or court, but in the way students support one another. From buddy schemes and welfare roles, to committee leadership and club events, students help create a community spirit where new members feel welcome.

Sport is about much more than winning. It helps students build friendships, look after their mental health and feel part of something bigger. Karl Kirkpatrick, GUSA Sports President 2024-2026.

As the Commonwealth Games remind us of the excitement and achievement sport inspires, your support is providing lasting impact. You are helping students forge new friendships, enhance their university experience and improve their wellbeing.

For some, that journey may lead to elite sporting success. For all, it allows them to take part. Thank you.

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