Promising athletes receive funding boost

Young sporting prospects from across Lancashire have been awarded a cash boost to help them achieve their sporting goals.

The promising athletes were awarded a £500 bursary from the Lancashire Rising Star fund to support them in their chosen sports at a presentation ceremony hosted at UCLan.

The project, a collaboration between UCLan Sport, Lancashire Sport Partnership and Lancashire County Council, awards the grants to individuals to cover costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees, and equipment.

In addition, each recipient will receive a package of support from UCLan that includes strength and conditioning services, nutritional advice and support and access to UCLan sports and training facilities.

Adrian Leather, Chief Executive at Lancashire Sport Partnership said: "On behalf of the Lancashire Rising Star Fund I want to congratulate the young athletes on their achievements so far.

"We know that young athletes' families spend a lot of time and money to support their dreams and we hope that we can offer some support along the way.

"We look forward to watching these young athletes achieve their dream of representing their county and country in some of the nation’s biggest sporting competitions."

For more information about the Lancashire Rising Star Fund please click here.

UCLan Cycling on a mission

UCLan Cycling have one big aim for 2014/15 – to regain a coveted track record and title they lost last season.

In 2013, UCLan smashed a long-standing British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Track Cycling Championship record set by Olympian Sir Chris Hoy and his Heriot-Watt University team, but saw Loughborough lower the time at this year's Championships.

Club Chairman James Claydon commented: "This year we’ll be competing in Road Races, Criterium Races, Hill Climbs, the Track Championships and hopefully off the road too.

"The big targets are once again primarily on the velodrome and the road, but the really big hope is to get back the Team Pursuit title and record we lost last year. With new blood in the squad this might be possible.

"Last year we also took home bronze in the Team Sprint, silver in the Points Race and a joint gold and silver in the Devil. Our Sprint Team are aiming to push themselves a few more places in the standings. Now our silver medal Points and Devil rider, Martin Woffindin, isn't at UCLan anymore it just leaves me to defend my Devil title.

"As for the Road Race, the big crash we had in the opening miles set us down two riders last year. This year we've got a strong team, so we hope to bounce back. Our bronze medal placed rider in the Criterium Race, Chris Nicholson, is still with us so maybe with some teamwork a few more medals might be up for grabs in that event.

"Away from the racing side of things the club is hoping to run more group rides than ever before and provide some great opportunities such as a taster session of the velodrome for those who haven't had a go before.

"For more information about how to get involved with the club, please check out the UCLan Cycling Facebook group or email James.

Rams target Premier League

UCLan Rams have targeted promotion to the Premier League ahead of the new BUCS American Football season.

Rams qualified for the end of season Trophy play-offs last time around, defeating number two seeds Portsmouth in the last sixteen, before falling to eventual winners Swansea in the quarter-final.

Chairman Luc Kinder said: “This year the leagues have been reorganised, so we're hoping to win promotion to the Premiership. We also aim to continue our off the field work with charities, other teams and the Students' Union.

"Last season was great as we went on to win UCLan Sport Club of the Year award at the Sports Ball, but we really want to progress on the field this season."

If anyone wants to get involved with the Rams please check them out on Facebook and Twitter. Training is held at UCLan Arena on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7-9.30pm and Sundays, 2-5pm. For further information please email Luc.

Gold medallist drops into Sports Fair

Commonwealth boxing gold medallist Scott Fitzgerald paid a surprise visit to the UCLan Sports Fair.

The Glasgow 2014 welterweight champion was at 53 Degrees with members of the Savick & Larches Boxing Club to promote the sport to UCLan students.

The club is looking to develop links with UCLanSport with a view to increasing student participation and build on the legacy of Scott's gold medal success.

UCLan Students' Union Sports Coordinator Amanda Pattinson said: "It's an excellent opportunity to set up a new sport at UCLan that we've not been able to offer before. It's a new link to a well-established community club, in a sport which is rapidly developing throughout the UK."

Sports Development Officer Darren Waldron added: "Savick and Larches are a club that's had proven success, so having Scott down here is fantastic for UCLan.

Preston-based Scott is currently recovering from the hand injury he received during the Games, but is hoping to be back in competitive action later this year. He has also targeted success at next year’s World Championship competition.

He said: "It's good to see all the different sports and activities on offer at UCLan, and great to see lots of people getting involved."

Rugby League lads aim for glory

UCLan Rugby League is bidding to make it third time lucky as they look to secure an elusive promotion.

After twice finishing second in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Northern Division 2A, our Men's team have targeted a successful 2014/15 season.#

They were pipped to promotion by Manchester 1st last term, but Club Chairman Cameron Ladd is aiming for success on two fronts this time around.

"Our goal this season is to win the league and gain promotion. We've narrowly missed out in the last two years, so we're desperate to go one better this time. We'd also like to win the cup competition, as we believe we have the squad capable of winning it.

"Last year we had seven UCLan players representing North West in the regional championships, with Liam Thompson & Aaron Hall going on to be selected for the England students' team."

Team training is held on Monday evenings at UCLan Sports Arena, 6.30-9.00pm and includes Strength & Conditioning, Video Analysis and on field practice. There is also a Strength & Conditioning session on Thursdays from 7.30-8.30pm.

For further information please email Cameron. Regular club updates can be found on Twitter and Facebook.

This is Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre

Free Sport Membership for Preston campus students

All UCLan students are now entitled to a free UCLansport membership as part of their tuition fees.

This gives access to Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre and UCLan Sports Arena, plus activities delivered by University sports staff including exercise classes and fitness suite instruction.

Undergraduates and postgraduates at Preston campus are eligible for membership as follows: Year, 1,2 & 3, Part-time students, Year 0, Bursary students, International students (including Exchange), Students on short courses, Postgraduate research and taught students.

To apply just call into Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre or UCLan Sports Arena at any time with your UCLan ID card and your membership will be activated. Eligibility will be verified by staff.

The sports membership does not include any sports activities organised and funded by the Students' Union such as joining a sports club, competing in British University & Colleges Sport, GetIn2, Students Union Leagues or any other activity the Students' Union may organise. The offer does not apply to students at Partner Colleges.

For more information please email Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre or UCLan Sports Arena.