More than 350 students, staff, sponsors, coaches and University Executives came together at Ashton Gate Stadium for Sports Awards 2026, celebrating what has been another remarkable year for Team UWE.

While the evening recognised individual and club achievements, it also reflected the strength and diversity of sport across the university and this year was not shy of standout moments. Varsity 2026 saw Team UWE secure an emphatic 11-1 victory over the University of South Wales, with livestreaming, student media coverage and a fan zone helping create one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Team UWE recorded nearly 1500 BUCS points this season, with 10 teams winning their leagues including Lacrosse M1, Football M1 and W1, Ultimate M1, Futsal M1 and Volleyball W1, and Squash Men's and Women's both Premier winners, with Ahmed Rashed taking the squash individual national title.

Students organised fundraising initiatives including Sport Does Strictly, Fight Night, Movember campaigns and Rugby Union Women's Maddy's Mark fundraising week, raising awareness and support for causes that matter to the Team UWE community. The year also saw the introduction of the Sports Executive Committee, giving students a stronger voice in shaping sport and physical activity across the university. The committee went on to support campaigns such as Rainbow Laces and World Cancer Day, launch new feedback opportunities and host its first Women in Sport quiz as part of Girls Night In.

The year also saw a variety of club success and highlights. Dance delivered standout performances at Surrey, Trampoline gained national attention through viral social media content, Women's Football completed an exceptional season including a 10-0 Varsity victory, and athletes continued to achieve success at regional, national and international competitions.

Speaking after the event, VP Sports and Health Anya Brentnall said:

"Sports Awards is always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate success, but what stands out most to me is everything that happens behind the scenes. The students giving up their time to run clubs, coach, volunteer, organise events and support each other are what make Team UWE special. This evening was a celebration of all of that."

The Students' Union would like to thank headline sponsor Rise Technical Recruitment, alongside StuDex, Canvas Bristol, UWE Centre for Sport, Lockleaze Sports Centre and Rollover for supporting Sports Awards 2026 and helping recognise the achievements of student sport at UWE.

As another academic year comes to a close, Sports Awards served as a reminder that Team UWE's success is built not only on trophies, medals and results, but on community, belonging and the opportunities that help students to thrive. It was a fitting celebration of another remarkable year for Team UWE. Relive Sports Awards 2026 with our recap video here.

See the full Sports Awards 2026 photo library here.