The University of Strathclyde Sports Awards Ball is the premier social event in the calendar; providing an opportunity for the Sports Union to honour outstanding student athletes and coaches from the University, both past and present.
This year's ball was held on Saturday 1st April 2023, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Cambridge Street, Glasgow. Details for Sports Ball 2024 are still to be confirmed so keep an eye on this page! We have a dress swap facebook page for anyone looking to lend/borrow an outfit for the 2023 event, check it out here.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Each year, a number of awards are presented at the Sports Union Ball.
The awards are made on the basis of the achievements (sporting or administrative) of the individual or Club in the previous academic year. The Awards Committee (a sub-committee involving elected student officers) is responsible for considering all applications for the following awards:
SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
For the female who has performed to the highest level during the season under review. This is one of a kind honour awarded once a year by the Awards Committee.
See past winners
SPORTS MAN OF THE YEAR
For the male who has performed to the highest level during the season under review. This is one of a kind honour awarded once a year by the Awards Committee.
See past winners
HALL OF FAME
Immense contribution or achievement within sport from a University of Strathclyde graduate. Highest honour bestowed by the Sports Union.
See past winners
DUNCAN MATHESON TROPHY
Awarded to an individual.
See past winners
DAVID TEDFORD TROPHY
Awarded to the best Sports Club or Team of the year.
See past winners
GRADUATES TROPHY
Awarded to the best Section.
See past winners
FULL BLUE
For an individual who has shown a consistent high level of achievement in a particular sport during the season under review. The following information can be used to indicate this:
• National representation (Age Group/Level)
• Scottish Student Sports representation (Age Group/Level)
• Regional/District representation (Age Group/Level)
Background information should be provided that includes representation from previous years.
Full Blues are allowed to wear their medal at graduation, as it is the highest non-academic award the University of Strathclyde can bestow on a student.
See past winners
HALF BLUE
For an individual, who is deemed, to have had a consistent high level of performance in a particular sport during the season under review, but has not met the standard necessary for a Full Blue. The following information can be used to indicate this:
• National representation (Age Group/Level)
• Scottish Student Sports representation (Age Group/Level)
• Regional/District representation (Age Group/Level)
HONORARY BLUE
For an individual, who has had a strong connection with the University of Strathclyde, or the Sports Union, and has shown an outstandingly high level of sporting achievement. An Honorary Blue can be awarded in either situation:
A student was not recognised while at the University despite meeting the Full Blue criteria.
A graduate of the University who has gone on to show an outstandingly high level of sporting achievement.
BEST FIRST YEAR
For the individual who has performed to the highest level during their first year at the University, and also during the season under review.
A first year constitutes:
• Not repeating first year.
• Enrolling into the University as a Post Graduate.
• Enrolling into the University as a Masters student.
• Direct entry to second, third or fourth year.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
For an individual who has provided an outstanding service within the Sports Union during the season under Review
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO COACHING
For an individual who has provided an outstanding contribution to a Sports Union section through a coaching position. This could be in the following areas:
• Improvement in standards.
• Mentoring club members.
• Increasing participation.
• Club and coaching development.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP OF SECTION
For an individual who has shown an outstanding service to a particular section. This may include holding a number of official roles within the section i.e. coaching, officiating. This will normally be over several seasons.
Honorary Life Membership of Section shall not be awarded to a current student of the University of Strathclyde.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SPORTS UNION
For an individual who has shown an outstanding service, or impact, to multiple sections or to the Sports Union. This will normally be over several seasons.
Honorary Life Membership of The Sports Union shall not be awarded to a current student of the University of Strathclyde.
See past winners
COLOURS
A section may award colours to any individuals they deem have served the section well during the season under review.
It would be expected that typically,
• In a single year:
The nominee has given a significant contribution, of quality or quantity, to the success of the club.
• Over a number of years:
The nominee has held committee positions and carried them out to the success of the club.
For the purposes of Colours Awards, the Sports Executive will be considered as a section.
The Awards Convenor checks these decisions, and the Awards Committee ratifies the decisions. The Awards Convenor issues the Award to the individual.
