Tomorrow, the highlight of the Strathclyde Sports Union calendar takes places as Sports Ball 2026 takes over the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

While for many Sports Ball is an opportunity to let their hair down and get their dancing shoes on, it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the success of our clubs and Strathletes across the 2025/26 academic year.

“Sports Ball is an opportunity to celebrate an exceptional year of sport at the University of Strathclyde. The achievements of our students are truly outstanding and to balance this alongside their academic commitments highlights our extraordinary students.”

Anna Edvaldsson, Sports Union President

On the night there are 12 categories available for awards, including entries to the Hall of Fame and Half/Full Blue entries. Awards will be given for:

• Female and Male Athlete of the Year
• Best First Year & Full Blue (Duncan Mathieson Trophy)
• Team of the Year (David Tedford Trophy)
• Performance Team of the Year (President’s Trophy)
• Club of the Year (Graduates Trophy)
• Outstanding Contribution to Coaching (Drew Menzie Trophy)
• Outstanding Club Volunteer
• Honorary Life Membership of Club
• Honorary Life Membership of the Sports Union

While we’ll have more about the individual winners next week, do you fancy finding out more about some of our nominees?

Team of the Year

Netball BUCS 4s

• Finishing their league with 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, they have been promoted to BUCS tier 5. Furthermore they won the Scottish Conference Cup against GU making it a year of exceptional success.

Netball BUCS 5s

• With 10 of their 12 members being new to BUCS netball, they won every single game of their season which led to their promotion to BUCS tier 7 next season. Their only loss was in the Conference Cup where they faced opposition from 2 tiers above them.

Men’s Volleyball BUCS 2s

• Finishing their season with only 1 loss, they have gained promotion to BUCS tier 2. Even better they made it to the Conference Cup final where they comfortably beat RGU to take home the Cup.

Performance Team of the Year

Netball BUCS 1s

• Making history by reaching the final of the Netball National Trophy where they had to go one stop further and win the whole thing, Netball BUCS 1s have had an incredibly successful season. Finishing 3^rd in Premier North 2 and unbeaten in the Scottish National League.

Women’s Badminton BUCS 1s

• Competing in the toughest league in Britain they finished joint 3^rd while also making the National Championship Finals. They have the opportunity to make history by qualifying for the 2026 European University Championships.

Men’s Volleyball BUCS 1s

• Winning the BUCS National Trophy in Loughborough and their league, the team have been undefeated across the season. Now setting their focus on getting into BUCS Premier Tier next season it has been an incredibly successful season.

Club of the Year

Women’s Hockey

• With membership increasing and a strong player retention, the club have created their first recreational team to open up the club even more. Inclusion and wellbeing have been central to the club’s identity this year, creating “Wellness Waves” on social media and mentoring schemes across the club. Balancing competitive success and inclusive progress, the club have created a supportive culture for all members.

Men’s Rugby

• Maintaining strong memberships and increasing with new numbers, the club has seen an increase in participation and engagement. Raising over £3,300 for Movember and promoting men’s mental health awareness, the club has used their social media engagement through events and community engagement. Furthermore some players have achieved representative honours, including Scotland U20s and Glasgow Warriors Pathways.

Volleyball

• Achieving 70 participants at their weekly recreation sessions, the club have smashed their Sports Union membership target by 57 members. By creating women-only sessions, creating sitting volleyball activities, and creating additional coaching opportunities, the club has created a more inclusive environment for all. Volleyball have worked hard to create pathways from recreational volleyball to matchday teams, highlighting their success on the court.

“We are so proud to recognise our Sports Union awards shortlist this year - all very well deserved. The standard was incredibly high and it made putting this shortlist together no easy task.”

“Being nominated is a huge achievement in itself and reflects the work put in across the year. Can’t wait to see you all at Sports Ball where we’ll announce the winners. Congratulations to all the nominees!”

Anna Edvaldsson, Sports Union President

Enjoy your night at Sports Ball everyone, and keep an eye on our website and socials for a full list of every award winner!