Campus is reaching out to the world

NEWCASTLE University welcomed 158 athletes from around the world in 2018 to help build on its position as a leading university for sport.

The traditional welcome event had a new format based around six workshops on a range of subjects - from video analysis to the role of social support and self-confidence in improving performance and the psychology of peak performance.

The university’s Fraser Kennedy said: “Our reputation for sport is gaining more and more momentum each year and it is events like this which demonstrate the scale of what we are now doing at Newcastle.

“We have talented student athletes at this institution who we put are the heart of everything we do.

“First and foremost we ensure they have a fun and enjoyable time being part of our sports scholarship programme.

“We also put a professional and comprehensive infrastructure and support system in place to ensure our athletes can achieve excellence in both their sport and academic studies.

“I am really proud of the commitment and effort they all put in to representing the university.

Colin Blackburn, Director of Sport at Newcastle University, said: “We are delighted to have more than 150 Sports Scholars competing for Team Newcastle in 2018-19.

“My challenge to them is to surpass the performances, results and achievements of previous sports scholars both on and off the field.” ■■INDOOR sports facilities at Newcastle University have received a multi-million pound boost.

Designed to provide space for performance and recreational sport plus academic space for sports research and teaching, the £16.2m Sports Centre will incorporate facilities for a range of sports and leisure activities.

The 5,962-square metre building will include an eightcourt sports hall, four squash courts, sport and exercise science labs, a second strength and conditioning room, spin studio and a gym.

The new facilities will support the BSc Sports and Exercise Science programme led by Professor Emma Stevenson.