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rewarding experience I had in my life. I tried to get involved with so many things that impact on people’s lives, so it was amazing to get recognised for that.
Budget For Bursaries
“University is much more than just lectures - it’s about going out there and making an impact on the local community. As well as helping people I also gained a lot, such as leadership skills.”
A round up from the national voice for students.
Bursaries for FE students have been under incredible strain for the past three years. An increase in applications, decrease in drop outs and more students with greater financial responsibilities has meant bursary funds are stretched to the breaking point. Unlike higher education student support from SAAS, if college bursaries budgets run out, they run out. The amount a student gets in their pocket is either reduced or cut altogether. The Draft Scottish Budget, due to be voted on within the next two weeks, makes a commitment to protecting the number of students we have in our colleges. That we welcome. But when this comes alongside a real terms cut in student support when the status quo wasn’t good enough in the first place, then we have a problem. What can we do about it? The Scottish Government needs the support of a majority of MSPs to pass their budget. The more MSPs support our campaign, the more chance we have of getting addition cash into college bursaries. Over the next two weeks we all need to work as hard as we can to: - reverse the £1.7m bursary cut - find the £14m shortfall for 2011/12 - create a fairer way to support FE students
NUS President Aaron Porter said: “The NUS Awards are a unique opportunity to demonstrate the successes of students and the valuable contribution they make to their fellow students, university or college and the wider community. “I would encourage every students’ union to put themselves forward for the awards, and every student and student officer to think about nominating any outstanding individuals in the student movement they have worked with.”
Tell NUS about campaigns and win £250 Take part in our confidential online survey to find our more about your opinions surrounding one of NUS’ campaigns to be in with a chance of winning a much needed £250 or one of five £50 second prizes. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete and you can fill it out at http:// www.nussurveys.org.uk/Surveys/CampaignReview/fofcampaignreview.htm
We need you to take five campaigning actions as soon as possible: - Get friends to sign ups to www. budgetforbursaries.com - Write to your Constituency and Regional MSPs - Meet with your Constituency MSP - Ask your Principal and trade union for support
NUS Awards 2011 Launched Nominations for the 2011 Student of the Year are now open. The award highlights the outstanding work students do within their institution, their local community and for others. Last year’s Student of the Year was entrepreneur and community champion Joseph Akinnagbe from the University of Manchester. He inspired and contributed in a big way to students’ lives and the community in Manchester, as well as being an accomplished student representative and president of Manchester Entrepreneurs, the largest university entrepreneur network in the north of England. There are 12 categories in total, including best Student Journalist of the Year, Club or Society of the Year, and Course Rep of the Year. If you know someone who deserves an award, enter them now. To enter simply fill in the online submission form ensuring you fill in all fields and write in no more than 1,000 words why the person or union you are nominating is deserving, paying particular attention to the criteria. The deadline is 1pm on Friday 6 May. The NUS Awards 2011 hub on www.nusconnect. org.uk website is where you will find this year’s categories and criteria, details of previous winners, frequently asked questions and information on the ceremony. Last year’s student of the year, Joseph Akinnagbe said: “The award culminated the most
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Elections Guide Page 14
Fresh Newspaper
INTERVIEW Aaron Porter, NUS President As the NUS’ primary figurehead Aaron Porter comes under fire for his leadership style during the student protests, Sam Kirby speaks to the man himself about being NUS President , why he is re-running in the elections at National Conference in Newcastle in April and where next for the movement. On a cold wintery Friday morning this January I arrived at NUS HQ just before ten am to interview the considerably most vocal president the NUS has ever had. Aaron Porter came out to reception and greeted me with a smile and a handshake. He looked rakish and ready for an interview from a mere student, after all he has been grilled by the professionals over the last few months and even feels as though he could take on Jeremy Paxman and fight his own corner. We began with a friendly conversion, the usual how-do-you-do’s so I could lather him up for some questions that he was probably expecting, yet couldn’t guarantee. Once we’d both made ourselves socially comfortable in the situation we were in, I began by asking him probably the most simple yet necessary question of ‘What now?’. Myself, like many other students across the country wanted to know what the NUS had lined up, why they were doing it and what the desired result is for them. On 29th January there is going to be a youth rally in Manchester. ‘We wanted to press government further. This fight isn’t just about the cuts any more it’s about the younger generations as a whole. We chose Manchester because, although London plays the perfect host to a national demo, Manchester is the home of Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, the largest further education college, and also Manchester has seen a huge increase of unemployment in teenagers. So it is more than just university fees, we are also focusing on EMA and a scheme called Aim Higher.’
That justified that, and it was obvious to see that heading north was a smart move for the NUS, yet the proof will be on the day. Without wanting to focus too much on what happened at the ‘riots’ towards the end of last year, it was inevitable that it was going to arise in conversation. I wanted to know Aaron Porter’s opinions on being active and it’s usefulness. He said that he felt it was ‘very important’ because students are getting ‘done over’ and collectively everyone had to make a stand. England and Romania are the only countries to be making cuts to
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their education whilst most other countries are investing in the education seeing it as the future and the way to a better economy. ‘We may have lost the battle regarding cuts but we have not lost the war. Cuts were going to be made, that was inevitable but there are no regrets with going ahead with these national demos. With exception of course of the splinter group that vandalised the Millbank Tower. But this is bigger than that, and we will continue to be active.’
“We may have lost the battle regarding cuts but we have not lost the war.”
Fresh Newspaper
FEATURES The rise of Facebook and the rule of Zuckerberg If you’re reading this then we probably have two things in common. We are both Roehampton students and we are both members of the third largest country in the world.
Did you know that Facebook is closing in on its 600 millionth user and if it was a country it would be the third largest in the world? This means one in twelve of us on the planet have been knit together by this online phenomenon.
Zuckerberg: Depicted in 2010 biopic ‘The Social Network’
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As 2010 drew to a close Facebook was seeing nearly a billion new pieces of content posted every single day. The record number of photos uploaded in a single day was 339 million, that was on Halloween last year. These are astonishing figures and media critics and the general public have only just started to grasp the sheer enormity and influence of this company that has existed for less than 7 years. Right in the middle of this is the rise of Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg’s story made headlines in the film ‘The Social Network’ in August and then he was named TIME’s 2010 Person of the Year in December. How is it that a social network has gone from being spoken about only by its youthful and modernized users to a global conversation led by media critics and journalists in every country? “Facebook is now the third largest country on earth and surely has more information about its citizens than any government does. Zuckerberg, a Harvard dropout, is its T-shirtwearing head of state” are the words of TIME’s Richard Stengel and surely the
smartest summary on the rise of Facebook and the rule of Zuckerberg. We have been witnesses to a truly remarkable rise of, not just a company, but a growing and changing community. You may not think this at all significant but I assure you this changes social dynamics for the next generation. Now friendships can last beyond a friendship’s usual life-span, the once met stranger becomes a “friend”, and a relationship status is a public spectacle that your Mum’s friend from down the road can “like”. We can view someone’s world at a distance, view their photos and comments but remain out of view. If we don’t want to interact we sign-out. Isn’t this just friendship but on our own terms? The journalist Lev Grossman wrote: “In less than seven years, Zuckerberg wired together a twelfth of humanity into a single network, thereby creating a social entity almost twice as large as the U.S.” Whether we both belong to this new internet nation or not it seems it’s here to stay. However I’m assuming both of us are Facebook citizens and both of us are Roehampton students, but only in one of these communities does the word “friend” actually hold meaning. Jack Bentley
Fresh Newspaper
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Key dates! Nominations Week: 7th - 11th March Campaigns Week: 14th - 18th March Voting Week: 21st - 24th March
This year's RSU Elections Superviser, Chris O'Boyle If you are thinking of running for a position Chris, along with the current sabbaticals are whom you should consult with. They will tell you the real deal on all the positions and likely time commitments, projects you’ll be working on, etc… If you have any query or question on the positions and election process, see him at RSU Offices, Lawrence Building, Froebel College, e-mail c.oboyle@roehampton.ac.uk or call 020 8392 3221.
A message from the Returning Officer, Tessa Wiley “I’m Tessa Willy and I’ll be the Returning Officer again at this year’s elections, which essentially means I will be working with Chris Boyle to co-ordinate and officiate the elections ensuring that candidates run fair and positive campaigns. I will remain entirely neutral throughout and deal with any issue should it arise during the election period. I was really pleased to be asked to take on this role for a second year and really look forward to playing a part in these really important elections as I very much hope many of you will too”
Fancy being a candidate? Here's what to do. . . Nominations: If you want to run for a position you will need to pick up a nomination form from RSU reception. The nomination form will require you to highlight what position your are running for this will require you to get eight signatures from students proposing you for this role. This nomination form along with your manifesto will need to be handed in by 5pm on Friday 11th March, failure to do so will result in you being unable to run in the election. At 5.30pm you will be required to attend a candidates meeting where you will meet fellow candidates and the returning officer who will explain the rules & regulations of the elections. Campaigning: This is the week when you will campaign to the student body promoting your manifesto, your objectives and generally getting yourself out there and known. On Tuesday 15th March it is compulsory that you attend ‘Candidate Question Time’ taking place in Monte Hall, Froebel at 6.00pm. Candidates will present manifesto objectives and demonstrate why they are suitable candidates to student attendees. Candidate Question Time also presents an opportunity for students to challenge and ask candidates questions, RSU encourage as many of you as possible to attend. Voting: A cross campus ballot takes place over four days, and for everyone involved this is what it boils down to. Roehampton historically has a really high turn out rate which is great and demonstrates this democratic process is in full swing at Roehampton and we have a vibrant membership. If you are running for a position then remember it is votes that count and for those of you voting please have your say and make you your vote counts. The Ballots will close at 1.00pm on Thursday 18th March. The votes will be counted and verified on Thursday/Friday and officially announced at the Bop on Friday 19th March.
The importance of a Students' Union: A freshers account A lot of people don’t really understand the point of a Student Union but then it seems to get such a bad reputation from students around campus. When I first joined Roehampton in September, I had a vague idea of what it did, I knew why it was there and the benefits but I didn’t know the lengths and depths they go through in order for the university run so smoothly, particularly the social elements of it. Granted, this may seem slightly biased as I am now involved with the Union here. But to me, that’s not why I am writing this article, this is through choice. With the Student Elections coming up very soon I think it’s time to raise awareness about what the Union actually does for the students. Essentially that is why it is here. It is a compilation of Ex-Students, passionate enough about the university to want to stay and help the new students that come through the gates every September and have the best experience possible. And it also consists of current students who are voluntarily working closely with the main bodies of the colleges and the university so that we ensure the students get what they want. The union collectively get together once a month. Anyone can come along to have their say. Dig at the union all you like, if you want something, you need to speak up, we are in between the students, lecturers and governing bodies of the university. Words are cheap, but actions prove a lot more worth. We want to give the students what they want. The university isn’t a university without any students so if you have anything to say come along to the Student Union meetings, see what we’re about. And importantly vote in this year’s elections, it is up to you who wins your vote. You can read the manifestos online and get an idea of what every candidate has to offer in the elections pull-out of this issue of Fresh! And remember, WE are here for YOU. Now get voting! - Sam Kirby, Student Media Officer
Fresh Newspaper
GO GREEN WEEK
Spirituality and the environment...
7th11th Feb
While Go Green Week might sound like an invitation to get the body paint out and walk around looking like the hulk…what we’ve actually got for you is a week of events that are going to entertain and educate, with music, film, bikes, fashion and more. Oh and prizes…prizes, prizes, prizes. Events are running along a few different themes which are…. Sustainable local food We’ll be kicking off the week with a MEAT FREE MONDAY meaning the canteens and cafes will be serving only delicious meat free meals all day. Backing that up will be the launch of a monthly draw to win uni bar/café vouchers for anyone who is pledged to be a Part Time Carnivore. http://roehampton.parttimecarnivore.org. Also on Monday, the RU Outdoors? Society will be proving that vegetables have improved since your mum tried to force feed you cabbage as a five year old. They will be holding a give-it-a-go session at the allotments behind Davis Dance Studio on Frobel. Come claim a bed.
Saving Energy Big prize for this one with £100 on the table for the college that wins the Student Switch Off photo completion. The winner will be announced at The Bop at the end of the week. Visit the ‘Roehampton Student Switch Off’ Facebook page for more details. Recycling More The brilliant Fashion Society are taking over on Friday. At lunch there will be rework workshops for you to recycle your old clothes into the new season’s top look, with local vintage and charity shops on site selling their goods. In the evening we’ll be warming up for the Bop with a fashion show in The Union Bar showing off all those recycled wonders. Better Travel That means getting on your bike! The good people at Putney Cycles will be here in the day providing free bike maintenance for all and then at 12:30pm we meet outside Grove House for a critical mass ride up to Whiteland’s and into Richmond park. It’s fancy dress to, with a prize of RSU merchandise for the best effort. Green Ideas Ideas can be as important as action and we have art, debate and cinema for you with, a screening of Food Inc (Monday), a discussion of Spirituality and the Environment (Thursday) and a Green Art Attack (Tuesday). Last but not least is Tuesday nights Freedom of Rhyme music night in The Union Bar, with live hip hop, RnB and street dance. All the details of when are where these events are can be found across the page and on Facebook at ‘Roehampton Go Green Week 2011’ Jesse Scharf Greener Living Assistant
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Fresh Newspaper
L.G.B.T. HISTORY WEEK This Years LGBT History Week falls on 14th-20th February. LGBT stands for ‘Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender History’ and the Week is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, what we have done and to honor the lives of the champions of LGBT liberty.
that are open to everyone to join in on. For each event we will be meeting at The Union and make our way together to the planned event from there. Monday 14th February Valentines’ Night Party, (19:00, Free Entry) The Museum of London is holding a party with a big queer element. DJ Paul Burston, novelist Stella Duffy and a host of other queer acts will entertain us. There will be food and drinks provided by the museum celebration of love event.
This LGBT History week is filled with exciting events
Wednesday 16th February Miss Nightingale the Musical, A dazzling new musical tickets cost £13, starts at 10pm Celebrating gay love, scandals and show business in the 1940s. Miss Nightingale the musical combines emotionally charged songs with powerful drama and Burlesque-style performance. Thursday 17th February Queerly Out, London School of Economics. (10pm3am). A brand new gay club in central London, with 99p drinks it makes it London’s cheapest gay venue.
It is a chance to remind us of the importance of continuing the work of LIBARTION in the international LGBT community. 93 nations in the world still legally punish homosexuality, and in seven of those countries, we are punished with the death penalty. As a society and a University, we are wholly committed to celebrate its diversity and its importance. We encourage everyone to see diversity and cultural pluralism as the positive forces that they are. That is why LGBT History Week is our chance to highlight the achievements that have been for too long passed over or ignored. Roehampton LGBTQ Society has had one of its strongest years. We have doubled our membership to around 300 members. We kick started last semester with a series of popular social events in London, within the community and with our leading LGBT Societies such as Kingston University’s LGBT. This is due to the passionate commitment the committee and myself sharing. We are determined in ensuring that the LGBTQ society remains strong and focused.
made history even in the most difficult circumstances”.
Friday 18th February Meeting up with Kingston LGBT/ LGBTQ Society takes over the American High School themed Bop! Saturday 19th February Trip to Brighton - We will be leaving Chapham at 8:12pm and arriving in Brighton for 9pm. We will be hitting the beach & pier and then moving on to the Cabaret bars and nightclubs. We will catch the first train home at 3:40 am. Sunday 20th February Sunday lunch and film at The Union. A great chance to relax after a busy week Tuesday 15th February Red In the Rainbow Night (18.15 -19:30, £4 per person ). An opportunity to hear author Hannah Dee talking about her new book Red in the Rainbow: Sexuality, Socialism and LGBT Liberation. “The inspiring story of the fight for sexual liberation travels across continents and centuries...A remarkably hopeful account of the way women and men have
If you are interested in coming to Tuesday and Wednesday’s events please let me know as I have to book tickets. My email address is dwyerj@ roehampton.ac.uk John Dwyer RSU LGBT Officer
VOLUNTEERING FAIR It is an exciting time for volunteering within the RSU and across the university. Tuesday 22nd February is host to our Volunteering Fair where over twenty organisations will be there to talk to you about volunteering with them.
There will be a wide range of organisations attending including South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Employment Service and Richmond Theatre, so if you are looking for work experience related volunteering or just something fun to do in your spare time come along and find out more. There will also be workshops throughout the event which include Improving Your CV and Volunteering Matters, these will help you to ensure that you make the best of any volunteering opportunities that you have completed or are currently completing when applying for a job.
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14th20th Feb
Please make sure that you keep checking the JobShop and join up to the facebook group ‘RSU Volunteering’ to keep up to date with more exciting opportunities. These currently include “free film training for 16–25 year olds – priority given for film volunteers” and “Student Ambassadors for Right to Play”. Fancy gaining recognition for your volunteering hours in the form of prizes? Fancy getting involved with a university wide volunteering event?? Keep your eyes peeled for exciting new developments coming up for volunteering within the RSU which are to be launched soon! Sarah Lewens RSU Volunteering Officer
22nd Feb
Fresh Newspaper
SOCIETIES So, our second term and well and truly started, timetables have become familiar, (as well as the trips to Brenda’s or the Bar that surrounds them). The cold weather is becoming slightly less novel and more of a drain (where is all the snow!? That’s what I want to know). However don’t let the cold weather stop you, there are so many things to get involved with this term, and there are plenty to of things to do in the warm in doors. Societies are now in their stride, with everyone hopefully knowing what they are doing and how they should be doing it. The Film society in particular is looking good with some great films showing over the next month so go and check them out on Facebook to see what will be playing in the future. The Roehampton players’ first performance is coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for posters and more details about that. Auditions for Jazz Hands are upon us which is always a great show so dancers (and those that think they can dance) get involved! I’ve been doing some more work behind the scenes at the RSU recently, compiling a paper on societies to be presented to student senate. Hopefully if I’m successful we should see some real attitude shifts towards and a little more recognition for all the hard work that people do. If it weren’t for you the students yourselves societies would be no where, and let me just say a BIG thank you to you all! As you may have noticed the societies page has started a recent ‘spot light on societies’, if you’d like your society to feature in it just send me an email we’ll work something out. It’d be a great, free way to advertise and let the more general student population know what you do as a society and what you stand for! As you may or may not know, Roehampton Student Union elections are coming up, if you’re interested in running for the position of Societies President, I’d be more than happy to talk to you about it. Email me at Springel@roehampton.ac.uk or speak to Natasha Blake the VP activities. Being in the RSU is a lot of fun, you get to know so many different people, have a real say in how the university and union is run and given some amazing opportunities. Hopefully you’ll all show your support for the up-coming events in and around campus, I’ll keep you up to date about how my paper goes and what Roehampton University is going to do to show societies more respect and offer the more support. Good luck with the term everyone (hopefully we’ll get some more snow)! Luke Springett Societies President
Roehampton Christian Union The Christian Union at Roehampton is run by students for the benefit of students. It’s open to everyone no matter what you believe and is a great place to make new friends. The Christian Union seeks to bring Christian students at Roehampton together, connect with local churches and give every Roehampton student an opportunity to hear and respond to what the Christian faith is about. We meet on Digby Stuart campus in Howard 001 (Terrace Rooms) at 7:30pm every Thursday night. Upcoming Events Invited, February 14th - 18th Invited is a week of events including lunch time talks where a guest speaker will come and take questions and discuss different aspects of the Christian faith relevant to students. This will hopefully take place in The Union Bar but this venue is yet to be confirmed. Look out for posters! Free Bottles of Water after the Bop February 18th & March 15th Look out for a group of annoyingly sober people on main campus after the Bop who will give you a free bottle of water. This is to do something good for the Roehampton student community but also to demonstrate through action God’s love for you.
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Alpha When it comes to the Christian faith there’s no better place to start than at Alpha. Primarily it isn’t for Christians but instead an open space for anyone to come and have a good discussion on everything from ‘How can I have faith?’ to ‘Why is there suffering?’, and did I mention there’s a free meal every week too?! Alpha meets at 7:30pm every Tuesday night starting with a launch party on February Tuesday 22nd. It is run by students with guest speakers coming every week. It is a relaxed and easy way to find out about who Jesus is and why Christians think he’s so important. Those leading Alpha believe that Jesus is worth talking about and that we can know God because of Jesus. If you disagree then come and tell us what you believe on a Tuesday nights in Howard 001 (Terrace Rooms) from the 22nd. The food’s on us! People Profiles... Name: Nathan Pipe Age: 21 Studies: Theology and Religiou s Studies Year: 2nd Home town: Unknown What do you like most about Roehampton University? The social life that has allowed me to make some great friends; frien ds for life. Stupidest thing you’ve done since you’ve been here? Been to lectures... haha! No don’t write that! I did break my toe whi le doing handstands and spent 2 weeks on crutches. What societies and clubs are you a part of? Christian Union & Alpha. Why do you go to the Christi an Union? Because it’s nice to worship and to connect with other Christians and I want to support the Christian presence at the university. Finally, why would you recom mend the Alpha course to you r friends? It’s a chance to express your beli efs and learn about the Christian faith without being harassed by ‘Bible Bashers ’. Name: Samantha Ursell Age: 20 Studying: Primary Education =] Year: 1st st of Essex) Home town: Frinton on sea (coa hampton university? Roe What do you like most about e’s n one would be the grounds, ther There’s so much I like but the mai l! so much here and it’s so beautifu since you’ve been here? e don Stupidest thing you’ve ps down Froebel drive; one wasn’t I was hopping along the tree stum bottom...whoops!! secure so I rolled straight onto my you a part of? What societies and clubs are ! judo and Christian union, badminton on? Uni an Why do you go to the Christi and it’s a brilliant environment to Because I am a follower of Christ, faith. be able to share and strengthen my d the Alpha course to men om rec Finally, why would you your friends? meet people in a relaxed chilled It’s a really good place to go and ’ the opportunity to ask those ‘Big out environment, as well as to get you s give ly real ning of life etc... It questions about life, death, the mea awesome! ably an insight to something unbeliev
Words by Jack Bentley
Fresh Newspaper
SPORT ROEHAMPTON Qatarstophe! It’s a Tuesday in Birmingham, a good few years into the future. Villa Park is rapidly filling up with supporters from across the country and indeed, the globe. They all hand over a solitary ten pound note at the turnstiles in order to gain access to today’s big match: The World Cup Quarter-final between hosts England and Australia. The game is a feast of end-to-end attacking, owing to the rule that all sides must play with two strikers. It’s 2-2, and just before the final whistle England attempt to scramble the ball in the net from a corner. It’s hacked away, but the referee’s Goal-Line Detector signals that the ball went over the line. England win, and are through to the semi-finals. The players are praised in the press for great football and fair, honest professionalism, whilst the referee gets commended for correctly using technology to his advantage. By now, you’re probably saying “Shut up, we lost the bid”. That’s true, and it’s a real shame, but it only goes to confirm what we already know these days: football is no longer the idealistic grass-roots game that we liked to claim ownership to. And by ‘we’, I don’t mean England. I mean the fans themselves. Fans of any nation. None of us are in anyway an influence on how our game is run anymore, and the bewildering decision to let Qatar host the World Cup is the seal of approval from FIFA that we no longer matter. I’ve tried for weeks now to consider an alternative priority FIFA has that led to the decision, but there isn’t one. It was money, money and more money. The whole thing is a complete disaster already though. The long-held tradition of the World Cup as a summer tournament is now being totally ignored, but even more laughable is the suggestions that some games may even be held outside of Qatar. It’s beyond belief that Qatar’s bid was considered when they’re not certain they can even hold the whole competition there. How can FIFA claim Qatar won on their ability to host the World Cup when plans are becoming a struggle 11 years prior to the tournament? It may seem like bitterness because we lost our bid, but the truth is if Australia or America had won the 2022 tournament, you probably would have said fair
enough in terms of Russia’s victory over us. They are a massive footballing nation that have yet to hold the competition, so letting them have it emits a begrudging acceptance. But Qatar is just about the money. Australia and the USA have the infrastructure, support, stadiums and everything necessary, and Qatar don’t. Furthermore, if it was all about reaching all corners of the globe, Australia would have signified a triumph for FIFA, as the World Cup would have then been held in every continent in its history. What does this have to do with the fans though? Well, clearly FIFA’s executives aren’t football fans, or at least if they are, they’re probably more interested in their massive paycheque than the beautiful game. They are totally in control of what we enjoy though, and there’s nothing we can do about it. If they want a winter World Cup, they’ll have it. If they want the Premier League to have the grossly unfair 39th game, they’ll make it happen. If they want to allow player wages to spiral into purely stupid amounts of money, then they will. The fans are an afterthought. But we pay for their decisions. Ticket prices are unsustainable at the moment. Most Premier League games will see you forking out £40 per ticket, an obscene amount of money that is only going to begin discouraging fans as we’re forced to tighten our belts. Even in the Championship it’s expensive. Tickets at my regular haunt, Fratton Park are £23. For second tier football, that just seems way too high, but clubs can’t run without charging that sort of price thanks to the overinflated economy of the game. Now picture the future again. All of what happened in the first two paragraphs are true, and England went on to win the 2022 Fans’ Football Association World Cup, the first to be held since the ‘FIFA Breakaway’. Meanwhile, the FIFA World cup in Qatar is won by the host nation as well. They beat West Germany (they decided to put the wall up again) 1-0 after using their ultra-defensive 8-2-0 formation to kill the
Qatar’s World Cup 2022 Stadiums: Futuristic white elephants?
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game. The referee gave Qatar a penalty for handball after the German ‘keeper took a goal-kick, and after six retakes which were saved, the Qatarian finally stuck it in the net. The attendance was 3,000, all of whom were in executive boxes. It’s unlikely, but let’s dream a little. Do we need FIFA? Really? Jake Fleming
Sport Roehampton President’s Blog: How’s it going sports people?! Hope you have all settled back into the wonderful world of lectures again and aren’t working too hard on any assignments. Were very much into the business end of the year, season and degree (for most of us) now and all is looking good in the world of Sport Roehampton. There’s a lot to look forward to still in the rest of the year with another string of fez’s and bops to look forward to as well as Campaigns, May Day, Frigby, Shitelands and the unmissable Summer Ball! Remember to fill out the NSS to make sure we get the best acts possible! Right, now back to SR, we’ve had some absolutely cracking results and runs of form with the Rugby boys and Men’s Football going ridiculously strong and Tennis putting up a hell of a fight to challenge work their way back to BUCS Team of The Year again. This year has the potential to bring success to Sport Roey on many fronts (definitely hope I haven’t just jinxed it!). Remember it’s never too late to get involved with a team or sport whether it’s recreational or you want to play competitive, but you have to be a member of Sport Roe. Keep up all the good work though, to every member of Sport Roey. In case you didn’t know, there was an EPIC Sport Roehampton social called “slate your mate”. If you weren’t there, you missed a brilliant night with Sport Roehampton raising a total of just over £260. The night was excellently hosted by the infamous Farmer Jon who put on an awesome show! Thanks to everyone who helped out that night, stitched someone up and everyone who got on stage, you definitely provided a good few laughs for the night. Performance of the night went to the absolute spitting image of Bruno Mars that is Eliot Downham singing just the way you are, and what a performance it was! There were also special guest appearances from the ever timid Natasha Blake and an incredible Madonna performance by Martyn Lee. All in all the night was an absolute success! We’re looking into the next social now and it will definitely be another one not to be missed. Finally onto the two BIGGEST socials for sports people this year... any guesses? No? Well, first of all the SR Dinner has a provisional date of Saturday 7th May so
this is definitely a date to keep free! We’re still trying to find an absolutely outrageous venue to hold it so that the memory of the night (well, what you have left of it) will never be forgotten and (fingers crossed) it will be the best SR Dinner EVER!! Now onto the big one – TOUR! This year’s tour takes us to Rimini, Italy and is looking to be a big
one with estimated numbers from roey of around 170 people... which means it’s looking to be one of the messiest tours yet. And on that note.... Until next time people x Luke Brand Sport Roehampton President