NORTHUMBRIA SPORT
STUDENT
ATHLETE FOCUS SPORTS | SCHOLARSHIPS | SUPPORT SERVICES
MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR 2025 (The Times and The Sunday Times)
TOP 10
FOR CAMPUS & FACILITIES (Student Crowd Awards, 2023)
TOP 25
FOR GRADUATES IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT
#WeAreNorthumbria
At Northumbria University we help you prepare to take on YOUR tomorrow. Our Focus Sport programmes, Athlete Support Services and Sport Scholarships are designed to provide the best support to help you progress both athletically and academically.
No. 1
FOR STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE
(British Universities & Colleges Sport 2025)
TOP 10
FOR BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & VOLLEYBALL (BUCS, 2025)
TOP 25
FOR STUDENT SPORT (British Universities & Colleges Sport, 2025)
STUDENT ATHLETE
Being a Student Athlete at Northumbria allows you to develop academically and enhance your sporting abilities. Our professional support staff work together to offer multi-disciplinary support in a high-performance environment. By combining this with additional opportunities within our volunteering, internship and placement programme, we aim to support you to build on your personal skills and profile in preparation for life after university. 4
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We understand the demands of being a student athlete and we aim to support you to have a well-rounded approach to university life. As a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) accredited centre, it is a priority of Northumbria University to provide a platform for student athletes to reach their educational and sporting potential.
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FACILITIES
SPORT CENTRAL We are proud to boast two sport facilities along with strong links with top professional sports venues across the region including Kingston Park (Newcastle Red Bulls) and Vertu Motors Arena (Newcastle Eagles).
Our city-centre based Sport Central is home to our Main Arena, S&C Suite, Gym, Group Exercise Classes,
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Sport Central facilities rated EXCELLENT by QUEST, 2025 Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam room plus Sprint Track, Sport Science Laboratories and Climbing Wall. What’s more, Scholarship Student Athletes receive a Sport Central Fitness Membership, which provides free access to the Gym, Classes and Swimming Pool environment.
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COACH LANE SPORTS GROUND Coach Lane Sports Ground is the home of our outdoor sports clubs. The facility includes: 4 x Grass Football Pitches 2 x Multipurpose 3G Pitches Outdoor Hockey Pitch Indoor Sports Hall Strength & Conditioning Suite
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SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship packages are offered to support the development of a dual career, to help Student Athletes develop their sporting aspriations whilst gaining a quality degree.
FOCUS SPORT INDIVIDUAL We offer two main Sport Scholarships which each include a Sport Scholar kit, specialist S&C, physiotherapy treatment, unlimited access to the Sport Central Fitness facilities including the gym and pool plus anti-doping, lifestyle and nutrition support. There is also a selection of tailored financial support packages for our top performing scholars. Discover more northumbriasport.com/student-athletes
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FOCUS SPORT
SCHOLARSHIPS Student Athletes competing at a high level within one of our Focus Sports are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Successful applicants will be given access to a performance sport environment and support service programme that is tailored to the needs of each sport.
BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, RUGBY LEAGUE, RUGBY UNION and VOLLEYBALL All Focus Sports are open to Men and Women Financial Support (where applicable) Sport Scholar Kit Strength & Conditioning Performance Analysis Physiotherapy Gym & Fitness Membership 10 Download the Northumbria Sport App
Anti-doping Workshops Lifestyle Support Nutrition Support Sport Psychology Dual Career Support
INDIVIDUAL Athletes that are on an NGB Performance Pathway (excluding our focus sports) and compete at a National or International level can apply for an Individual Scholarship. Scholars are given access to support services that are tailored to meet individual needs. Financial Support (where applicable) Sport Scholar Kit Strength & Conditioning Physiotherapy Gym & Fitness Membership
Anti-doping Workshops Lifestyle Support Nutrition Support Sport Psychology Dual Career Support
To apply for one of our scholarships visit northumbriasport.com/student-athletes Discover more northumbriasport.com/student-athletes
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FOCUS SPORTS
Our Focus Sports receive significant attention and investment to support the development of our student athletes. Within our ‘Focus Five’ we provide an athlete-centred performance environment. We are ranked highly within British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), have a strong profile and aspire to become nationally leading in each of these sports. Our Focus Sports compete in the top student sport leagues and competitions in BUCS.
Our focus sports currently include: BASKETBALL FOOTBALL
RUGBY LEAGUE RUGBY UNION
12 Download the Northumbria Sport App
VOLLEYBALL
BASKETBALL
“Northumbria University opened up more doors than I could ever imagine. As a student athlete I improved as a basketball player, began to build a career, and grow as a person. Every day I trained alongside girls who aspire to become better basketball players and brighter students. It’s an experience I will never forget.” - Ali Gorrell (Alumni) FAU Alumni
MEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Drew Lasker CONTACT: a.lasker@northumbria.ac.uk - 16+ Years as professional player - Multiple BBL Championship winner - Founder of Train Harder 21 WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Noelia Cachero Quintas CONTACT: noelia.quintas@northumbria.ac.uk - Played in the NCAA Div 1 - Played professionally in Spain and The Netherlands - Former player and coach at Newcastle Eagles
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FOOTBALL
“I had an unbelievable positive experience playing for Northumbria Women’s Football whilst studying for a MSc in Strength and Conditioning. From my teammates to the coaching staff, everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive, which makes representing the university community that more special! Every time I get to step on the pitch it is a privilege; I am playing for something bigger than just me.” - Brianna Westrup (Alumni) University of Virginia Alumni, LAOC Galaxy
WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Michael Havelock CONTACT: michael.havelock@northumbria.ac.uk - Former Sunderland AFC Foundation of Light, U19 Football Scholarship Manager - Former Sunderland AFC Girls Regional Talent Club, U16 Head Coach MEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Northern 1A HEAD COACH: Derek Forrest CONTACT: derek.forrest@northumbria.ac.uk - 35 years coaching experience in the UK and USA - Former Newcastle United Academy and Foundation Coach 14 Download the Northumbria Sport App
RUGBY LEAGUE
“I first heard of Northumbria in my first year of college and heard nothing but good things. I was pretty set from that point. Constantly being told it’s the place to be for sport; great facilities, coaches and most of all a dominant RL team. After being here for 3 years, it outperformed my expectations. The best part is hard to nail down to one thing. The support which is on offer is next level. And it would be unjust not to mention the social aspect of sport. From the first training session to Wednesday night socials, everyone is made to feel welcome. And if your someone nervous to make friends sport is the best way to enter uni-life.” - Cai Ellis MEN’S & WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Jason Payne CONTACT: jason.payne@northumbria.ac.uk - 14 years professional Rugby League career at Castleford and Newcastle - Former Newcastle Thunder Head Coach - 14 years Northumbria Head of Rugby League
NUMBER 1 STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE PROGRAMME IN THE UK (British Universities & Colleges Sport CHAMPIONS 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024)
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RUGBY UNION
“What attracted me to Northumbria was the support provided to those who want to play sport alongside their studies. I knew some people who were already studying and playing at Northumbria, and they would always tell me how great it was. The best thing about being a student athlete is being able to develop my skills and love for the game alongside studying to have my dream job. The support we received is unbelievable and makes the extra commitment worthwhile.” - Zoe Hornby (Graduate) Leeds Rhino & England Senior Womens
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North 1 (Men’s) HEAD COACH: Joe Cain CONTACT: joe.cain@northumbria.ac.uk - Ex Professional player for Leicester Tigers - Former Forwards and Defence coach at Darlington WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North (Women’s) HEAD COACH: Phil Wallis CONTACT: phil.wallis@northumbria.ac.uk
- Head Coach England Rugby U18 Centre of Excellence in North East & Cumbria - Former Head Coach of DMP Sharks Women’s Premiership side 16 Download the Northumbria Sport App
VOLLEYBALL
“I have developed so much as a player and person during my time at Northumbria. The competitive environment, professional coaching support, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and other services have given me the base to grow as a player whilst getting a great degree. I have enjoyed being part of a winning team at Northumbria.” - Noah Sykes (Graduate) England Senior Player
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMME DIVISION: BUCS Premier North HEAD COACH: Dan Livingstone CONTACT: dan.livingstone@northumbria.ac.uk - Current International Player - Former Super League Player - Student Cup Winners 2023
CONSISTENTLY BUCS TOP 5 FOR OVER 5 YEARS (British Universities & Colleges Sport)
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SUPPORT SERVICES Our Focus Sport and Scholarship Athletes have access to our wide range of Athlete Support Services in addition to sport specifc coaching.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
We offer a treatment and rehabilitation service for selected performance athletes and teams based at Sport Central. Our expert sports physiotherapists work closely with our S&C coaches to understand the causes of injuries to ensure they are able to identify, treat and eliminate sport related injuries. Our programme includes: Physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation support Physiotherapy screenings Concussion Clinics In-house sports massage 18 Download the Northumbria Sport App
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
We offer Strength and Conditioning (S&C) support to our performance athletes and teams to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
We aim to improve our athletes understanding of S&C by supporting them to develop their training skills and knowledge to increase their capacity for training. Improvement in these factors will result in development of physical abilities such as: Endurance/Work capacity Movement and Mobility Stability and Robustness Strength and Power Our programme includes: 1:1 or group coaches sessions Dedicated S&C Suite with Olympic lifting platforms Biomechanical screening Individualised gym and pitch based programmes Performance testing and monitoring Discover more northumbriasport.com/student-athletes
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SPORTS NUTRITION
In order to achieve peak performance when it matters it is important to understand what to eat and when. Whether it be in training, pre, during or post competition your nutritional intake will play a key part of your ability to work effectively. The role of our nutritionists is to evaluate the dietary needs of the athlete and provide practical recommendations that will help optimise heath and performance. The nutritionist will assess the current eating habits and preferences and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes current nutritional strategy. Our programme includes: One to one consultations Customised dietary recommendations Group workshops including: - Intro to Sports Nutrition, - Nutrition for Travel, - Shopping tips, - Fuel for Performance, - Supplement Advice - Practical Cooking Skills
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PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Performance Analysis (PA) is used to gather game statistics as well as to improve individual performance. PA provides high quality footage and information to allow athletes and coaches the platform to focus on areas to review and improve. Our programme includes: Filming and analysis of fixtures Individual access to all footage online via Veo platform Pre and Post match feedback sessions Individual player and athlete analysis Support for players and athletes in building footage
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
The aim of Sports Psychology is to help athletes prepare psychologically for the demands of competition and training. This service is delivered through tailored one-to-one sessions (on a referral basis), resources and workshops. Individual support can include: Goal setting, anxiety management, cognitive techniques, imagery, concentration/focusing techniques, confidence, mental toughness/resilience and counselling. Team support we offer includes: Team goals, role clarity, communication, leadership, cohesion and tournament/competition preparation strategies. Discover more northumbriasport.com/student-athletes
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KEY PARTNERS
We also work with key partners to offer further support to team and individual student athletes. Partners such as TASS, Sport Newcastle and Royal & Ancient (R&A) offer funding and support packages. Northumbria is proud to be one of the 39 TASS delivery sites and one of the 17 Universities supported by the R&A Golf Club. TASS is an athlete support programme to help talented athletes with balancing the demands of their sport and studies to be the best in both. For information on TASS or to find out how to access support, visit www.tass.gov.uk
Sport Newcastle offers sport scholarships to a local talented young athletes. The Northumbria University award is an annual award of £1,500 for up to 3 years. www.sportnewcastle.org.uk/rising-stars
The R&A supports golf programmes at seventeen universities and awards 100 individual foundation scholarships to players from all over the world. Funding can support the costs associated with golf or education www.randa.org 22
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“The thing that attracted me to Northumbria was the opportunity to study in one of the UK’s top Business Schools as well as play in one of the top golf programmes. I didn’t have to compromise on my education or sport as Northumbria offered me a top quality programme for both”
OVER 400 UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM northumbria.ac.uk/study
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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FOCUS SPORTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUPPORT SERVICES Visit northumbriasport.com/student-athletes Contact thomas.robinson@northumbria.ac.uk
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