Nu2 Sport is a joint initiative betweem the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. It is aimed at getting more people active and back in to sport and physical activity. Nu2 Sport launched in October 2011 and is starting to ramp up promotion again, in preparation for term two.
We thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to the University's Nu2 Sport Coordinator and let him tell you a bit more about this great initiative.
Q: What’s your name? Where do you come from? Sporting experience?
A: My name is Chris Campbell and I run the Nu2 Sport Project here at the University of Nottingham. I am originally from Fleet in Hampshire and graduated from Loughborough University in July 2011 with a BSc. in Sport & Exercise Sciences. My main sport is rugby, and am currently head coach at Loughborough R.F.C. and I am about to start delivering courses for the RFU as a coach developer. I also play a bit of cricket in the summer and try my hand at a few other things!
Q: What is Nu2 Sport all about? Aims and objectives? Audience?
A: Nu2 Sport aims to try and engage all students who have come to university and for whatever reason haven’t signed up to university sports clubs or engaged with any physical activity. Our activities are focused on taking part in a social and relaxed atmosphere, playing games and doing activities as opposed to formal coaching, and having the opportunity to take part in things with your mates.
Q: Tell us about your role as NU2 Sport Coordinator? What does it involve? When did you start etc...?
A: I began at Nottingham in August 2011 and my role covers everything needed to run the project successfully. I co-ordinate the programme of activities trying to make sure we are putting on what people want at times that they want it. I have to co-ordinate a team of student volunteers who assist at individual sessions and help me with the marketing. As well as having to ensure that we are meeting the targets set for us by Sport England. I also regularly have to liaise with my colleague Lyn Winkworth, who runs the Nu2 Sport project at Nottingham Trent University, and finally engage the National Governing Bodies of Sport, and try and get them to assist in the planning and running of activities.
Q: How did the first term of NU2 Sport go?
A: As a whole we were really pleased with the results of term one – we engaged just over 300 people, got eight new volunteers assisting people’s experience was very positive. Now moving into the second term I’m really confident we can build on these figures as the name of the project is out there, and we know a bit more what people want.
Q: What is going to be the focus on the Nu2 Sport programme this term?
A: This term we will be running a number of ‘traditional’ sports such as football, rugby, netball and cricket, as people have indicated this is what they would like to see on the timetable. Our range of activities has also expanded – last term we ran six different activities across the week, this term it will be 12, and I’m really looking forward to running AQUA Zumba – the first time that will have been delivered here.
Q: Which Nu2 Sports have you most enjoyed doing and why?
A: Handball was really enjoyable, as it is a game which everyone has the ability to play, they just don’t know it! I would say it combines the skills of football, netball and basketball. It was really well received, particularly up at our Sutton Bonington campus. What was really pleasing is that three girls who took part in Nu2 Handball sessions have since gone on to play for the University. It was also very satisfying to see the best part of 50 people turn up to our Friday night Badminton session – fingers crossed that continues!
Q: Why should people get involved in Nu2 Sport? What are the benefits?
A: Because it’s a great way to either get back into sport or try something new, without having to worry about the pressure, time or cost of being in a club environment. You can work at your own pace and drop in and out as is appropriate to you. We know everyone has lots of different pressures on their times, but hopefully people will see this programme and want to give it ago!
You can find out more about Nu2 Sport this term, including the programme of sports and activities just here....
Posted on Friday 27th January 2012