Green and Gold Triumph at BUCS Awards 2025

The University of Nottingham was once again recognised at the annual BUCS Awards Dinner, held on Thursday 17 July 2025 at the University of Hull. Hosted by University of Nottingham alumna Cassie Mawby, the BUCS Awards celebrate student-athletes, volunteers, coaches and staff who have made an outstanding impact throughout the year.

This year, the #GreenandGold were proud to be shortlisted in multiple categories — a powerful testament to the hard work, talent and commitment of our sporting community. From grassroots participation to high-performance coaching and creative storytelling, our nominees represented the full spectrum of UoN Sport’s impact.

University of Nottingham 2025 BUCS Award Winners

Digital Engagement - UoN Sport Originals

The UoN Sport Originals series has transformed digital engagement at the University of Nottingham, delivering powerful and authentic student stories that connect with underrepresented groups.

With over 515,000 views and 8.7 million impressions, the series featured a range of voices. Highlights included para-badminton scholars during Disability Awareness Month, elite Black athletes in the 'Black Student Spotlight', and the 'Mullet Over' mental health campaign featuring male rugby players in honest conversations with their barber.

Content was distributed across university platforms, live-streamed on uonsport.tv, and boosted with targeted digital spend. As a result, engagement among disabled students increased by 11 percent and engagement among Black students rose by 64 percent. Traffic to inclusive sport pages also grew by 80 percent. The series has become a key part of UoN Sport’s strategy to connect, inspire, and include.

Unsung Hero - Matthew Nicholson

Matt Nicholson, Club & Coach Development Manager at the University of Nottingham, has been recognised for his exceptional impact on student sport.

Supporting nearly 9,000 student club members, Matt has led transformative work across training, welfare, and inclusion. He introduced a new leadership programme for over 450 student volunteers, delivered targeted welfare support during difficult times, and championed inclusive practices across all clubs.

Matt has also played a key role in organising more than 25 major student sport events throughout the year, while representing the university nationally through his work with BUCS advisory groups. His dedication, leadership and care continue to enhance the student experience at every level.

Runners Up

Active Wellbeing Programme - Empower

The University of Nottingham’s Empower campaign was recognised in the Active Wellbeing Award category for its outstanding impact on women, trans and non-binary students.

Created in response to UoN Sport insight that just 30% of female students were engaging in sport, Empower delivered inclusive, low-pressure sessions designed to boost confidence, motivation and connection. The result? A 20% increase in WTNB engagement, with 100% of attendees reporting they were more likely to be active and a 16% improvement in self-efficacy.

Empower also launched a volunteer-led outreach programme to support inactive girls in local schools, and collaborated with partners including Grace & Green and the SU to reach new audiences and support student wellbeing more holistically.

Club of the Year - Wheelchair Basketball

The University of Nottingham Wheelchair Basketball Club has undergone a remarkable transformation, growing participation by 98% and securing the 2025 BUCS Championship title — just two years after facing potential closure.

Now recognised as a beacon of inclusion, 72% of club members identify as disabled, and the club offers over 150 training and playing opportunities tailored to all abilities, from Just Play sessions to elite athlete support. Their culture of care extends beyond the court, with inclusive socials, monthly wellbeing surveys, and strong community ties.

Strategic partnerships with internal departments and national bodies, including British Wheelchair Basketball, have elevated the club’s reach and impact, embedding it within both the university and national para-sport landscape. Their success has inspired inclusive initiatives across campus, cementing their role as trailblazers for disability sport in Higher Education.

Coach of the Year - Sonny Roberts

Sonny Roberts has redefined what it means to be a university coach, guiding the University of Nottingham Karate Club to its fifth consecutive BUCS Championship title with a record 219 points and 22 medals in 2024/25.

Alongside his full-time role in the Fire and Rescue Service and national work as EDI Director for the English Karate Federation, Sonny offers holistic, individualised support that goes far beyond scheduled training.

From mental health advocacy to elite athlete development, he’s coached 23 international representatives and shaped BUCS history with landmark achievements — including nurturing BUCS’ most decorated Karate athlete.

Sonny’s inclusive approach and dedication to wellbeing have broadened participation, empowered beginners, and created a legacy rooted in excellence, community, and opportunity.

Sportswoman of the Year - Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies has had a remarkable year, adding to her exceptional career in weightlifting for Great Britain. In 2024/25, she won the European Championships Gold in the Women’s 64kg category with a total lift of 228kg, a title that had previously eluded her. Just a week earlier, she successfully defended her BUCS Gold in the Women’s 71kg category, outperforming her competition by 71kg. Sarah also claimed her fifth British Championship title in July 2024 and placed 9th at the World Championships in December 2024.

Balancing her elite athletic career with a master’s degree in International Business and a new professional role at Centrica, Sarah exemplifies the dual-career athlete model. Her innovative approach to training, focusing on working smarter and not harder, has set a new standard at the University of Nottingham and made her a powerful ambassador for both the university and British Weightlifting.

Sarah’s success has inspired fellow athletes and elevated the entire Nottingham Weightlifting Club, contributing to their record number of gold medals this year.

A huge congratulations to all members of the #GreenandGold family who contributed to another remarkable year of achievement. Thank you for continuing to inspire and lead the way in university sport.

Notes for editors

For media enquiries, please contact Kate Rothery, Sports Marketing and Communications Manager, at kate.rothery@nottingham.ac.uk.