Every year thousands of students volunteer their time to benefit fellow students, the local community and to raise money for a variety of charities; all this is done whilst studying for their degree and representing the University of Manchester in competitive sport.

In total over 43 sports clubs, totalling 3,392 students volunteered over 17,000 hours of their time to raise £15,807 for a variety of charities across the academic year.

Over 150 unique events were organised by students including:

• The UoM WaterPolo club who worked with local primary school students to improve sporting awareness and support the international campaign “This girl can”.
• The UoM Boat Club who conducted a 24 hour row on Oxford Road, raising £3,200 for ‘FOP Friends’ a small charity which focuses on research and treatments into rare diseases.
• The UoM Hockey Club who raised over £3,000 for mental health Charity, Student Minds through a variety of events including bake-offs, a hockey tournament and disco club nights. Their hard work was recognised nationally when they were awarded second place in The Tab’s “Society of the Year” awards.
• The UoM Cycling Club who undertook the Everest Challenge. The concept was simple – Climb Peaslow Hill repeatedly without sleep until you have climbed 8.848m vertically. The event was held on 26 March; a day which saw a large amount of snow fall in the North West. One student, 10 hours into the challenge and after climbing 7000m collapsed but hours later got back on the bike to complete the final 12 laps of the climb. The fastest student completed the challenge in a total time of 13 hours 44 minutes and raised over £400 for Maggies.

Bethany Hogg, studying Chemistry, representing the Swimming Club said: “There is nothing better than the feeling you get when you’re representing your University in your favourite sport…but to represent your University, play your sport whilst raising money and awareness for Barnabus a charity close to my heart… That’s the #PurpleandProud feeling that will never go away.”

The Athletic Union comprises of over 3,000 students who represent the University of Manchester. These students often travel up and down the country to compete against other Universities in the British Universities and colleges sport leagues. The commitment shown by our Athletic Union club members is highlighted constantly through our official hashtag #PurpleandProud. Students who participate in our student-run sports clubs are supported by UoM Sport which is part of the Residential and Sport Services Division in the Directorate for the Student Experience.