University of Stirling sport students deliver more than 5,500 volunteer hours across Scotland

University of Stirling sport students have completed more than 5,500 hours of volunteering in the past academic year, supporting over 100 organisations across Scotland. 

The hours, equal to almost 700 working days, were contributed by undergraduate sport studies and MSc sport management students, with further placements through other courses such as MSc psychology of sport.

Students worked with grassroots clubs, charities, governing bodies, schools, local authorities and at major sporting events, using their skills and knowledge in real settings. 

Placement partners included the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, football clubs like Rangers, Greenock Morton, Dumbarton, Stranraer and Stirling Albion, and national bodies such as the Scottish Institute of Sport, Scottish Amateur Football Association, HorseScotland and Street Soccer Scotland.

Professor Paul Dimeo, head of sport at the University of Stirling, said: “Experiential learning is at the heart of our sport programmes because it allows students to put theory into practice while making a genuine contribution to organisations and communities. 

“Our placement partners provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop their confidence, professional skills and industry networks. 

“In return, our students bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a willingness to make a difference.”

Dimeo added: “We’re proud of the impact these partnerships are having across Scotland’s sport sector and are always interested in hearing from new organisations that would like to work with us to help develop the next generation of sport professionals.”