Sport at USW

Sport is a key part of university. Whether you are looking to study a sport course, join a university team or visit the gym.

Study Sport Play Sport Sport Scholarships Sport and Leisure

A student is leaping sideways to save a football from entering the goal.

The Strength and Conditioning Centre with a red and black weight on the floor.

A student is trying to pass the ball but is being blocked by the other team.

We offer a range of activities and services to support elite performance athletes and students who simply want to keep fit and healthy. Sport at USW aims to provide a high-quality student experience for all.

Sport at USW

Students, staff and the wider public can enjoy a range of activities and classes on-campus in Treforest. We offer a range of indoor sports and services delivered by our friendly, expert staff. Before visiting, we recommend reviewing our listed activities and their availability, which include health and fitness classes, instructional courses, and personal training sessions.
Play sport, join our team and compete for the University. We have around 60 teams playing in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) leagues.
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help you fund your study and learning.

FitZone gym in Pontypridd - equipped gym interior with various exercise machines under bright lighting.

A group of students playing basketball with one of them scoring a point

Sport student, Ffion Denley, is sat on a table smiling at the camera. In the background, you can see USW's outdoor sports pitches.

Health and Fitness Classes

Sport Teams

Find out more about sport scholarships and bursaries

USW's indoor FIFA standard 3G football pitch at the Sport Park.

Sport Park Facilities

Fitzone Facilities

THE BEST PART OF THE COURSE IS THE MENTORING. THE LECTURERS HELPED ME RELATE ACADEMIC FINDINGS TO MY COACHING SESSIONS

Ryan Moon

BSc (Hons) Football Coaching and Performance

Students are walking around and using the Sport Park gym facilities.

Sport Scholarship 2024/25

A group of Sport students deep in thought.

Sport Scholarship 2025/26

Onlooker analysing a football game at the University Sport Park.

Sport Bursary

Receive a ‘one off’ grant of up to £500 to support your sport. Your sport needs to be recognised by a Sports Council with an affiliated national governing body.

Dr Ben Calvert, Vice Chancellor, is smiling in front of the USW Newport campus.

Vice Chancellor's Award

If you’re competing in an Olympic Sport at major international competitions, you could be eligible for a financial award of up to the value of £500.

FAQs

The Sports Bursary is a 'one off' grant of up to £500* to support students with their sport alongside their studies and is further complemented by University sport gift card (£100 FitZone card), conditioning programme and associated expenses relating to BUCS competitions up to £120.

Many students in receipt of a bursary will use the financial aware to support costs associated with entering an international championship or to cover travel, training or entry expenses. Please note to be considered for a Sports Bursary, your chosen sport need to be classified as a Sports Council 'recognised' sport with an affiliated national governing body.

Whilst many award recipients represent the University in BUCS competitions, to ensure all students have an opportunity to apply for financial support it is not a condition to represent the University. There will be a number of recognised sports that the University does not currently compete in as part of the BUCS competitions.

*Please note: You will not be eligible for this bursary if you are already in receipt of a Sport Scholarship.

The Vice Chancellor’s Sport Award is financial award of upto £500 and is available for students whose sports are not currently within the BUCS programme, but are of exceptional standard in Olympic Sports. These ‘one off’ awards are intended to support students of exceptional sports standard who are competing in major international competitions. Limited awards are available each year to the maximum value of £500.

The process to apply for a financial support package depends on the award you wish to obtain and your category eligibility. Before you apply, we recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria for each award.

All applicants and current students are required to complete our online application form if they are seeking to obtain support, this applies to all sport scholarship, bursaries, awards, and performance sport programmes.

Once you complete your application, you will receive an automatic notification by email. If you do not receive this notification, please contact [email protected] to confirm receipt. You will then receive confirmation of your eligibility, and subject to meeting the terms and conditions.

Final confirmation of receipt of award will be confirmed once assessments are undertaken and prior to start your course. Please note: Any award can only be activated once you have successfully enrolled onto your course.

Applications accepted: 2023-24 Academic Year
Performance Sport and Scholarship deadline: Friday 13 October 2023*

*Please note: The above deadline is only applicable to our sport scholarships and performance sport programme. Our Sport Bursary and Vice Chancellor's award can be applied for at any time throughout the year.

You can apply for our ‘one-off’ sport bursaries and Vice Chancellors award at any time throughout the year.

Unlike our performance programme and sport scholarships, these one-off awards are designed to support you and your training needs when you need it most, for example in you're competing in a major international competition.

Our sporting background, excellent reputation and impressive facilities make us a top choice for aspiring sport students. Through our facilities, teaching and work placements we offer hands-on teaching. Learn in an environment that reflects the industry. Our partnerships with businesses and sports clubs, both local and national, mean endless opportunities. Through networking and work placements you will be skilled, knowledgeable and employable.