Harry Sawdon is a fourth year student at the University of Stirling studying Sports Coaching and Development. This candidate tells Brig that sports is the centre of their university experience.
As president of the Men’s Football Club for two years, Harry has a deep understanding of how clubs operate from an athlete’s perspective and behind the scenes.
From hosting social events to supporting end of year showcases, Harry sees how rallying a community together can raise funds, create strong bonds and enhance the overall student experience.
Harry claims that sport has been a defining part of his own university experience. He feels that his next mission is supporting his fellow fourth years for life after graduation.
“I want stronger unity where all clubs collaborate together. I aim to support all clubs fairly to build one united sporting community where nobody competes for resources like funds or wellbeing support.”
Q. Why Are You Running For This Position?
A. “I care deeply about making sure every club feels supported, valued and heard. Clubs can feel unsure of where to turn for help. I want to change that. By improving communication between clubs I will ensure that help is easily accessible from the union.”
“Stronger unity is important so clubs collaborate rather than compete for resources.”
“I want to ensure that being part of a sport enhances student life without unnecessary pressure. That means promoting wellbeing, balance, inclusivity and positive sporting environments.”
“Finally, I believe sport should prepare students for life beyond university. By introducing workshops focused on transferable skills, equality and managing commitments. I want to help students use their sporting experience to build confidence, develop employability skills and create lifelong memories.”
Q. If Elected, What’s The First Thing You Will Do in the Union?
A. “The first thing I would do is listen.”
“I’d meet with club committees, performance teams, recreational members and students who feel disengaged from sport to understand what’s working and what isn’t.”
“Strong leadership starts with understanding the people you represent.”
“Before making big changes, I want a clear picture of the real challenges clubs are facing. Whether that’s funding issues, facility access or a lack of inclusion.”
Q. What Are Your Long Term Goals For This Position?
A. “To make meaningful change I would promote the use of Add-victor which is a website that connects employers with athletes to widen their career prospects post graduation.”
“I will provide role specific workshops that explore students transferable skills that can enhance their future job applications.”
“Alongside this, workshops will address mental health and wellbeing in sport to provide students with tools to balance their studies, part time jobs and sporting demands.”
“Moreso, to strengthen collaboration withing the Stirling sporting community, I will introduce President Pairs. By pairing club presidents together at the start of the academic year, they will be encouraged to learn about each other’s clubs, exchange ideas and share the weight of their responsibilities.”
“Lastly, I will introduce a monthly Stirling Sport Spotlight celebrating one sports club at a time through social media and news features that showcase its history, culture, and contribution to Stirling University. Pairing the spotlights with an interactive challenge allows members to participate in each featured sport to earn Stir Scale points. Overall, boosting the engagement and visibility of lesser known clubs and encouraging people to try new sports together.”
Q. What Did The Current Person in The Position Do Well That You Would Like to Emulate?
A. “I have nothing but admiration for every member of the union and can only hope to continue their commitment to improving the Stirling sporting community.”
Q. Who Inspired You To Run for Sports President?
A. “Honestly, it’s the people I’ve met in Stirling that inspired me to run. Through sport I’ve met some of the most driven, supportive and passionate individuals on campus. From teammates balancing training with demanding degrees, committees volunteering countless hours towards their clubs operation and nervous first years trying to find their footing, I’ve seen how much sport means to people here.”
“I’ve had conversations with friends about the confidence they gained after joining a club. Friendships that helped them through tough academic periods and the sense of belonging that sport created for them.”
“At the same time, I’ve also heard frustrations and ideas for improvement about barriers to joining sports clubs, financial pressures or communication gaps. I aim to continue to be easily approachable so that I can act on these concerns on behalf of the sporting community.”
“Whether it’s BUCS Wednesdays, club training sessions or recreational leagues- the atmosphere and community is incredible. It’s the people that make Stirling sport special. They’re the reason I’m running.”