Sports Awards

The Strath Union Athlete of the Year is an award donated by Strathclyde Students' Union and is awarded to an individual who performs at the highest level during the season under review.

The Duncan Mathieson Trophy is awarded for the best performance by an athlete during their first year at the University of Strathclyde.

The trophy is named in honour of the incredible contributions Mathieson made to the University during his time in Glasgow. Originally hailing from Islay, Mathieson graduated from the Jordanhill College Scottish School of PE, before being appointed Strathclyde's first Director of Sport in the 1960s. As the first Director of Sport at Strathclyde, his department of Physical Education began with only one staff member, Mr Mathieson himself. By the time of his retirement over 20 years later, Mathieson had grown his department to a team of 6 staff, and was responsible for the opening of a new ‘state of the art’ Sports Centre at the top of John Street in 1975 which was in operation until 2018.

Mathieson was responsible for growing the influence of sport throughout the University, by developing close relationships between his department and the Sports Union, sitting on the Executive for many years.

This award is for the team that has demonstrated exceptional achievement possible during the season under review. The Team of the Year award is specifically reserved for teams competing in Tier 2 leagues or below (e.g., Korfball Division 2, Rowing Beginners, etc.) and is not open to Tier 1 and above teams.

David Tedford was a gifted mathematician and was an engineering student at Strathclyde in the 1950s. He was also a talented footballer and was awarded a Blue for his efforts. Following his graduation, Tedford returned to become a professor at the University and as a member of the academic staff, he was a great supporter of the Sports Union and its activities. As an Honorary Vice President for many years during his time at Strathclyde, Tedford used his influence to advocate for the benefits of widespread sporting activities across the University.

This is a new award for 2025. This award is for the team that has achieved the highest level of sporting success during the season under review. The Performance Team of the Year award is specifically reserved for teams competing at the highest level of competition (e.g., Tier 1 teams, Rowing Championship level, BUCS Premier League, etc.).

The Gradutes Trophy is presented to the club that has shown the most all-round sporting success and team development within the Sports Union

The Trophy was kindly donated to the Sports Union by the Graduates department of the University of Strathclyde.

For an individual who has provided an outstanding contribution to a Sports Union section through a coaching position. This could be in the following areas:

• Improvement in standards.

• Mentoring club members.

• Increasing participation.

• Club and coaching development.

Drew Manzie was appointed the University of Strathclyde's third Director of Sport. After joining Mr Mathieson's Department of Physical Education in the late 1960s, Manzie was a loyal servant to the Department and continued his personal involvement in sport; developing into a fantastic rugby coach. Until his retirement in 2003, Manzie also continued his interest in education, completing an “in-service” B.Ed (Honours) at Strathclyde's Jordanhill and involving himself in many research projects.

This award was donated by Anne-Marie Hughes and is awarded to the individual who has made an notable impact on their sports and/or the Sports Union during the current season. Winners must have gone above and beyond their given role within the club (committee position, coaching, officiating, any other volunteer roles). This could include notible contributions to:

• The Sports Union

• BUCS/SSS

• NGB committees/groups

• Being a leader in the face of adversity

• Leading on sustained improvement and development for their club and/or sport

• Leading on initiatives/projects

•Any other major achievements

For an individual who has shown a consistent high level of achievement in a particular sport during the season under review. Background information should be provided that includes representation from previous years. Full Blues are allowed to wear their medal at graduation, as it is the highest non-academic award the University of Strathclyde can bestow on a student. The following information can be used to indicate this:

• National representation (Age Group/Level)

• Scottish Student Sports representation (Age Group/Level)

• Regional/District representation (Age Group/Level)

For an individual, who is deemed, to have had a consistent high level of performance in a particular sport during the season under review, but has not met the standard necessary for a Full Blue. The following information can be used to indicate this:

• National representation (Age Group/Level)

• Scottish Student Sports representation (Age Group/Level)

• Regional/District representation (Age Group/Level)

A club may award colours to any individuals they deem have served the club well during the season under review. It would be expected that typically, in a single yeat the nominee has given a significant contribution, of quality or quantity, to the success of the club. Over a number of years, the nominee must have held committee positions and carried them out to the success of the club. For the purposes of Colours Awards, the Sports Executive will be considered as a section. The Awards Convenor checks these decisions, and the Awards Committee ratifies the decisions.

For an individual, who has had a strong connection with the University of Strathclyde, or the Sports Union, and has shown an outstandingly high level of sporting achievement. An Honorary Blue can be awarded in either situation: A student was not recognised while at the University despite meeting the Full Blue criteria. A graduate of the University who has gone on to show an outstandingly high level of sporting achievement.)

For an individual who has shown an outstanding service to a particular club. This may include holding a number of official roles within the section i.e. coaching, officiating. This will normally be over several seasons. Honorary Life Membership of Club shall not be awarded to a current student of the University of Strathclyde.

For an individual who has shown an outstanding service, or impact, to multiple clubs or to the Sports Union. This will normally be over several seasons. Honorary Life Membership of The Sports Union shall not be awarded to a current student of the University of Strathclyde.