The first British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Conference to be held in North-East England brought higher education sport leaders to Durham, highlighting our growing reputation within university sport.
From national championship success to outstanding facilities, and opportunities for students of all abilities, sport is a key part of life at Durham.
The recent annual BUCS Conference brought together leaders from across the higher education sport sector. Being selected to host reflects our growing partnership with the national sporting body and the role we play in shaping the future of university sport.
Whether competing at the highest level, exploring new pursuits or enjoying sport recreationally, our students benefit from an environment that supports sporting success and participation alongside academic studies.
This is underpinned by consistent success in national competition. The 2025/26 academic year saw our sports teams win nine BUCS national championship titles across a range of sports, including American football, women's water polo, men's lacrosse, women's volleyball, women's indoor cricket, women's team kumite (karate), rowing and dryslope skiing. These achievements helped us to secure third place in the overall 2025/26 BUCS rankings.
The result marks the 14th consecutive year we have finished in the national top three, underlining our long-standing position among the UK's most successful universities for sport.
Our sporting ethos has also earned wider national recognition. We were named Sports University of the Year 2023 and subsequently University of the Year 2026, both by The Times and The Sunday Times.
Our partnership with BUCS has also continued to grow, with a two-year hosting agreement seeing us welcome major sporting events to Durham, including the BUCS Northern Conference Cup finals earlier this year. The 2026 BUCS Conference represents a further significant milestone in this relationship.
Conference delegates experienced first-hand the facilities, expertise, and sporting culture that make us one of the UK's leading universities for sport. The conference also provided an opportunity to showcase how sport contributes to student wellbeing, personal development and success during university life.
I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Durham University for hosting BUCS Conference 2026. It was a fantastic Conference that truly reflected the strength of the higher education sport sector.
While national success remains important, our approach to sport extends beyond competitive achievement. Participation, wellbeing and personal development sit at the heart of our sporting offer, giving students opportunities to stay active, build friendships and a sense of community, develop leadership skills and enrich their wider student experience.
From those looking to try something new, to athletes competing on the national stage, we are committed to creating opportunities for students to enjoy the benefits of sport alongside an outstanding education.
Hosting the BUCS Conference reinforces Durham's position as one of the UK's leading universities for sport and demonstrates the quality of experience available to students both on and off the field.
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Main article image: courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
The BUCS Conference 2026 saw delegates head to our Teaching & Learning Centre on Tuesday 7 July 2026 for the welcome address and first sessions. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
Stewart Ross, MBE for services to sport (2025), our Chief Operating Officer, and former Chair of both the UK HE Commercial and Business Association and UK He Sport Association, opened the Conference. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
Cath Bishop, Olympic rower, world, champion, and author of 'The Long Win' was the first keynote speaker on Tuesday 7 July. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
Delegates were able to make use of our sports facilities at the Maiden Castle Sports and Wellbeing Park. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
Montell Douglas, Olympian, Commonwealth medallist and BBC Gladiator was the first keynote speaker on Wednesday 8 July. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
Laura Cordingley (left), CEO of Chelsea Football Club Foundation; and Tim Hollingsworth OBE (right), British Paralympic Association Vice Chair took the first main session on 'Sport Leadership' on Thursday 9 July. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
We also welcomed back Emma Poulton, Founder of Sports Culture Consultancy Services and former Associate Professor from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Emma facilitated a breakout session on 'Club Culture: Educating, Supporting, Responding'. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
The Conference Awards ceremony was held at Van Mildert College on the evening of Thursday 9 July. Image courtesy of BUCS and Ben Lumley.
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