Phil Attwell honoured by BUCS

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) honoured Phil with the Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Sport which celebrates ‘a remarkable individual who has made a significant contribution to student sport’.

The award pays tribute to Phil’s work both with the University of Exeter and at a national level. BUCS Head of Sports Programmes Mark Brian commented: “It gives me great pleasure to present Phil with this award. I have known him for a long time now and he has always been someone who has given back to the organisation [BUCS].

“Most of Phil’s positions throughout his time volunteering in university sport have been elected and I believe that this reflects his character and personality. He is extremely pragmatic and is a rare breed of person who can see beyond his own institutional views and look at the benefits on a national level.”

Phil has been central to the delivery of student sport since 1998, working for BUSA (now BUCS). He has since acted as National Team Manager at the British University Games in 1999 and 2000, chaired the National Sports Committee, been Deputy Chef de Mission at the World University Games, overseen the creation of the new BUCS organisation, and held a position on the BUCS Board.

Since he joined the University of Exeter as Director of Sport in 2000, Phil has overseen a transformation of the student sports offering. Over £20million has been invested in new facilities and services which have seen noticeable results. For the last five years that University has cemented its position as a top 10 sporting institution nationally and now sees a third of the student body participating in sporting activities.

Phil commented: “It’s a real honour to be given this award. The advancement of student sport is something that has always been close to my heart. I’m lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with some exceptional people during my time with BUCS and University of Exeter Sport and together we have made significant steps towards the advancement of higher education sporting programmes which will benefit 1000s of young people across the country.”