University of Stirling: To be the best, you train at the best venue.
This stunning campus in the heart of Scotland offers a one-stop solution for teams, clubs and organisers
University of Stirling has long-since been recognised as one of the best sports universities in the UK; indeed, it has boasted the illustrious title of Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence since July 2008 and has produced many world-class athletes who have gone on to win titles at the highest level – including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
This exemplary record has been recognised once again with the University of Stirling crowned as the UK’s Sports University of the Year 2020 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Of course, as well as the current student body, and the athletes who regularly train at Stirling, visiting sports teams also benefit from the world-class facilities and excellence across sports performance, research and education.
From days away for dedicated amateur clubs to week-long training camps for some of Scotland and the UK’s most well-known teams, University of Stirling Venues can offer tailor-made solutions for all. Our aim is to promote sporting excellence and to nurture the partnerships that will have long-term benefits from club level sports all the way to national league performances.
One example is the long-standing relationship with rugby at University of Stirling, going back to 2004 when we hosted the Scottish Rugby First Team’s summer training camp. More recently, we have facilitated various events ranging from the Scottish Rugby Annual Conference to a refereeing course, regional sports events to the Junior Touch Tournament; and for the past three years the Scotland under 18s women’s training camps have all been held at our scenic, award-winning campus.
Neil Graham, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Training and Education commented –
“Because we attract delegates from all over Scotland we need a central location to make attending as easy as possible. University of Stirling is fantastic for this very reason. Once there, everything is in close proximity and the meeting rooms offer great IT resources with staff support. Our residential groups find the catering and accommodation first-class and we've developed an excellent relationship with the staff at the Stirling Court Hotel.”
Alongside the superior flood-lit rugby pitches, there is a high-quality fitness and strength provision, designed specifically to facilitate and support off-season or pre-season sports camps. There are also plenty of additional sporting features for keen athletes to enjoy in their down time, including squash, tennis, badminton, and basketball courts; a 50m Olympic pool; a 400m athletics track; and a nine-hole golf course.
All of these facilities were put to great use in summer 2018 when we hosted the Special Olympics GB Games. This incredible event saw some 1,200 athletes, 400 coaches and 500 volunteers on campus with us for 4 days, and it was our privilege to share in this momentous occasion with them all.
Laura Smith OBE, Special Olympics GB Games Director fed back to us following the event.
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you did for us, prior, during and after our event. This was by far Europe’s biggest disability sporting event of the year and even when specific asks were required, your team went above and beyond, they smiled and made it happen. Your overall focus on customer satisfaction is unrivalled.”
“Many comments have been made about it being the best games we have ever had, the venue as a whole, the opening ceremony, the sports, the catering but most of all the people and this is very much a tribute to your team who very much believed in our goal, our vision and our passion.
“So, thank you for the time, energy and passion in supporting our Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games. No words can capture the magic of the games and the spirit of all involved. Thanks to every one of you for playing YOUR part in making the games a success”.
One of the many reasons the Games were such a success is down to the carefully designed infrastructure of our campus. Entirely self-contained, the campus delivers a one-stop solution for residential camps. Over the summer months there are 2000 on-campus bedrooms with accommodation options including chalets, single bedrooms and four-star apartments. Coupled with this, the team’s expertise in hosting summer schools and training camps ensures athletes of all ages enjoy a well-rounded, energetic, and safe experience.
Katy Batley of Alnwick Dolphins, a local team who recently stayed with us for a summer camp agrees.
“We had a 2 day swimming camp at Stirling Uni and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. The pool, sports, catering and accommodation staff all went out of their way to welcome us. The kids loved the food and booking was easy and well supported. Thank-you!”
All of this, and a great choice of food outlets, arts centre complete with cinema, and over 15 miles of biking and walking trails makes it easy to see why so many sporting clubs and training camps choose University of Stirling as their first choice destination.
Teams and clubs booking for Summer 2020 onwards will gain the added benefit of the University of Stirling’s stunning £20M transformation project which is on track to enhance the provision even further with a new, iconic sports complex as a central focus point.
University of Stirling Venues is a sub-brand of the University of Stirling; by choosing to book your training camp with us, you are helping build for the future. All surplus income delivered by the University of Stirling Venues is reinvested into the University to help ensure an outstanding experience for both current and future students.
About The Time’s Accolade:
It is the first time a Scottish university has received the distinguished accolade of UK Sports University of the Year, and it builds on Stirling’s longstanding designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
The landmark announcement recognises the University’s key role in producing a host of star athletes over the years – from Duncan Scott, Jane Ross and Colin Fleming, to Catriona Matthew, Marc Austin and Gordon Reid.
For more information on Sports Training Camps, Events or Conference facilities for the sporting industry please contact our team: 01786 466000, stirlingvenues@stir.ac.uk.
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