The SUSU Athletic Union had a problem. Despite their very large and talented cohort of sportspeople, having 80 disparate groups with no unifying identity made it difficult to foster a Southampton sporting identity and ambition, especially at Varsity competitions.
To help solve their problem, the Athletic Union applied for funding from the Education Enhancement Fund (EEF), which supports innovative and creative project ideas led by anyone in the University that add value to the overall student experience and that help to make Southampton distinctive. The fund is supported through a small proportion of student fees and is also topped up by annual donations made by the University’s alumni community and other supporters.
Through securing enthusiastic support from the Fund’s Advisory Group, SUSU received an award of over £17k, enabling the creation of a ‘Team Southampton’ brand fostering core values, and production of new kit for all the sports teams. The kit was launched at Varsity in March 2014, where Team Southampton brought home the Varsity Champions Trophy.
‘The EEF has helped establish a student community who share a common interest – we now have a recognisable visual identity and brand to promote the great achievements of our athletes. In addition the project will have saved students over £80,000 as the playing wear is of the highest standard and was given to students for free!’ says Evan Whyte (outgoing VP Sports Development).
If you have an exciting project in mind which might fit within the EEF criteria, the next bid deadline is Wednesday 1 October 2014 – so get your bid in now!