Active wellbeing for all in new vision for SportsPark

New ways and places to get involved in sport and active wellbeing at the University are planned to bring its benefits to more staff, students and the community.

The SportsPark, based on Whiteknights campus, has launched a strategy for making sport and active wellbeing a bigger part of everyday life at the University for staff as well as students.

This includes more inclusive exercise classes and sessions, new ways to be active outdoors on campus, and more opportunities for growth .

The plans are intended to support the University’s strategic ambitions, including supporting our community and making us more competitive as a University.

Plans outlined in the vision include:

• Enhancing the experience of SportsPark users through improved facilities and digital apps.
• New sport and exercise sessions aimed at breaking down barriers to participation, such as women-only and staff-only classes.
• Strengthening the partnership between the SportsPark and Reading Students’ Union to provide more opportunities for students in sports clubs.
• Integrating with academic staff for teaching and research purposes, and developments linked to health, physical activity and nutrition.
• Raising the profile of sport at Reading by holding events and celebrating achievements.
• More opportunities for staff and students to be spectators at matches.
• Exploring ways to make outdoor exercise a feature of Whiteknights campus.
• Expanding the Varsity contest with Oxford Brookes into new sports to make this year’s the biggest ever.
• More sport-related volunteering and opportunities for students.

Sarah Humphreys, Director of Sport & Active Wellbeing, said: “An improved SportsPark experience is another reason for students to choose Reading, as well as being something our internal and external communities can unite around.

“In the longer term, we want sport to be a bigger part of the University’s identity. These plans are about aligning our sporting and research pedigree and providing more opportunities for our students to develop outside the classroom.

“Many of our staff members may not be aware that our services exist for them as much as students, so we will be better highlighting opportunities and helping staff feel welcome. We also want to change the perception that all exercise happens at the SportsPark, by providing new ways to get active outdoors on our beautiful campus.”

• Read more: New gym at Greenlands campus now open.

Follow the SportsPark on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram to find out more about the plans as they develop.