What a stunning evening the Athletics Union (AU) dinner was this year. Celebrating all those involved, from club members, committees, to coaches. Reflecting on all the 2025-2026 season has brought so far. With cricket still to play, the year isn’t quite finished yet for our sports and we can’t wait to see how they all get on.
The AU Dinner awards was hosted by Joe Burrell, who presented a speech commemorating the highs and lows of the season with notable mentions to a few individuals and clubs who have been excellent this year, alongside those that have been a big part of his universityexperience as a student and VPAB.
With over 230 nominations received, narrowing these down to a shortlist of 4, for each of the 11 awards was a welcome challenge. We have over 500 students who take part in the AU, so a huge congratulations to those who were highlighted by their peers and/or staff membersfor their contribution this season.
Before the shortlisted awards began, the Gold accredited clubs were announced. These being Bucks Badminton, BNU Basketball, BNU Swans, BNU Dance, Bucks FC, Bucks WFC, Bucks Men’s Hockey, Bucks Women’s Hockey, Bucks Netball and Bucks Men’s Rugby. Showcasing all the hard work our club committees have done this year to promote and highlight their clubs.
RAG Contributor of the Year
Sponsored by: P&W Commercials
Winner: BNU Dance
 |
BNU Dance absolutely raised the stakes at this year’s Bucks competition, bringing energy, passion, and plenty of sparkle to the stage! Not only did they deliver a fantastic and successful dance competition, but they also kept the excitement going with a raffle. Their efforts paid off, raising much-needed funds while creating a fun, vibrant atmosphere for everyone involved. From stunning performances to big smiles all around, BNU Dance truly turned the event into something special. |
Most Improved Player of the Year
Sponsored by: Sub TV
Winner: Alesha White
Alesha has shown incredible growth over these past two years, progressing from starting out as just a member of Pom to earning a place on both Main Cheer and Pom this year. She began with limited cheer knowledge but has consistently worked hard to elevate her technique, confidence, and overall performance quality. Alesha regularly books extra studio time to practice, studying competition videos to refine her skills further. Her dedication now extends to supporting her teammates, helping others learn and understand choreography.
Fresher of the Year
Sponsored by: Buckinghamshire New University Gateway Gym
Winner: Ramzy Mkusa
Ramzy has been an exceptionally active member of the Men’s Hockey team this year, contributing across multiple positions and supporting the squad with consistent effort and strong gameplay, including several key assists and goals. He regularly supports newer players, bringing a calm, friendly, and encouraging presence to every session. Alongside his commitment to Hockey, Ramzy volunteers within the local community and takes part in various union activities. His positivity, reliability, and willingness to get involved have made him a respected and appreciated member of the AU community.
Coach of the Year
Sponsored by: Angel Executive Travel LTD
Winner: Richard Collins
 |
Rich has taken on a significant role this season, coaching both the Women’s and Men’s Badminton teams with consistency and dedication. The Women’s team achieved second place and the Men’s team finished third, reflecting strong development across both squads. Rich offers individual coaching outside regular sessions to help players develop their skills and confidence. He also runs in‑house tournaments and stays in close contact with SU staff to ensure teams have the equipment and support they need. His commitment has earned him great respect from those he coaches. |
Team of the Year
Sponsored by: Matrix
Winner: BNU Men's Basketball
The Men’s Basketball team delivered a dominant league campaign, finishing as champions after accumulating 27 league points across 10 matches. They lost only one fixture all season, securing nine wins and demonstrating exceptional consistency throughout. Across thosegames, the team scored an impressive 791 points, averaging nearly 80 points per match, and closed the year with a points difference of 184—one of the strongest margins in recent seasons. Their statistical output, discipline, and sustained performance highlight a squad that excelled collectively and set a highly competitive standard.
Bucks Spirit of Sport Award
Winner: Johannes Roche
Johannes played an important role in supporting the AU, contributing to several clubs through his reliability, work ethic, and willingness to help wherever needed. He captained the Men’s Badminton team with motivating team talks, helping the squad secure more victories than in recent seasons. In addition to this, he represented Men’s/Mixed Hockey, and Men’s Volleyball regularly, often playing multiple matches in a single day sometimes straight after each other when teams were short. His consistent involvement positively impacted all 3 clubs within the AU.
Captain of the Year
Sponsored by: A&A travels
Winner: Kiyara Fernando
Kiyara has shown remarkable dedication in establishing and leading the Women’s Basketball team, rebuilding the squad from the ground up in their first season back in BUCS for several years. She brought together new players, created a welcoming environment, and ensured everyone felt included and supported from the start. Her consistency, communication, and commitment allowed the team to develop, compete, and grow in confidence throughout the year. Kiyara’s leadership has been central to forming a cohesive group and giving the team a strong foundation for the seasons ahead.
Committee Member of the Year
Sponsored by: Westies Dry Cleaners
Winner: Gemma Finch
Gemma has been the cornerstone of her committee this year, playing a key role in rebuilding the group after summer and keeping everyone on track with accreditation requirements. She has taken responsibility for coordinating members for competitions, ensuring the club stayed organised and prepared throughout the season. Alongside these responsibilities, she has continued her work as a coach, balancing both roles with reliability and commitment. Gemma’s steady involvement and supportive approach have strengthened the club’s structure and contributed to a positive experience for its members.
Sportswoman of the Year
Winner: Keira Goody
Keira has delivered an outstanding competitive season, finishing the year with six competition trophies including first, second, and third place results, alongside individual recognition as best performer and best dancer. Beyond results, she showed full commitment to every team she represented, approaching each rehearsal and performance with focus and professionalism. As a fresher and soloist, Keira balanced ambition with humility, maintaining a positive mindset and supporting those around her throughout the season. Her consistency, dedication, and composure made her performances stand out consistently.
Sportsman of the Year
Sponsored by: Reading Rockets
Winner: Archie Edge
Archie’s season in Men’s Basketball was marked by strong performances throughout. Being named Player of the Game in every league fixture he played in, averaging an outstanding 41 points per game and playing a key, decisive role in the team’s league‑winning campaign,winning nine of ten matches. Across seven of those matches, Archie scored 287 points, including 109 in the opening three games, establishing a high scoring benchmark. His competitiveness, scoring ability, and repeated impact on results highlight an individual whose performances set high standards.
Club of the Year
Sponsored by: Printlab
Winner: Bucks Men’s Rugby
 |
Men’s Rugby has delivered a positive and well‑managed year, built on teamwork, consistency, and high collective standards. On the pitch, the squad secured two wins, marking clear improvement. Off the pitch, the club fostered a supportive and united environment, ensuring members felt looked after throughout the season. Rugby was highly active within the AU, contributing extensively to RAG and volunteering. Strong leadership and shared responsibility ensured the club remained organised and forward‑focused, continuing to represent the AU positively. |
Outstanding Contribution to University Sport
Winner: Jessica Bradbury
This year’s winner Jessica Bradbury came to prominence in their first year, a student with varied interests she didn’t just join one club. Soon establishing themselves into their chosen interests, they became a valued member. Whilst their second year was interrupted this person still got involved, with whatever they could. It was in her third year she shone brightest. Being chair, she was the driving force behind everything they did. Leading by example, setting the framework for accreditation and didn’t just tick the boxes but blew them out the water. Never one to do things by halves Jess worked tirelessly to make sure all her members were given and took up every opportunity offered. She helped numerous clubs that she wasn’t a part of, be it giving lifts to training, scoring for Netball on a weekly basis and running flexibility sessions in the run up to Varsity. Over the next 2 years as VPA, Jess helped set up new societies and worked with clubs to give them the best experience possible. Often attending volunteering sessions, as well as taking a lead in getting more green spaces on campus, she also organised and fronted Movember raising just under £2000. For the past 3 years Jess has given back to her club of choice by being a choreographer. In her first year as Tap Choreographer, Jess was nominated for Coach of the year.
A massive congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist, and a big well done to our winners this year. We couldn’t be prouder of the passion, hard work, and dedication you’ve shown to Bucks and your club throughout the year.