To celebrate the launch of Your Sport, Coventry University Students’ Union’s Chief Executive John Abell sat down to explain how the exciting opportunity to take on the operations of Sport at the University came about.
To celebrate the launch of Your Sport, Coventry University Students’ Union’s Chief Executive John Abell sat down to explain how the exciting opportunity to take on the operations of Sport at the University came about.
2025/26 saw a record election turn out from the student population and it’s this closeness to students that paved the way for the decision to be made last summer 2025.
“About three or four years ago, we did a big review across the University Group looking at sporting provision, how it was run in other universities, and the issues we found at the time,” John explains.
“One of the key findings was that lots of different parts of the university were running sport independently. So, we worked with the University to develop a sport strategy for the Coventry University Group. Because of the Students’ Union’s direct involvement with students, it was decided that Your Students’ Union should take over the direct running of sports across the group.”
“We want to make these the best facilities for our students”
Since then, work has been happening at pace behind the scenes with students and departments at Your Students’ Union to deliver the new Your Sport offer.
“There were some areas that needed investment. In particular, we've looked at the facilities up at Westwood. And, perhaps most significantly, we’ve introduced an exciting new membership system for sport — particularly for customers using the gym and sports hall facilities — to make it much more user‑friendly for students, so they can join and manage their membership more easily.”
“I think the biggest challenge facing our students is time.”
“Students are so committed to their course that finding time outside of that to work out, to join a club, or to run a club is difficult.
“Another obvious challenge facing students is finances and the rising cost of living. If we can make sport more affordable through combining club and gym memberships, I think that will really help our students engage and take part.”
You can watch the full interview with John on our Instagram