WSA founder Jordan Guard and commercial advisor Phil Benton have been selected as judges for the prestigious 2022 BUCS Awards in July.
The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) organisation has been at the forefront of world-class higher education sport for over a century.
Their annual awards feature 12 categories which acknowledge a range of sport-related achievements; including, but not limited to, athletic performances, coaching successes, digital engagement and the championing of diversity and inclusion.
“I’m delighted to sit on the judging panel for the 2022 BUCS Awards,” says WSA founder and former University of Bath footballer Guard.
“After competing in the top BUCS leagues throughout my time on the University of Bath Women’s Football team, I understand, first hand, how the organisation can shape a student-athlete’s life.
“BUCS is the reason that Wednesday is still my favourite day of the week and I’m thrilled to be able to give back, in helping them to recognise and champion elite talent.”
Benton, who is also a keen hockey player and joined the WSA following 25 years of high-profile work with adidas, said that he was “honoured” to join the panel with Guard.
“I have seen at first hand through family members, the sport I play, as well as the working and sporting environment I have been exposed to, how BUCS has enhanced lives by enabling people in higher education to reach their potential.
“Be it through participating or volunteering, encouraging high-level competition within higher education or supporting social / recreational sport, BUCS is the most active University community in the world and I am very pleased to be in a small way supporting that.”
Guard added; “It’s great to also be sat on the panel, representing the Women’s Sports Alliance along side Sky Sports, The Times and England Netball representatives.”
The pair join 25 other judges in a panel which consists of athletes, journalists, administrators and industry leaders who will analyse the strength of the nominees before delivering their final verdicts.
Nominations for the 2022 Awards are now open and will close on 19 May.
The 2022 award ceremony will take place on 6 July at BUCS Conference. You can find out more information about the event, as well as the full awards list, via BUCS official website.
