The squad has also benefitted from access to the University’s elite support services – including sports science insights and musculoskeletal assessments to combat injury and allow safer rehabilitation – which help the players reach their full potential.

Derek Hardman, joint head coach with Craig Richards, believes the partnership has had a positive impact on players and staff.

He said: “We’re really blessed to have such a great facility on our doorstep and we’re really grateful to Edge Hill for supporting us.

“The facilities are second to none and as a group and a squad, with the nature of what we are looking for, this is perfect.”

Jodie Cunningham, club captain and head of women’s pathways and performance, praised the “fantastic” facilities available for the first-team and academy sides to utilise.

Speaking at a recent visit to the Ormskirk campus, she said: “Edge Hill have been so supportive of our women’s section and our pathway for our academy teams and under 16s, so it’s just great to get out on the field here, ready for the season ahead. 

“It’s such a good sports university and having professional teams like ourselves here just proves how good the facilities are and how passionate Edge Hill is about encouraging young girls to take part in sport.

“We’ve got girls from the team who study here so being able to see that relationship and how fantastic the University is, is brilliant.”

Edge Hill students Alyx Bridge, Caitlin Barrow, Amy Taylor and Lily Byrne are all members of the ‘Red V’ squad and are all combining rugby with their academic studies.

Back row player Alyx, who studies BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, said: “Having access to Edge Hill’s pitches means we’ve been able to play 13-a-side and under 19s on grass pitches, even though we train at night.”

Caitlan, who is studying towards a BSc (Hons) Educational Psychology degree, said: “There is such a wide range of facilities, like the video room, so we can share opinions, see different strategies and how we can utilise each other’s skills, putting it into practice on the field.”

Half Back Amy, a PGCE Secondary Teacher Training student, added: “Edge Hill staff are all very supportive of our study and playing rugby alongside, it’s really helpful to have the University behind you.”

Edge Hill’s Department of Sport and Physical Activity provides a variety of pathways to meaningful careers in sport, from teaching in schools to coaching elite athletes, sports development to sports therapy. Academic opportunities are backed up by outstanding facilities including the Sport Centre, a 25-metre swimming pool, competition-standard athletics track, sports halls, and grass and 3G pitches, which are all available for public use.

Andrew Hampson, sports services manager, said: “We work very closely with St Helens, and it’s brilliant to see this partnership continue to grow, particularly with several Edge Hill students proudly representing the club as players.

“Having an elite women’s rugby team regularly training at our Sport Centre not only highlights the standard of our facilities but also reinforces the clear pathways available within the women’s game.

“Our Grounds Maintenance team also do an exceptional job in keeping the grass pitches at an elite level, ensuring the players train on surfaces that meet the highest performance standards.

“By bringing elite sport into Edge Hill, we hope to inspire the next generation of female athletes and demonstrate what is possible in a truly world-class sporting environment.”

If your club is looking to enhance athlete performance, reduce injury risk and explore sports science support, contact edgehillsportadmin@edgehill.ac.uk.

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The University boasts impressive state-of-the-art sports facilities which have been regularly used by professional athletes across a wide range of sports.

The offer also extends to the public, and later this year, Edge Hill University is delighted to welcome more than 2,000 children each weekend to play football on the University’s pitches through a partnership with the West Lancashire Junior Football League.

The aim of the collaboration is to help shape the future of grassroots football in the region and is a shining example of the University’s commitment to support our community.

Joe Nicholson, Director at West Lancashire Junior Football League, said: “The partnership with Edge Hill University has been a game-changer for the league. Their excellent facilities and genuine commitment to community sport have allowed us to grow in both size and quality, giving thousands of young players the best possible footballing experience.”

For the 2025-26 season, more than 250 teams across all areas of the North West from the age of five to 16 will play at Edge Hill campus, based in Ormskirk.

Kevin Moss, manager of grassroots team, Town Green, said: “The partnership has significantly enhanced the footballing programme and will ensure games remain playable, safe and enjoyable for all.

“With access to some of the area’s leading sports facilities, the league now benefits from safer, high-quality pitches that uphold strong safeguarding standards. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing a safe, professional, and inclusive environment where players can develop and thrive.”

Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager at Edge Hill University, added: “I believe it’s incredibly important for the University to maintain strong ties with the West Lancashire community. One meaningful way we do this is by opening our facilities to local grassroots football teams.

“We recognised a significant gap in accessible, high-quality sports facilities for these teams, and we were proud to step in and support.

“By working closely with the community, we’re helping ensure that children can experience the joy of football.

“This partnership reflects the University’s commitment to supporting young people in the area. In a time when children face increasing pressures, giving them the chance to play sports freely and with a smile is something truly special.

“Every child deserves access to sport, and through our collaboration with the community, we’re proud to help make that possible.”

Below are the sports facilities on offer at Edge Hill University…

Swimming pool

A 25-metre pool with six lanes, each with a starting block and optional turning board.

Sports halls

Three four court sports halls with spectator galleries (a double sports hall in the Sports Centre building and one hall in the Wilson building).

Gymnasium

A gymnasium located in the Wilson Building with a wooden sprung floor and spectator gallery.

Dance studio with sprung floor

Designed for reduced impact our dance studio with sprung floor is used for a wide range of activities and classes.

Athletics track

Eight-lane floodlit competition standard track with 2 x 10 lane straights and full field events.

Grass pitches

This includes five high quality grass pitches (one track infield) for football and rugby.

3G football/ rugby pitch

IFA 1* full sized floodlit football pitch suitable for high level football. With 3G synthetic grass, team dugouts and three small pitches across its width. The World Rugby accredited surface has union markings and removable posts suitable for training and matches.

3G football courts

Three floodlit football courts, each 40m x 20m with fixed recessed goals and 3G long pile synthetic grass, suitable for small-sided football. Also accredited surface for rugby training.

Hockey pitch

A full-sized floodlit pitch with short pile carpet of national match play standard. Marked with three small-sided football pitches across the width of the pitch.

For full details on the University’s facilities and how to book, please CLICK HERE.

To watch Edge Hill Sport’s YouTube channel, please CLICK HERE.

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The multi-sport event will feature competitions in various combat sports, including judo, karate taekwondo and kickboxing, between the best university athletes across the continent.

Elizabeth said: “I am excited to be heading back to EUSA competition this year to fly the flag for our University.

“Knowing I have the backing of the University and access to such amazing training facilities has made all the difference.

“I can’t wait to experience the competition in Warsaw, meet everyone, and give it my all, and hopefully bring a medal home.”

The 22-year-old from Southport, who is working on a PhD in performance analysis, started taekwondo over seven years ago as something to do while her mum was working, and she is now hooked.

In 2024, Elizabeth secured two gold medals and a silver medal at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Taekwondo Championships.

This year she was recognised at the Team Edge Hill Sports Awards, receiving the ‘Personality of the Year’ accolade. The award, nominated by sports students and then shortlisted by a panel of judges made up from Team Edge Hill and Sport staff, aims to recognise the achievements of a top sports performer within their competitive field.

Lee Nelson, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Elizabeth’s supervisor has said:

“We congratulate Elizabeth for qualifying to compete at the European Combat Championships in Poland and for winning the ‘Personality of the Year’ award at the Edge Hill Sports Awards.

“Elizabeth continues to compete at a high level and complete applied performance analysis work in industry alongside her ongoing doctoral work and associated graduate teaching assistant responsibilities.”

Elizabeth studied BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development at Edge Hill, and is currently doing a PhD in performance analysis (GTA). She hopes to teach sports internationally when she finishes.

Elizabeth is currently training three times a week towards the championship and has set up a go fund me to help with the costs of the trip.

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The twice-a-week, women-only sessions – which include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), aerobics, Pilates and yoga – are in support of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, which aims to tackle the gender activity gap. 

21-year-old Zoe said: “There were originally only a handful of women taking part but I managed to get numbers up to around 25, encouraging more students and women from the wider community. 

“The feedback has been brilliant. The ladies who come love that they don’t have to think about what they’ll do in the gym. They come, they exercise and then go home again.

“It’s lovely for me because I get to see the same faces every week. People ask how you are and if you’ve enjoyed your holiday. There’s a great sense of community.” 

The Excellence Scholarship also recognises Zoe’s commitment to encouraging the next generation of gymnasts. As part of her Duke of Edinburgh award, she voluntarily coached children up to 18 years old, and continues to do so during school holidays. 

Zoe, from Lytham St Annes, is a huge advocate for the power of exercise in maintaining good mental health. 

“I’ve been a gymnast my entire life and competed nationally. I love sharing my passion. There’s something really special about being part of a young person’s sporting journey and seeing them fall in love with gymnastics.

“As I’ve always been into sport and fitness, I didn’t think about its impact on my mental health until COVID stopped me from doing gymnastics. It made me realise how bad my anxiety can get when I’m not exercising. I’ve had days when I can’t leave my bedroom. 

“Through the classes I run, I’ve seen the benefits of exercise in other people too. We’re collectively healthier and mentally doing better when we’re moving.” 

Zoe intends to put the scholarship funding towards a Masters in physiotherapy once she graduates. A module in clinical exercise physiology and health as part of her Edge Hill undergraduate degree has inspired her to become an intensive care physiotherapist. 

“Learning about the long-term diseases people suffer and their prevalence in the UK opened my eyes to the opportunities in healthcare. 

“As a clinical physiotherapist, I can care for people who are at their most vulnerable after surgery or being in a coma, supporting them to move and get physically stronger. It’s a way I can make a difference.” 

Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate determination, commitment and achievement outside their studies, as part of a broad programme of scholarships for prospective and current students, recognising practical and academic excellence. 

Edge Hill’s BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), covers the scientific principles – biomechanics, physiology and psychology – that underpin performance. Students also learn how to develop a variety of training programmes.

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