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.

The post Edge Hill University backs St Helens women’s rugby Super League ambitions appeared first on Edge Hill University.

Winter on campus 2025

We hope that you’ve had a great first term with us and that we’ve been there for you if you needed any information, advice, or support. As we take a break for the festive season, we’ve put together some useful information about how student services, support and facilities will operate.

We wish you a wonderful winter break. And we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Winter Wellness Station, Catalyst

Are you keen for some cosy crafts to keep you content over the Christmas period? Keep out the cold and come to Catalyst. Visit the Winter Wellness Station and enjoy cosy crafts, festive fun, and games throughout the vacation period. There will also be useful information, advice and resources for you to take advantage of, as well as the chance the pick up some fun freebies (subject to availability). No booking needed, simply drop in with a friend or on your own for some peaceful you-time.

And remember the Student Life Portal is available throughout the year with events on and off campus. Log in, explore, fill your vacation period with fun and start organising your calendar for 2026.

Housekeeping

The last housekeeping visit will be on Tuesday 23 December 2025, when housekeepers will provide each cluster with a supply of bin bags. You will need to put bags of rubbish in the outdoor bin area located by your halls. If you are unsure of where your bin area is, you should ask your housekeeper in advance. If you are leaving halls for the break, please clear out the fridge and switch off all lights to conserve electricity and prevent any food from spoiling. Housekeeping will resume on Monday 5 January 2026.

Your health and wellbeing

You can get in touch with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team by emailing mentalhealthandwellbeing@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 650988.

Please be aware that the Wellbeing team are out of the office and will not be offering appointments from Tuesday 23 December 2025, returning on Monday 5 January 2026. Visit the Wellbeing webpages for more information, access to self-help resources, details about local healthcare services and to self-book appointments for the New Year.

Please check your local GP’s website for their opening times over the Christmas break. Remember you can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk to get medical help 24/7, including emergency prescriptions.

In an on-campus emergency, please call 07785 928 911 or 4227 from internal phones in halls.

Out of hours, the Samaritans provide confidential support 24 hours a day to any person in distress. They can be reached on 116 123.

If you need urgent support, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s Initial Response Service (IRS) is available 0800 013 0708. The service is available 24/7 and is operated by trained mental health professionals who will offer help, advice, mental health assessments, referrals and access to the Trust’s wider mental health services, including home treatment.

Shout’s 24/7 crisis service is also available by texting SHOUT to 85258.

Edge Well 24/7 is a confidential, 24/7 support service available to all Edge Hill students, every day of the year including 25 December 2025. If you are feeling overwhelmed by exam stress, mental health concerns, finances, relationships, or any other challenges, you can speak to a qualified professional for immediate support. Free structured therapy sessions are also available via phone or video. You can access support by:

Student Support team

We know some of you may be feeling that you:

• might not come back after Christmas
• are struggling with university pressure
• don’t know if you can cope

If you are feeling this way or are worried about any other aspect of your University experience, you can email the Student Support Team on studentsupportteam@edgehill.ac.uk

Appointments are available to book online up to and including Tuesday 23 December, then from Monday 5 January 2026, after the winter break.

The Student Support Team will be out of the office from 4pm Tuesday 23 December and return 9am Monday 5 January 2026. Any emails received during the Winter  break will be picked up on 5 January 2026 and responded to by 5pm 6 January 2026.

Campus support

Over the winter break, Campus Support are the first point of call for any issues on campus. The team are all first aiders, trained in mental health first aid and will be available 24/7 every day. Call 01695 584455 or text 07785 928 911 if you need any help or support.

Money advice

If you are experiencing financial hardship, our Money Advice Team are here to help. You can email them at MoneyAdvice@edgehill.ac.uk. Appointments are available to book online via the Money Advice webpage up to and including Tuesday 23 December, and will resume on Monday 5 January 2026 after the winter break.

The Money Advice Team will be out of the office from 4pm Tuesday 23 December 2025 and return 9am Monday 5 January 2026. Any emails received during the Christmas break will be picked up on 5 January and responded to by 5pm 6 January.

FM Helpdesk

Please see below for opening hours. The helpdesk will be close on at 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and return at 8am on Monday 5 January 2026. During this time, the FM Helpdesk number (01695 584455) will be answered by the Campus Support team who will assess any jobs, fix what they can, or contact the relevant maintenance team member as needed.

Edge Link bus

The last day of service for the Edge Link bus will be Friday 19 December 2025. The service will resume as normal from Monday 5 January 2026. Visit our travel pages to view the full timetable.

Campus opening times

Edge Hill Food

The post Winter on campus 2025 appeared first on Edge Hill University.

Biology facilities

Our facilities span three dedicated buildings and the surrounding campus grounds, providing students and researchers with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist equipment, and vibrant ecological study environments.

Students and researchers benefit from hands-on access to advanced instrumentation, including our dedicated Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy suite (JEOL imaging centre), open to both internal users and external partners. We also host four fully equipped cell culture suites within our new £17 million Life Sciences Building, one of which is designed specifically for undergraduate training.

For ecological and plant-based research, our facilities include dedicated growing facilities such as growth tents, 24 mini-greenhouses and a long-term drought exclusion experiment, supporting innovative work in plant physiology and ecosystem ecology. Our Green Flag–awarded campus offers extensive natural habitats, grasslands, ponds, and woodland, providing a living laboratory for ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and field-based learning.

We are proud to be the only university in the UK to host a National Plant Heritage Collection for British ferns, curated by our dedicated Horticultural Society.

Find out more about our facilities

Our laboratories are equipped with a wide range of analytical and molecular instruments to support research and teaching in biology and ecology.

JEOL imaging centre

The Edge Hill University JEOL imaging centre provides access to facilities and services in both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The centre is available to internal and external users from a range of backgrounds.

Find out more about our JEOL imaging centre

Growth tents and mini-greenhouses

Our facility includes dedicated mini greenhouses built to test and refine innovative glass coating materials. These controlled environments enable side-by-side comparison of coatings under natural light and real-world growing conditions. By monitoring temperature, humidity, and crop performance, researchers can assess how new coatings improve light transmission, reduce energy loss, and enhance plant productivity throughout the growing season.

Visit the department

Come and see our facilities for yourself by visiting us at our next open day.

The post Biology facilities appeared first on Edge Hill University.

The new podcast is co-hosted by Bellew’s close friend, and Edge Hill honorary doctorate, Chris Kirkland. The first series aims to open conversations about mental health within the university community and beyond.

Prior to filming, Bellew was given a tour of the University’s sports facilities, which are available for the public to use.

Ahead of the new academic year, the University, made a major investment in the fitness suite at Edge Hill Sports Centre.

Bellew praised the campus, stating, “It’s an amazing facility. The staff are fantastic, and the quality of the facilities speak for itself.

“Everything is on site at the Ormskirk Campus, it is like its own little city. There is an athletic track, which I have used before, and an unbelievable pool accompanied by a great gym.

“It has got everything that you could possibly need and a huge sports hall to accommodate community classes and sports.”

Earlier this year, Edge Hill University announced that it would be the new home for West Lancashire junior football league.

The University welcomes more than 2,000 children each weekend to campus to play on the football pitches, with the aim to help shape the future of grassroots football in the region.

Bellew continued: “I love that Edge Hill is committed to supporting community sports groups like this. And it’s a great venue for members of the public to visit. 

“Everything is in house, and it is so close. Ormskirk town centre is only just down the road, The University has everything that you need. The grounds are kept in fantastic condition, lovely walks and it is very rare that you have a university like that.”

Bellew is one of the most recognised figures in British boxing history, but he didn’t take the traditional route to the ring, and his career started later than many of his competitors.

Giving advice to mature students, who begin or return to higher education at the age of 21 or above, Bellew said: “My career took off later than most.

“I wanted to make sure that I had the right experience, and I was adequately ready to go into the pro-game.

“I was an amateur boxer and fought for my country around the world representing Great Britain and England but it’s all about if it’s the right time for you.

“In my mid-20s, I made my journey into the pro game, and I had all that experience of fighting the best amateurs in the world.

“My advice would be just give it everything you’ve got, you can’t fluke it, you must go through it. It’s a long, drawn-out process but stick with it and keep going.”

Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University as a mature student at one of our open days.

Watch Tony’s full tour below.

Below are the facilities available at Edge Hill Sports Centre.

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.

Watch a tour of Edge Hill’s sports facilities on our YouTube channel.

The post World Champion boxer praises University’s outstanding sports facilities appeared first on Edge Hill University.

The building will serve as a hub for research and skills development in areas such as biomedical science, biochemistry and plant science, and is designed to support the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals and bioscience innovators. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister for Skills praised Edge Hill University’s investment and vision:

“I was really impressed by the new Life Sciences building, which represents exactly the kind of ambition we need to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in science and innovation through our Plan for Change.

“Universities like Edge Hill are crucial to breaking down barriers to opportunity in their region while driving growth and opportunity in cutting edge industries nationwide.

“It’s great to see students getting hands-on experience of the world of work alongside advanced technical skills.” 

The new building is part of a wider transformation of Edge Hill’s expertise in science, which includes the advancement of research in cancer, neurobiology, genetic skin conditions and ageing, reinforcing the University’s growing reputation in health, medical and environmental research. 

Professor Michael Young, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, welcomed the Minister and highlighted the building’s role in shaping the future of life sciences:

“We are proud to be investing in facilities that match the excellence of our teaching and research.

“The Life Sciences building is not only a cornerstone of our campus but a springboard for new partnerships with industry, the NHS and research organisations – all focused on improving health, sustainability and scientific discovery.”

An exhibition entitled The Jones Nature Prints, created between 1876 and 1880 by Arthur Mowbray Jones of Bristol, was also unveiled in the building’s foyer. The collection celebrates the remarkable artistry and scientific precision of Jones’ pioneering and distinctive method of recording plants. These rare impressions capture the Victorian spirit of discovery which is still inspiring students, researchers and the wider university community today. 

The event follows Edge Hill’s success in the recent Guardian University Guide 2026 – the University ranked in the top 10 for biomedical science and biology, and placed top 20 for the percentage of students who were happy with their choice of university 15 months after graduation. 

Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University at one of our upcoming Open Days, and discover opportunities for continuing professional development, expert consultancy and knowledge exchange.

The post Minister for Skills officially opens Edge Hill’s new Life Sciences hub appeared first on Edge Hill University.

Laptop loans

Laptops are self issued using your library account and can be found in the lockers on the ground floor of the Catalyst building. You will need your Unicard to issue or return a laptop.

Please note: Laptops will not renew and must be returned on, or before, their due date. Once you return a laptop you can pick another up straight away, subject to availability.

Semester loan laptops

We understand that there are lots of circumstances where the overnight and two week loans will not be sufficient. In these cases you can apply for a semester loan laptop from the University.

Loans will be given the following due dates:

Items should be returned on or before the relevant date above.

You must have completed Stage 1 Enrolment to request a long loan.

Due to demand we cannot guarantee availability of a long loan laptop if your request is urgent or temporary (such as while your own laptop is repaired, or if you are waiting for student funding) In these circumstances you should use the two week or overnight loans available in Catalyst.

To be considered for a Semester loan laptop please complete the form below and we will be in touch.

The post Laptop loans appeared first on Edge Hill University.

Fitness Suite Facilities

Our fitness facilities have had a major makeover, and they’re now better than ever. Come and experience our freshly upgraded spaces, designed to inspire, motivate, and elevate your workouts.

Full range of Technogym equipment available

Chest press

The custom-designed Chest Press is ideal for working out the triceps, deltoids and pectoral muscles and makes strength training a simple, enjoyable and intuitive experience from a comfortable, ergonomic seat.

Quantity available: 1

Shoulder press

Shoulder Press is ideal for exercising the shoulders and arms and makes strength training a simple, enjoyable and intuitive experience from a comfortable, ergonomic seat.

Quantity: 1

Dual pectoral reverse fly

The reverse fly & dual pectoral machine target both pectoral and rear deltoid muscles on a single piece of equipment, thanks to the dual system technology. Offer more training options than ever while saving precious space.

Quantity available: 1

Low row

With Low Row, you can train the upper body muscles and biceps in a safe, effective way from a sitting position.

Quantity: 1

Lat machine

The multi-functional, custom-designed Lat Machine is ideal for working the upper limbs and the latissimus dorsi muscles in a safe, effective way from a seated position.

Quantity: 2

Leg curl

The Leg Curl helps you to work out hamstring muscles in a safe, effective way from a sitting position.

Quantity: 1

Leg extension

With Leg Extension, you can specifically work out the quadriceps without engaging the lower back in a safe, effective way from a comfortable sitting position.

Quantity: 1

Leg press

The biomechanical and ergonomic Leg Press allows you to strengthen the legs from a comfortable sitting position.

Quantity: 1

Dual abductor / adductor

Switch rapidly from abduction and adduction movements for all-round conditioning of hip muscles.

Quantity: 1

Kneeling easy chin dip

The new Kneeling Easy Chin Dip can be used with knee pad and weight-stack assistance or in a free bodyweight mode.

Quantity: 1

Dual adjustable pulley (DAP)

With user-friendly design and advanced biomechanics, Cable Stations Dual Adjustable Pulley enables you to perform explosive exercises focused on maximising strength and on building power and speed.

Ergonomic handles

The multi-angle handles for chin-ups offer diverse grip options to perform specific movements and engage different muscles. The integrated step makes reaching the handles simple.

Improve explosive strength

The innovative system creates a smooth and fluid movement so users can focus primarily on building strength and also on increasing power and speed.The special Power Mode elastic cable counteracts the inertia from the weight stack rebound, allowing users to perform explosive exercises safely and effectively.

One-hand adjustment

Dual Adjustable Pulley Performance features a patented Cable Exit System that enables effortless single-handed adjustment. Users can select from 36 possible cable positions according to their size and exercise. The Yellow Visual Set Up guides the user through any adjustments.

Pure low row (plate loaded)

Low Row offers the freedom and pure feel of free weights within a safe environment. It’s built to the highest standards in biomechanics, ergonomics and safety to activate the latissimus dorsi, biceps, posterior deltoids and trapezius muscles.

Quantity available: 1

Pure leg press (plate loaded)

The leg press offers the freedom and pure feel of free weights within a safe environment. It replicates the extension movement in a closed kinetic chain and is ideal to build muscle on the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus muscles.

Quantity available: 1

Pure hip thrust (plate loaded)

Laser-focused glute training. Pure Hip Thrust revamps an all-time favourite exercise.

Quantity available: 1

Pure shoulder press (plate loaded)

The Shoulder Press movement replicates the overhead press in the frontal plane and is ideal to build muscles on the deltoids, triceps and upper trapezius.

Quantity available: 1

Pure chest press (plate loaded)

Chest Press offers the freedom and pure feel of free weights within a safe environment. It’s built to the highest standards in biomechanics, ergonomics, durability and safety and is ideal for activating the pectoralis major, triceps and anterior deltoids muscles.

Pure rear kick (plate loaded)

The machine replicates the rear kick movement in a closed kinetic chain and is ideal for training gluteus, hamstrings and quadriceps effectively and safely.

Quantity available: 1

Pure dead lift (plate loaded)

Pure Deadlift is a versatile, easy to use, and compact workout station. It enables a multitude of exercises with its multiple handles and the Bulgarian squat cushion.

Quantity available: 1

Power rack platform

The Olympic Power Rack offers maximum workout versatility, allowing you to train multiple muscle groups in full safety.

Quantity available: 2

Half rack platform

The Olympic Power Rack offers maximum workout versatility, allowing you to train multiple muscle groups in full safety.

Quantity available: 2

Smith machine

The Multipower allows to perform a large variety of assisted exercises. The specific features of its counterbalanced barbell, locked in a vertical movement, make it suitable for beginner and advanced weightlifters alike.

Quantity available: 2

Quiet gym sessions

In our Fitness Suite, on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am – 11am we have two ‘quiet time’ sessions a week where we aim to make a quieter and less mentally stimulating environment through turning off the music, turning off the TVs, closing some of the blinds, and politely requesting that users try to keep noise down as much as feasibly possible.

The post Fitness Suite facilities appeared first on Edge Hill University.

As part of their camp, Argyle took full advantage of the University’s outstanding sports provision, including the Green Flag-awarded grass pitches, FIFA-approved 3G pitch, Technogym-equipped fitness suite, 25-metre swimming pool, and top-class double sports halls.  

The players also utilised specialist spaces for tactical match analysis in our on-site classrooms, preparing them for the competitive season ahead. 

During their stay on campus, Plymouth played a friendly against Wrexham Academy, the football club famously owned by Hollywood movie star Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney 

Jamie Lowry, Plymouth Argyle U18s Head Coach – who guided his side to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals last season, was full of praise for the University and its facilities. 

He said: “We chose to train at Edge Hill University because of the facilities and what they had to offer was fantastic. It’s in an ideal location so we were able to arrange fixtures easily against local clubs. 

“The staff at the University were extremely friendly and helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. 

“We used the grass pitches, which were in excellent condition, the gym and swimming pool to allow us to do all sorts of physical work with our players. The food was great – we had breakfast, lunch and evening meals on site. 

“We would highly recommend the facilities at Edge Hill to others. It is an elite facility that has friendly and welcoming staff.” 

Throughout their stay, the squad were accommodated in the University’s high-quality student residential halls—giving the team a complete campus experience in a professional and supportive environment. 

From early morning sessions in the gym to afternoon drills on the pitches, Edge Hill delivered an environment that allowed the young professionals to focus fully on their development and performance. 

Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager at Edge Hill University, commented: “It has been a privilege to welcome the Plymouth Argyle Academy Under-18s team to our facilities. Hosting such a well-known professional club for their pre-season training camp has been a fantastic experience. 

“The professionalism and energy shown by both the players and staff created a vibrant and positive atmosphere across campus. The team stayed in our high-quality student accommodation for the week and made full use of our state-of-the-art facilities. 

“This highlights that our facilities are not only versatile but also meet the standards required by professional sports teams.  

“From the quality of our playing surfaces and training areas to the support infrastructure, such as changing rooms, recovery zones, and performance analysis spaces, it’s clear that we can accommodate elite-level preparation and competition. 

“The smooth coordination of logistics, staff expertise, and attention to detail further demonstrates our capability to host professional teams effectively and confidently.” 

Whether for grassroots training camps or professional clubs preparing for the season ahead, Edge Hill’s comprehensive sport ecosystem is delivering excellence across football, rugby, athletics, and beyond. 

Facilities Available at Edge Hill University 

Swimming Pool 

A 25-metre pool with six lanes, each with starting blocks and optional turning boards. Includes health suite with sauna and steam room. 

Sports Halls 

Three four-court sports halls, each with spectator galleries, ideal for a wide variety of indoor sports. 

Gymnasium 

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

Dance Studio 

Purpose-built space with sprung floor designed for reduced impact and used for various dance and fitness classes. 

Athletics Track 

Eight-lane, floodlit, competition-standard track with two 10-lane straights and full provision for field events. 

Grass Pitches 

Five high-quality grass pitches – including one used for football and rugby within the athletics track infield. 

3G Football/Rugby Pitch 

FIFA 1* full-sized floodlit pitch with 3G surface, team dugouts and union markings.  
World Rugby accredited. 

3G Football Courts 

Three small-sided, floodlit, 40x20m courts with recessed goals and 3G long pile synthetic grass, suitable for football or rugby training. 

Hockey Pitch 

Full-sized, floodlit pitch with short pile carpet to national match play standard. Marked across with three small-sided football pitches. 

Fitness Suite 

An 80-station modern gym equipped with the latest Technogym technology. 

Edge Hill University: Where elite-level sport meets expert support. 

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. 

The post Plymouth Argyle Academy choose Edge Hill University for pre-season training camp  appeared first on Edge Hill University.

The University has transitioned to a cashless model based on data showing a significant decline in the use of cash, and to align with the broader University policy, and wider approach across the sector ensuring a consistent and standardised approach.

Are cashless payments actually faster and more efficient?

Yes. Although cash payments are instantaneous from a customer’s point of view, they require significant post-transaction processing. This includes counting, reconciling, and depositing funds via secure (and costly) collection services. Cashless systems eliminate these steps, streamlining operations and reducing overall costs.

Can the change really improve hygiene?

Yes. While no payment method is entirely free from contamination, reducing cash handling decreases contact points between staff and physical items, which contributes to a more hygienic service. This is particularly relevant in food service environments, where limiting unnecessary handling supports better hygiene standards.

How does going cashless improve campus security?

Transitioning to a cashless system reduces the amount of physical money on site and the need for staff to transport cash around campus, lowering the risk of attempted theft or robbery.

Does going cashless increase the risk of system failure?

No. Edge Hill uses UPAY, designed to minimise risk by offering a reliable and resilient payment solution. The infrastructure in place helps ensure continuity of service and mitigates the concerns of a single point of failure.

Will customers be charged more due to card fees?

No additional charges are passed on to customers for using card or digital payments. In fact, the fees involved in managing cash would result in a higher cost to customers if continued. The cashless model helps keep customer pricing more stable by reducing overall operational expenses.

What payment methods are accepted now the University is cashless?

We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as contactless payments including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and the UPAY app.

What if I don’t have a bank card or digital payment method?

Students and staff are encouraged to use the UPAY app, which allows pre-loading of funds and is widely accepted across campus.

The post Going cashless – FAQs appeared first on Edge Hill University.

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.

The post Edge Hill University to be new home for the West Lancashire Junior Football League appeared first on Edge Hill University.