The University of Stirling’s reputation for sporting excellence and promoting wellbeing was underlined this week – winning in three categories at the Scottish Student Sport Awards.
The Men’s First Football Team – who won three trophies this season and hit the headlines with an outstanding run in the Scottish Cup – won Team of the Year, and the side’s manager Chris Geddes was crowned Coach of the Year.
Stirling student and rugby player James Falls was bestowed the Volunteer of the Year award for his excellent work as an ambassador for testicular cancer charity, The Oddballs Foundation. As the first ever ambassador for the charity in Stirling, James has played a vital role in encouraging men to check themselves for signs of the disease.
Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director for Sport, said: “On behalf of everyone at the University of Stirling, I send my warmest congratulations to Chris and the football team on their phenomenal season, which has now culminated in them winning these two prestigious awards.
“It has been an excellent season for the footballers – they gave us that special day in the Scottish Cup, going toe-to-toe with Dundee United, and won the British Universities and Colleges Sport Premier North Division, the Queen’s Park Shield and the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.
“I am also absolutely delighted for James – who is playing a vital role in encouraging men here at the University, and in the local area, to get checked for signs of testicular cancer. This is a disease which affects far too many young men – and raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms is incredibly important in tackling this cancer head on. James’ dedication is to be admired and he is absolutely deserving of this award.
“The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence – and James, Chris and the football team live our values day in day out, and we’re incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved.”
Read more about the University Men’s First Football Team’s season here, and find out more about The Oddballs Foundation on its website.
Source: University of Stirling
