Why vote for me?
Hi, I am Matt Smith a 3rd year Politics and International relations student, thanks for taking the time to read about why I’m running for VP Sports.
Sport has gifted me with countless opportunities and the best friends I could have asked for. That is exactly why I’m running to be your VP Sports. Every week seems to lead up to a BUCS Wednesday, which gives everyone the opportunity to meet friends and release some of the stresses that University throws at us. I want as many people as possible to feel the same passion and excitement I have about sport at University.
I have gained vast amounts of experience in participating and leading sports clubs at the University, having filled the roles of Club Captain and Tour Secretary at the Men’s cricket club and Men’s vice-captain at the Table Tennis club. These experiences have helped me have a great understanding of the sometimes-tricky logistics that can be required to run a sports club. Effective recruitment strategies led to an increase in participation of over 50% at the Cricket club. I would love to transfer these strategies that we have used to all the other sports teams at Southampton.
I know all too well the struggle club members, committees and presidents have been through this year. Underfunded clubs, increasingly large workloads on committees, and a lacklustre bunfight are just some of the issues that must be tackled. Therefore, I am passionate to change things for the better next year in an attempt to regain the incredible passion and love everyone has for sport here at Southampton.
Communication is vital when attempting to run clubs; through good communication, you can improve integration between SUSU and clubs, as well as dealing with issues quickly. During my time at university, I have sometimes felt the union and committees are working against one another. A well-functioning union should see these two working in tandem. One way I plan to facilitate this is by dropping into committee meetings of clubs every so often. This would give me the opportunity to receive instantaneous feedback which will help me become aware of what clubs’ issues are without them having to come to me - a more proactive approach.
I’m someone who is not afraid to ask those awkward questions at meetings and tell people above me how it is. I think this is vital for a good VP sports as they need to effectively represent the sports teams at Southampton. I would love nothing more than to use my passion and love for sport to make the already brilliant sports clubs here at Southampton even better (well and of course to lead Team Southampton to another huge varsity win over Portsmouth).
If the words in my statement resonate with you, and you share the same belief as me that I will make a positive impact on sport at Southampton University, then vote for me. Together, we can make a difference, and move in the right direction. #SmithyForSports