Charlie Bell - Vice President Sports

Being part of sport at Southampton has positively shaped my university experience and that is why I am standing for VP Sports. In my second year at Southampton, I was elected President of the Men’s Cricket. Taking on the responsibilities of leading a large club taught me quickly how much work happens behind the scenes to make sport function properly. It also showed me how powerful sport can be when the right environment is created for teams and individuals to thrive.

Alongside this, I have served this year as an Outdoor Team Sport Representative under the VP Sports. I have worked closely with clubs across different sports, listening to their concerns and representing their needs within the Students’ Union. This has given me a wider understanding of sport at Southampton beyond just my own club, from transport and kit issues, to inclusivity, funding and long-term development. Seeing these challenges first-hand is what has motivated me to stand. I know what works, I know what doesn’t and I know where meaningful change can be made.

I am hard-working and if selected I will be fully committed. I believe leadership is not about promises but instead about delivery. If elected, my priority will be creating the best possible environment for sport to thrive. I want to reduce unnecessary barriers that frustrate clubs, so clubs can focus on performance, enjoyment, participation and also community that I have felt throughout my time at the University.

I will work to simplify minibus booking, making travel more reliable and less stressful for teams. I will push for faster and clearer Shrey kit ordering, ensuring clubs receive equipment on time and without confusion. I am committed to launching a Ladies’ Intramural Football League, expanding access to sport and giving more students the opportunity to compete in a supportive environment. After speaking to ladies who frequently partcipate in sport at the University, this gap was identified. This contributes to my aim to ensure that sport at Southampton is increasingly inclusive. I also want to introduce diet and sport forums, bringing together expertise and experience to support performance, wellbeing and education across all levels. Whilst also offering opportunites for students to talk and listen to athletes ranging from alumni to world class. Finally, I aim to create a Sponsorship and Careers Fair, helping build sustainable funding while connecting students with career opportunities linked to sport, business and industry. This reflects my belief that university sport should not only enhance student life but also contribute to personal and professional development.

The five key points I am aiming to achieve if elected would just be the start to developing a greater sporting environment. Further bridging the gap between Southampton Sport and SUSU will be pivotaI, in further plans to develop sport at Southampton. care deeply about sport at Southampton. I have led within it, represented it and listened to it. If elected, I will bring energy, commitment and change ensuring sport continues to grow, succeed and thrive for everyone involved.