Marjon Sport: New achievements, new opportunities, new coaches

Released: 26.11.24

Plymouth Marjon University’s sport provision is a jewel in Plymouth’s education and fitness landscape. From professional play and sponsorship opportunities to exceptional sporting experiences, students and the community can benefit from Marjon Sport. 

Marjon is well known for its student sport offering, delivering key sporting opportunities and education that blend seamlessly to enable its students to access high-quality degrees and training whilst enjoying physical activity and competitive environments. 

The 2024/25 season has already begun, and it’s no exception in Plymouth Marjon’s continuing success. Last year saw an incredible year for Marjon Sport, with the University climbing 10 places in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. But now Marjon has truly upped its game with an array of new partnerships, new coaching initiatives, and new opportunities for sports people and the community. 

Ella O’Neill, Student Sport and Physical Activity Manager at Marjon, said: 

“Marjon Sport is going from strength to strength, climbing league tables and recruiting outstanding coaches to support and develop our players. Our Sport Scholars are forging new paths to victory and breaking university records, and we’re working hard to continue building relationships to enable this success.” 

Partnering with Lucozade 

The University’s catering supplier Chartwells has teamed up with Lucozade to ensure that athletes are fuelled for success. Lucozade is now supplying Marjon Sport teams with gels and drinks, providing an energy boost that’s essential for performance, recovery, and endurance.  

Kukri Kit for 2024/25 

Marjon Sport has a new look kit in 2024/25, continuing their successful collaboration with Kukri. The new high-quality designs and clothing are technical, performance-focused apparel, giving students an edge in the field. Additionally, the University has introduced more gender-neutral clothing options, helping to ensure everyone feels included and comfortable on and off the field. 

Rising in the Rankings 

Marjon Sport has had an outstanding year in BUCS, with its teams claiming five trophies and making a significant 10-place stride up the league table. Plymouth Marjon has also seen a growing number of its teams entering BUCS competitions, reflecting the rising profile of its sporting community. 

The ‘Emily Currie Effect’ 

Emily Currie, a Marjon graduate and former sports scholar, has made her mark in the surfing world. Achieving remarkable success from BUCS competitions to national titles, Emily's achievements have sparked what is now being referred to as the ‘Emily Currie Effect.’ Since her rise to prominence, there has been a surge in entries into BUCS Surfing and a noticeable increase in participation across other Marjon BUCS league teams. Even now as a graduate, Emily’s legacy is inspiring the next generation of Marjon athletes. 

Coaching Prowess 

Plymouth Marjon University is dedicated to providing top-level coaching across all its sports teams. More teams than ever before are benefiting from the expertise of highly qualified coaches, ensuring Marjon athletes have the guidance and training they need to succeed. 

The University is continuing to strengthen its relationships with some of the best local organisations including Argyle Community Trust and the Rugby Network. Sports teams are also benefitting from outstanding coaching from Ben Russel (rugby), LVC Dusha (basketball), Kevin Hamblin (volleyball), Simon Searle (waterpolo), and a Marjon alum, Ben Greenslade (swimming). The new coaches are working to support teams, share their extensive knowledge, and help to elevate the teams in their respective leagues and championships. 

New Sport Opportunities 

Padel, a cross between tennis and squash, is the fastest-growing sport in Europe. Plymouth Marjon is home to one of many Padel courts in the country and has seen an increasing interest in the sport. Throughout the summer the University’s courts were in full use, and this trend is continuing despite the cooling weather with recent visitors including comedian Jason Manford.

In addition to swimming, basketball, football, volleyball, hockey, lacrosse and others, the University has a continuing partnership with Boringdon Golf Club. The partnership allows students and staff to access one of the region’s finest golf courses, supporting physical and mental wellbeing as well as providing valuable opportunities for team building and skill development. In May 2025, Marjon Sport will be hosting a charity golf day to raise funds for local charities, demonstrating Marjon’s ongoing commitment to community engagement. 

The University recognises the effort and determination of all the sports staff to make Marjon’s student and community offer a first-class experience. Marjon Sport is home to many clubs from across Plymouth and Devon. Plymouth Marjon works with children’s sport teams in a wide variety of sports right through to adult sport teams and professional sport partners. 

Over the last 90 days, Marjon Sport & Health Centre has welcomed 7,789 Swimmers and 2,718 fitness class attendees, and its membership is growing daily. The Centre is a critical part of Plymouth’s northern quarter community and student sport experience and will be launching new offers in 2025. 

The staff at Marjon Sport are committed to providing world-class facilities, first-class coaching, and opportunities to all student athletes. With exciting developments across the board and more to come throughout 2025, there’s never been a better time to get involved with sport at Plymouth Marjon University.  

Find out more about Marjon student sport here and learn about being a Marjon sport scholar here.