Based at the University’s Bedford campus, the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity (SSPA) invested in the new facility to grow opportunities for students looking to study sports-related courses and increase the capacity to develop its work with local sports partnerships, such as Luton Town Football Club and Bedford Blues Rugby.

Partnering with PLAE, an industry-leading manufacturer of Strength & Conditioning equipment and facilities, the new suite has allowed SSPA to provide the best possible facilities including equipment such as dumbbell lifting and weight training.

Speaking about the new addition to campus, Dr Martyn Morris – Head of the School of Sport Science & Physical Activity – said: “Having this new facility will greatly improve our students’ experience while on campus, not just from an academic perspective but also to allow our sport scholars and gym users to train in an industry-leading facility.

“In addition, it offers further opportunities for our students to gain vital placement experience with some of our sporting partners, and also gain extra qualifications as part of our Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity endorsed programmes to help further enhance our great graduate outcome data.”

The news comes as the University recently announced that, from September 2023, all students and staff will be offered free gym memberships and fitness classes, as part of a commitment to supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing during the cost of living crisis.

The new Strength & Conditioning suite is just the latest achievement to celebrate for SSPA as this year, they were ranked 4th for Graduate Employability in the 2023 Guardian League Table.

Juliet Fern, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, English and Sport, added: “It is wonderful to see this new facility open at our Bedford campus. We’re proud of the Strength & Conditioning suite, which will provide students with the vital opportunity to use industry-leading equipment to help them prepare for their careers in the world of sport.

“Our excellent facilities, and the opportunities they offer, have contributed to the University being placed third for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024 Sports Science league table!”