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The Ulster University Colours Sports Awards are an annual celebration of sporting excellence, recognising the outstanding achievements, dedication and contributions of our student-athletes, sports clubs, coaches and volunteers across #TeamUU.
The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and teams who have represented Ulster University with distinction, demonstrated exceptional commitment to their sport and made a lasting contribution to university sporting life.
From outstanding performances on the national and international stage to the dedication of those working behind the scenes, the Colours Sports Awards recognise the people who make sport at Ulster University so special.
Our Awards
The Colours Sports Awards recognise sporting performance, leadership, commitment and service through a range of individual, team and club awards.
Sporting Excellence Awards
- Half Colours: Recognising students who have achieved sporting excellence through their performances at intervarsity and university representative level.
- Full Colours: Recognising students who have demonstrated outstanding sporting achievement at the highest levels of university competition.
- International Colours: Awarded to students who have achieved excellence at the highest level of international sport while demonstrating their continued commitment to student sport at Ulster University.
Individual Contribution Awards
- Club Award: Recognising students who have made an outstanding contribution to the development, administration and success of their sports club over a period of at least two years.
- Service Award: Recognising non-students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting and developing student sport over a period of at least three years.
- Coach of the Year: Celebrating a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to club sport through their commitment, leadership and the development of student-athletes.
- Fresher of the Year: Recognising first-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, commitment and contribution to their sports club. One award is presented per campus.
- Student Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating students who have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation, administration and development of student sport. One award is presented per campus.
Club and Team Awards
- Jim Allen Merit Award: Recognising a student team or club committee that has demonstrated innovation, commitment to club development and the creation of a positive sense of belonging among its members.
- Club of the Year: Awarded to a sports club that has demonstrated outstanding achievement across engagement, sporting performance, fundraising and administration.
- Bill Clarke Team of the Year: Celebrating a university team that has demonstrated outstanding sporting achievement and excellence throughout the year.
Overall Sporting Excellence
- Presidents' Plate: One of the most prestigious honours presented at the Colours Sports Awards, recognising the most outstanding sportsperson at Ulster University.
Celebrating the Spirit of #TeamUU
The Colours Sports Awards are more than a celebration of sporting success.
They recognise the friendships, leadership, teamwork and sense of belonging that make university sport such an important part of the student experience.
From first-year students making their mark to experienced athletes representing Ulster University at the highest level, the awards celebrate the individuals and teams who embody the spirit of #TeamUU and inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
Colours Sports Awards 2026
Nominations
The Colours Sports Awards criteria will be reviewed and circulated annually to all Ulster University sports clubs in advance of the nomination process opening.
This will provide clubs with an opportunity to review the award categories, eligibility requirements and nomination criteria, and to submit feedback or suggestions for consideration by UU Sport.
This annual consultation will help ensure that the awards remain relevant, transparent and reflective of the diverse range of sporting achievements and contributions across #TeamUU.
Following the review period, the finalised criteria and nomination guidance will be shared with all clubs, ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of the requirements and an equal opportunity to nominate deserving individuals and teams.
Nominations for the Ulster University Colours Sports Awards will open annually, providing sports clubs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of their members.
All nominations must be submitted through the official nomination process by the advertised closing date and approved by the relevant Club Chairperson or designated club official.
Clubs are encouraged to carefully consider the award criteria and provide clear evidence of each nominee’s achievements, commitment and contribution to student sport.
Following the closing date, all nominations will be reviewed by the Colours Committee, which will assess submissions against the published criteria and determine the final award recipients.
Clubs will be notified of the nomination process, key dates and submission requirements in advance, ensuring that all eligible individuals and teams have the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements and contributions to #TeamUU.
