The Blues Awards are The SU Bath's annual celebration of student sport, recognising the achievements, commitment and contributions of students across our sporting community. Every year, more than 150 students receive recognition for the impact they've made through sport, both on and off the field. These awards and achievements are celebrated at the annual Blues Award event which is held at the Pump Rooms and the Roman Baths. It is a popular event so not one to miss if you are recognised so when tickets come out be sure to get won if you have been informed you are a winner.
As well as celebrating your achievements, recipients receive a University of Bath certificate that recognises the dedication, leadership and commitment they've shown throughout their time at university.
Key dates
Nominations open: End of January 2027
Nominations close: Beginning of March 2027
Blues Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 28 April 2027
That might feel a long way off, but now is the perfect time to start keeping track of your achievements so you're ready when nominations open.
Why consider a nomination?
When people think of the Blues Awards, they often think about elite sporting performance. While there are awards recognising competition success, there are also awards for students who have made a difference through leadership, volunteering, coaching and club development.
So whether you've represented Bath at a high level, helped organise your club's activities, grown participation, or supported teammates throughout the year, there may be an award that's right for you.
Start preparing now
One of the most useful things you can do before nominations open is keep a record of your achievements throughout the year.
For individual awards
Consider keeping track of:
- Teams you've represented
- Competitions, fixtures and tournaments you've competed in
- League positions and tournament results
- Individual awards, medals or notable achievements
- Representative honours, including international representation
- Coaching, volunteering or committee roles
- Contributions you've made to your club or wider student sport
- The impact your contributions have had on individuals, team, club or wider development of sport here at Bath.
For some of the higher awards, you may need to provide evidence of achievements such as international representation, competition wins or podium finishes.
For club awards
It's a good idea for clubs to keep a record of:
- Competitive achievements and results
- Club events and initiatives
- Fundraising activities
- Community engagement projects
- Participation and membership growth
- Volunteering activities
- Anything else that has helped make your club successful this year
The strongest nominations often show the difference a club has made both within sport and across the wider student community.
What awards are available?
Ribbon Award
Awarded to students who have consistently represented the university over a two or three-year period.
Colour Award
Given to students who have consistently represented the university in BUCS sport over a two or three-year period.
Honorary Colour Award
Recognises students who have made a significant contribution to the administration, organisation or development of sport at the university.
Half Blue
Awarded to students who have achieved junior international representation or podium finishes in BUCS competition while competing for a university first team.
Full Blue
Awarded to students who have competed for a university first team for two years and achieved international representation.
Special Honorary Blue
Awarded to athletes who have qualified to represent their country at an Olympic or Paralympic Games and have a connection to the University of Bath.
Club of the Year
Recognises a club that has achieved exceptional success and made a significant impact throughout the year.
BUCS Team Performance of the Year
Celebrates an outstanding team achievement during a season or individual fixture.
If your BUCS event takes place after nominations close you are able to apply in the following years’ nomination window.
BUCS Individual Performance of the Year
Recognises an exceptional individual achievement in BUCS competition.
If your BUCS event takes place after nominations close you are able to apply in the following years’ nomination window, even if you are in your final year of studies.
Sport Personality of the Year
Awarded to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to student sport during their time at Bath.
There are also a number of special trophy awards, including the Martyn Hedges, Ivor Powell, Gethin Bevan, David Vandelinde and Tugendhat Trophy.
Full details and eligibility requirements for all awards can be found on the Blues Criteria page. It is important to note that you can apply for many of these individual awards in the year after you graduate, especially if your BUCS event occurs after the Blues nomination window has close.
Looking ahead
Nominations don't open until January, but keeping a record of your achievements now will make the process much easier when the time comes.
Whether you're competing, coaching, volunteering, leading your club or helping create opportunities for others, the Blues Awards are a chance to celebrate student sport at Bath.