Alumnus Will Roberts appointed CEO of BUCS

Will Roberts talking and holding his hands out

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) has announced the appointment of alumnus Will Roberts as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Will, who studied BSc Sport and Exercise Science (2003) and MSc Sociology of Sport (2005) at Loughborough, is currently the Chief Operating Officer at the Youth Sport Trust. He joined its senior leadership team in 2015 before becoming the COO in 2019, where he has led the transformation of the charity’s technology and systems, and the development of its long term strategy. 

He has dedicated his career to sport. With experience in the fitness industry and as a sports coach in Stoke-on-Trent, Will joined his first NGB, Volleyball England, in 2004 following his bachelor’s degree.  

Following over 16 years with the Youth Sport Trust, he is excited to take up his new role at BUCS 

Having competed in BUCS Volleyball during his time at university, he also has personal experience to bring to the role. In the announcement, Will said:  

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead BUCS into an exciting new era. 

"My own university sport experiences were integral to building my career in sport, and I'm excited to be joining the BUCS team and bringing my two decades of experience in the youth sport sector to add to the amazing work that BUCS does in higher education. 

“Whether that’s by providing opportunities for students to begin or continue their competitive sport experience, test themselves at the highest level, or pursue the holistic wellbeing that comes from being physically active, the breadth of BUCS’ offering is fundamental to the lives of many thousands of students. 

“I can’t wait to get started and look forward to working with the BUCS team, institutions and our members in the coming years." 

BUCS is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK. With university sport in the UK dating back more than 100 years, BUCS’ vision has always been to create the best university sport experience in the world. It was named BUCS in 2008 following a merger between University College Sport (UCS) and British Universities Sports Association (BUSA). BUCS newest strategy to inspire, develop and unite leads the organisation to 2027, with Will set to take the helm. 

Congratulations and good luck, Will.