Warwick to welcome thousands of student athletes for Midlands university finals
University of Warwick is to co-host the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Conference Finals across the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons.
The Conference Finals will bring together the winners of regional knockout competitions across a wide range of university sports – including football, basketball, hockey, badminton, netball, rugby, tennis, and more.
The 2025–26 Conference Finals will take place on Wednesday 11 March 2026, bringing one of the UK’s largest university sporting events to Warwick’s campus.
Iain McKinney, Head of Sports Delivery at University of Warwick, said: “Hosting the BUCS Conference Finals for the Midlands is a significant opportunity for Warwick. It allows us to showcase our commitment to student sport, while creating an unforgettable experience across our facilities for the thousands of students who compete and volunteer.
“Events like this demonstrate the important role universities play in supporting participation, performance and community through sport.”
The event marks the culmination of the season for many student athletes, offering a finals-day atmosphere and national recognition, with medals presented by BUCS staff. For many, it is the defining moment of their university sporting experience.
By hosting the Conference Finals, the University of Warwick will welcome thousands of student athletes from across the Midlands and play a central role in delivering a high-profile national event with staff and student volunteer opportunities, celebrating competitive university sport across the Conference Cup, Trophy and Shield competitions.
Kristian Jackson, BUCS Regional Competitions & Events Coordinator, added: “BUCS is delighted to partner with the University of Warwick and Coventry University to deliver the Midlands Conference Finals as part of a multi-year agreement.
“On Wednesday 11 March 2026 this large-scale event will bring thousands of student athletes together across multiple Conference finals, representing the pinnacle of the season for many competitors, with medals to win and local bragging rights at stake.
“Conference Finals are a key part of the BUCS calendar, delivering high-quality, inclusive sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite, while showcasing the strength of student sport across the nation. For many students, these events represent the highest level of competition they may experience, making it vital that the event environment is exceptional – helping to inspire continued participation in sport beyond university.”
By hosting the BUCS Conference Finals, the University of Warwick continues to strengthen its role in delivering high-quality university sport and supporting student development through major national events. The finals will celebrate sporting achievement while leaving a lasting impact through partnership, participation and shared experience across the Midlands.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
28 January 2026