Dan Smith | My Journey with Team Warwick Trampolining
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Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
I did gymnastics for 11 years when I was younger, but stopped when I was 15 to pursue athletics instead. Coming to Warwick in 2023, I had no clue that there was a Trampolining Club and, when I attended the Sports Fair during Welcome Week, I met that year's exec and instantly knew that this was the club for me!
Team Warwick makes getting involved in sports easy for anyone, no matter if you have previous experience or are looking to give something new a go. The trampolining team has enabled me to have so many amazing experiences at university, from weekly socials, attending national competitions, going on international tours and having the privilege of being on the exec for two years, first as an Events Officer and now Vice President.
Alongside the Trampolining club, both Team Warwick and Warwick Sport have given me the opportunity to give back to the club in the form of being an Activator, a role that brings me great pleasure! Being an Activator allows me to actively involve myself in the coaching of trampolining with both staff and students at the University in a range of different levels.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
A typical week for me within the trampolining club involves attending as many of the five training sessions as my studies will allow me to! Going to sessions allows me to train for competitions and learn new skills, while having a break from studying and see my friends.
We also run a strength and conditioning session every fortnight, something new for the club this past year. These sessions improve my strength and flexibility - an essential part of preparation for (and winning!) competitions.
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
Having a good balance of academic studies and training is essential to succeeding at university. As a History and Politics student at the University of Warwick, much of my time is taken up reading texts or planning and writing essays, tasks that need time to be completed and thought over, so having training sessions acts as the perfect break for me, both mentally and physically.
Taking an hour or two away from my laptop to train and socialise makes a world of difference with my studies as it allows me to forget about it for a small while and then return to it later.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
Team Warwick has given me and the club so much support throughout my time at Warwick. One notable example that comes to mind would have to be the support they provided throughout the organisation of Warwick's own trampolining competition in March 2025, a task that I was overseeing as the Events Officer.
Everyone at Team Warwick ensured that the day went without a hitch in both the preparation and execution of the event, from organising the transportation of trampolines from another university to allowing us the use of various spaces across campus.
This made my time and memory of running the competition and being Events Officer really positive and that is down to the help of Team Warwick.
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge so far has been overcoming mental blocks when learning new skills, meaning that it has taken me a lot longer than I originally thought. However, with the support of my friends, team mates and coaches, I have been able to overcome these and implement skills I never thought I'd be able to include in my competition routines.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
Team Warwick has provided so many opportunities and insights to develop professionally. For example, at the most recent Club Conference held in Term 3, I was able to network with other like-minded sports teams and clubs across campus and professionals within the sports industry.
This opportunity was rewarding as I was able to get their professional opinion on matters, such as ways to raise more funds for the club, as well as get a first-hand understanding of their work within sports and culture—a field that greatly interests me in the future.
What role have your team mates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
My team mates, friends, coach and Team Warwick staff have had a huge impact on my journey. Team Warwick was able to empower my vision in hosting the trampoline competition. My team mates and coach have been so supportive in developing my skills. I would simply not be the athlete that I am without them; they inspire me to better my ability and push me to the best version of myself.
Their commitment has allowed me to succeed at numerous regional and national competitions.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
Involving myself in sports at the University of Warwick was the best decision I made during my first year, and I actively encourage anyone, whether it is your first or final year, to do the same!
Enriching myself with a group of people who I can happily call my friends, whilst rediscovering my childhood sport and succeeding in it, has made my university experience what it is! Team Warwick and Warwick Trampolining Club have provided me with a sense of community, belonging and self-worth, allowing me to be myself.
Not only do they provide coaching and trampolining sessions, but also an amazing social scene away from academics and competitions. These are times and spaces where we can let loose and have some fun!
The experience I have had within Team Warwick was one of the main reasons to nominate myself for two exec roles, as this is a way I can significantly contribute back to the club that has given me so many incredible memories!
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
I am looking forward to my final year at the University of Warwick and another trampolining season. My goals have remained pretty much the same as my first two years: be the best athlete I can be, continue to push myself with my skills and routines and aim for a podium finish at all my competitions.
I am surrounded by so much support within the club as everyone constantly wants the best for one another. For example, to learn a new skill or to finish a clean routine. I am constantly being pushed to keep upgrading and improving my skills. I am confident that this will be mine and the club's best year yet!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
Don't hesitate or second-guess yourself - get involved, try something new and see what happens! Take advantage of everything that Team Warwick offers you and go in with an open mind, as you may just discover a sport that is a perfect match for you!
Welcome Week and the beginning of Term 1 is a prime time to discover something new. Many clubs, like trampolining, are present at various fairs, exhibitions, exec meet-ups and free sessions, enabling anyone within the University of Warwick community to come along and get involved.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as part of Team Warwick?
Warwick Sport and Team Warwick are an incredible institution that everyone should involve themselves in. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience just how brilliant Team Warwick is.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
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