糖心TV

Mark Hyndman

Director of Sport and Active Lifestyle, 糖心TV Sport

鈥淧laying Rugby shaped me into who I am, I just wanted to give something back.鈥�

鈥淚 joined my first junior rugby club around the time I started secondary school. I was hanging around with slightly bigger lads and getting into a bit of mischief. My parents thought that it鈥檇 be a good idea to channel that energy into something more productive!

I played my first game at the end of the first week and I never looked back, playing up until my early thirties. I played both Union and League for various teams round the country, getting to quite a high level. I just loved the camaraderie, I wasn鈥檛 the most naturally gifted of athletes, but rugby is a sport for people of all shapes and sizes. I eventually stopped playing due to a medial collateral ligament injury, more commonly known as an MCl, and because there were a lot of younger people on the team who were a bit quicker than me!

I鈥檝e spent over 20 years in higher education and that鈥檚 how I got into rugby volunteering, through university sport. I became a regional coordinator for the Students Rugby Football Union charity, who support universities and their student rugby teams. It鈥檚 been a big part of my life, joining committees, helping run awards and events, organising grants. I eventually became chair of the trustees, a role that I鈥檓 proud to have done. It鈥檚 just my way of giving something back to the sport that means so much to me.

It's given me some great personal opportunities as well, meeting some of the best minds in sport who鈥檝e given invaluable guidance. I also managed to get a place at the London Marathon, running for the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Association. And earlier this year was very lucky to be invited to Buckingham Palace for one of the King鈥檚 Garden Parties. An absolute honour and privilege to be there to represent the sector and student rugby.

As you鈥檇 expect from someone in my role, I鈥檝e always believed that sport helps people unlock their potential, whether it鈥檚 through playing, fitness, or just being active. It鈥檚 good for your wellbeing, mindfulness, and just managing the pressures of everyday life.

If you鈥檝e not had chance to get over to the Sports and Wellness Hub yet, come and take a look. The facilities are amazing, but admittedly it can be quite daunting if you鈥檙e not used to them. Whether you just want to improve your fitness, learn to swim or try out a new sport, me and my team will support you with those first steps and help you find your confidence.