It’s one of the highlights of the academic year. Sports teams and volunteers from across the university came together to celebrate their achievements at the annual DMU Sports Awards.
Hosted at The Venue on Monday 20 April, nine awards were up for grabs, as well as a special Q&A session with Joe Heyes and Joaquin Moro from the country’s most successful rugby union club, the Leicester Tigers.
DMU Lions recieve the Most Improved Award
Opening the night, DMU’s head of sport and leisure, Tracy Glover, said: “This evening is about recognising what you’ve achieved over the past year. That’s not just performances or results, but the commitment and time that each of you has given to make sport at DMU what it is.
“We’ve seen incredible levels of engagement across all areas of sport, with thousands of attendances already recorded across sessions, leagues, training, and strength and conditioning programmes — with more still to come before the year is out.
“It’s important to recognise something bigger than any single achievement. What you’ve built here is a community, one that gives students a place to belong. And that is something worth celebrating.”
The university’s American Football team, DMU Lions, scored a hattrick of awards, first taking the Most Improved Team before Priyank Patel and Junaid Patel secured the Coach of the Year and Sports Person of the Year awards, respectively.
It was also an impressive night for the DMU Women’s Football, who, after beating the University of Leicester in this year’s Varsity, capped off a great season by netting two awards.
The team picked up the Sport of the Year award, having enjoyed an unbeaten season that ended with a league title to their names.
Olivia Steel with Monty, Joaquin Moro and Joe Heyes from the Leicester Tigers
Olivia Steel picked up the Change Maker of the Year award for not just her actions on the pitch, but also for creating a positive, inclusive environment for students to play the beautiful game.
Olivia said: “I felt so honoured to even be nominated for this award, let alone win it. I have loved my time playing for DMU Sport and I just wanted to do everything possible to make sure everyone had the same amazing experience I have had playing for DMU.
“I have always wanted to be a friendly face for everyone on the team to help in all aspects of life.”
Having just missed out of the BUCS Premier Playoffs by one point, there was a strong consolation prize for DMU Men’s Futsal, who both won during Varsity and also scooped the Competitive Team of the Year Award.
There was also special recognition for Aftab Sayed, who won the Volunteer of the Year Award. Throughout the academic year, Aftab has been running cricket, volleyball and badminton sessions during his spare time.
Aftab Sayed recieves Volunteer of the Year award, next to Joaquin Moro and Joe Heyes
His love of sports has “completely shaped” his university experience, giving him “lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a strong support network.”
Aftab said: While it’s great to be recognised, for me it’s not about an individual award it reflects the trust, hard work, and determination shown by everyone involved. It’s very much a collective effort, and I’m grateful to be part of such a committed group.
“What I love most is the sense of belonging. Being part of a team pushes you to improve, but it also gives you a second family.
“As both a player and an Activator, I enjoy building an environment where everyone feels supported, motivated, and confident to grow.”
DMU Taekwondo picking up their award
DMU’s Taekwondo club picked up the Committee of the Year Award for its inclusive environment, while the Community Impact Award went to the Men’s Rugby Team for its support for charitible events throughout the year.
Presenting the Community Award were Ian and Christine Redfern, who tragically lost their son, Adam, who was a keen footballer, following a cardiac arrest in 2021.
Ian and Christine volunteer tirelessly to help more people learn life-changing CPR, and set up the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund to help third-year Media students fulfil their ambitions.
A list of full awards can be found below.
Most Improved Award: Lloyd Nana-Agyemang, American Football chairperson
Committee of the Year: Taekwondo, presented to Titas Maciunas, chairperson
Competitive Team of the Year: Futsal Men’s 1, presented to Aayan Khan, chairperson
Volunteer of the Year: Aftab Sayed
Coach of the Year: Priyank Patel, American Football
Sport of the Year: Women’s Football, presented to Maisie Cole, chairperson
Community Impact Award: Men’s Rugby, presented to Daniel Clark, Chairperson
Sports Person of the Year: Junaid Patel, American Football
Change Maker of the Year: Olivia Steel, Women’s Football
Posted on Friday 24 April 2026