Holly Brooks

Hi, I’m Holly and I’m running to be your next AU and Sport Officer. I’m a 3rd-year Maths Student and a voice rep. I’m your current AU Treasurer and was treasurer for Women’s Rugby. I’ve also represented Keele as your NUS delegate.
I’m always out and about at Keele, on the rugby pitch, at social events or out in the SU. Outside of University, I’m on the Young Workers Committee for the trade union USDAW where I help with campaigns and fight for young worker’s rights.
I’m really excited to be running for AU and Sport Officer; sport has been such a big part of my life at Keele and I want to take the next step on that journey. There’s so much that’s good about sport at Keele but we also need to work on a lot and I’d love the opportunity to be a part of that next year.
Keep reading to find out more about my experience and plans or go to my Facebook Page to get involved and support my campaign: #BackBrooks

I’ve always enjoyed sport but since being at Keele, that passion has grown. Being part of a team who are all working towards a common goal has been amazing and it's the people that really make sport at Keele great. As your AU and Sport Officer, I want to make it so that as many people as possible can get involved in sport and remove some of the barriers that keep people from engaging.
As this year's AU Treasurer, I’ve seen first hand some of the pressures on the AU, teams and players. Pricey kit, limited playing spaces and a lack of support often mean that Keele’s sporting potential goes unrealised.
From talking to students over the last few years it's clear there's lots they like about Keele but also lots they aren’t happy about. Whether it’s the cost of living and getting involved at Uni, the food and drink offer or mental health support, students are pretty vocal about what's not working. It will be my job to help solve those issues, particularly in relation to the AU.
I think I'd make a good officer because I'm approachable, communicative and have a lot of experience representing young people. As anyone who's ever met me knows I’m always enthusiastic and prefer getting people on board rather than arguing or creating conflict. But I’m also not afraid to stand up to people on crucial issues and am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

1. Sponsorship for AU

One of the main barriers to participation in sports is cost, whether that’s membership fees, gym membership or playing kit. My main aim is to reduce costs for playing kit by getting sponsorship for the AU. This year, Dan has made real strides in reducing the cost of leisure wear by working with external partners; I want to take the next step and get playing kit subsidised. Not only will this put money back in student’s pockets but will also allow more people to get involved.

2. Improving Diversity in Sport

Reducing costs is only step one. There is a clear lack of diversity in sport at Keele, which isn't a fair representation of students that study here. Whether it’s LGBT students, non-white students or students with specific access needs we need to do more to help people get involved. All my life I've been involved in sport whether that be: football, hockey, netball, rowing or rugby. I know that participation in sport has benefitted me immensely and that when I’ve been struggling both the physical activity and the social engagement sport provides have been incredibly useful. I want to work with the various representatives at Keele to find out what they think the best methods are for diversifying sport at Keele and making it more accessible, while continuing to support the excellent campaigns already underway, such as rainbow laces. Sport has the power to bring people together and I want to make the circle as wide as possible.

3. Mental Health

One of the key benefits of sport at university is the positive impacts it can have on mental health. With more pressure on students than ever and an increasing number of reports of ill mental health, it’s crucial that we help students maintain good mental health and support those who are struggling. I want to make sure that the AU is front and center of mental health campaigning at Keele. Students and friends are often on the frontline of supporting people with mental health and clubs are a big part of that. Distributing appropriate information to clubs and societies about what to do if you or someone you know is having a hard time and signposting existing services can make a real difference. Meanwhile, I’ll be campaigning to make sure that Keele puts more resources into mental health support to ensure that when students ask for help, they get it.

4. Improve Nights Out

Finally, I want to make sure that when students want to go out and enjoy nights out; they’re having the best time possible. Whilst people still love the SU there's been a decline in attendance at AU Takeover. Here’s three things that I think will help make a difference. Bring back Lee! - People loved having their photo taken and it was a great bit of a night out and helped create so many memories at relatively little cost. Improve bookings - review the current booking system to make it easier for clubs and societies to book space Keep drink prices in check - people won't come if it's too pricey and students vote with their pockets!