British Taekwondo is preparing for a groundbreaking University Partnership Programme designed to transform the student Taekwondo experience across the UK.
The proposed initiative aims to create a more connected, professional and rewarding journey for students, while providing universities and Athletic Unions with greater support, governance and development opportunities.
Opportunities only an NGB-led pathway can unlock
What sets the proposed University Partnership Programme apart is not simply the events it could deliver, but the opportunities it can unlock through British Taekwondo’s position as the National Governing Body for World Taekwondo in Great Britain.
Through an NGB-led pathway, students can gain visibility within the national system, access recognised development opportunities and build long-term connections that extend far beyond their time at university. From talent identification and national development camps to officiating pathways and coaching opportunities, the programme is designed to connect students to every aspect of the sport.
This programme will create opportunities that cannot be replicated by a standalone event series or a university-only network. British Taekwondo is uniquely positioned to connect students to nationally recognised coaching and officiating pathways, national championships, performance programmes, international opportunities and employment routes across the sport.
Whether a student aspires to represent Great Britain, become an international referee, build a career in sports development or simply remain involved as a coach or volunteer after graduation, the proposed pathway provides a route forward.
Value for students
At its heart, the programme is focused on creating more value for students. The University Partnership Programme will offer support throughout the university experience and beyond, with opportunities to develop skills, build friendships, gain qualifications and remain involved in the sport long after graduation.
The proposed pathway will support students from their first introduction to Taekwondo at Freshers’ Fairs, through training, competition and personal development, and onwards into coaching, officiating, volunteering and employment opportunities.
Students will be able to benefit from development camps, leadership programmes, mentoring, national rankings, talent identification opportunities and greater visibility within the wider British Taekwondo community.
For many university clubs, recruitment, retention and committee succession remain significant challenges. Under the proposed programme, clubs would gain access to resources designed to support Freshers’ recruitment, beginner engagement, committee handovers and year-round club growth.
Developing as people and improving employability
Beyond the mat, the programme aims to help students develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. Proposed opportunities include event management experience, marketing placements, leadership roles, officiating pathways and work experience across British Taekwondo’s operations.
Students will be able to gain practical experience in events, media, safeguarding, development, governance and commercial activity, enhancing both their CVs and future career prospects.
Improved talent pathways and event structures
For aspiring athletes, the proposed pathway would also strengthen links into performance sport.
Through talent identification activities, development camps and increased visibility within the national system, students would have clearer routes towards higher-level competition, including BUCS, EUSA and wider performance opportunities.
Equally, students with ambitions in coaching, officiating or event delivery would have defined routes to progress within the sport through British Taekwondo’s education pathways.
Helping universities grow
While students sit at the centre of the programme, universities and Athletic Unions also stand to benefit. British Taekwondo’s proposal would provide direct support from the National Governing Body, helping institutions strengthen governance, safeguarding processes, risk management and event delivery standards.
Universities would gain access to clearer participation data, club development support and a more structured framework for delivering Taekwondo safely and effectively.
By providing opportunities for beginners, recreational participants, international students, disabled students and performance athletes alike, British Taekwondo aims to support a more inclusive and accessible sporting environment on campus.
Let’s grow university sport together – get involved now
A central feature of the proposed University Partnership Programme is the creation of a dedicated British Taekwondo Student Taekwondo Programme Board, designed to ensure that the initiative is professionally managed, accountable and shaped by the needs of those it serves.
The board would bring together specialist leads from across development, event delivery, safeguarding, technical delivery, university engagement and commercial partnerships, alongside student advisory representatives. This structure aims to provide clear leadership and accountability while ensuring that student voices remain at the heart of decision-making.
By combining national expertise with direct student input, British Taekwondo hopes to create a programme that is both ambitious and responsive to the realities of university sport.
The organisation is now seeking expressions of interest for an initial pilot programme involving a small number of universities. The pilot will test key elements of the student offer, gather feedback and help shape future development before any wider rollout. All programme structures, membership models and funding arrangements remain subject to consultation and approval.
British Taekwondo is encouraging students, university clubs, Athletic Unions and coaches to join the conversation and help shape the future of student Taekwondo in Great Britain.
If this sounds like something you would like to be involved with, please contact Mehdi.Mirza@britishtaekwondo.org
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