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NU Futures

Providing a pathway to educational and sporting excellence

Launching in April 2026, NU Future provides students in years 11-13 the opportunity to join a performance sport and educational pathway. What sets us part from others is that our sole focus is not on driving improvement in the participant's chosen sport. Whilst that is one important element of what we aim to achieve, we also wish to focus on providing a supportive pathway to university life where participants are enriched with information and for them to experience what it's like being a student athlete at Newcastle University. Launching initially with basketball, the first delivery will begin in April 2026. We will later add our other performance sports; volleyball, football, rugby, and hockey with this expected from October 2026.

Our Programme

There will be 4 in person days across the year (February, April, July, October), these will be delivered as 1 day events (9:30am - 2pm) in the school holidays and providing opportunity to play your sport. In addition to receiving 2 additional sessions, these additional sessions will be made up from the following areas: strength and conditioning, workshops in sport psychology and nutrition, an introduction to what it's like to be a dual career athlete at university, and how we will support you. There will be opportunity for you to be connected with degree programmes you are interested in, visit those university facilities and hear from students currently doing those degrees. In addition to these in person days there will also be additional voluntary (but encouraged) touch points throughout the year, this will include online workshops, quarterly newsletters, check ins with your school, invite to university events, and free tickets for Newcastle University and our professional team partners fixtures.

For our upcoming Basketball camps, upcoming delivery will be as follows: 

  • Easter camp 2026 (court + university life/intro + facility tours) - Tuesday 7th April 2026
  • Summer camp 2026 (court + S&C & dual career/athlete services & support) - Tuesday 28th July 2026
  • October 2026 (court + Knights BCB game + recruitment + video analysis) - Tuesday 27th October 2026
  • February 2027 (court + nutrition + psychology) - Tuesday 16th February 2027

You can sign up to start your NU Futures journey at any point in the year.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the programme you must meet the following criteria.
  • be in year 11 - 13
  • be able to attend all in person delivery (4 days across the year)
  • interest in enrolling on a Newcastle University degree, and be able to achieve entry requirements

Cost

The cost to attend the NU Futures programme is £25 per in person session. At your first session you will receive an NU Futures training top.

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FAQs

What if I miss one of the in person days?

Participants are expected to attend all 4 in person days , however; we understand unexpected circumstances can arise and therefore ask that you communicate with us in advance to provide prior notice. Refunds will be issued should 48 hours notice be provided.

What do I need to bring with me?
  • Sports playing kit and appropriate footwear
  • Packed lunch and water bottle
  • Any personal medication

All sports equipment will be provided, however should you wish to bring your own equipment you are welcome to do so.

What times are the in person days?

Arrival is at 09:30 and departure is at 14:00

What is the address and is there parking on site?

Indoor Sports take place at Newcastle University Sport and Fitness Centre, Wallace Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4DR

You can drop off and pick up directly outside of Newcastle University Sport & Fitness Centre but no parking is available on campus. The nearest parking is located on Claremont Road which is on street paid for.

Outdoor Sports take place at Cochrane Park Sports Ground, Etherstone Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7JX or Longbenton Sports Ground, Coach Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE12 8AD.

Free on site parking is available.

What safeguarding procedures are in place?
  • All coaching staff are DBS checked and underdone Newcastle University Sport's safeguarding training.
  • All members of our operational team are first aid trained.
  • Newcastle University have two Designated Safeguarding leads who are responsible for ensuring delivery is risk assessed and adheres to safeguarding policy and procedures.
  • We will collect medical information prior to attendance.
  • We will collect permission to take photography/videography prior to attendance.
  • No personal details are shared outside of those managing and delivering NU Futures.
When is the deadline for applying?

You can join NU Futures at any point in the calendar year. All applications must be received 1 week prior to the next in person day. Dates of delivery are listed in the 'Our Programme' section above.

I am unsure if I am playing at a high enough standard

We are typically looking for players who represent a club and/or their school as a minimum. If you're unsure whether you meet the correct playing standards, please provide as much detail in your registration form as possible, including the level/league you play in and any individual/team honours received. Our Performance Sport team will be in touch to discuss this further should they have any concerns about your playing standards.