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Hi everyone!

Those of you who speak to me regularly probably know how much this club means to me and how powerlifting has become a central part of my life. Barbell is probably the main reason why I’m even still doing my degree… The passion for lifting I see coming through everyone in this club makes me want to stay in my role as president and push for more from the club and for (much deserved) greater recognition from the University.


My main achievements from last year include:
- Delivering free coaching for members, helping many go to their first official competition of Northern Universities! Also, helping as assistant coach for Wednesday powerlifting sessions.
- Created a new initiative of managing accommodation and handlers for competitors, ensuring our competitors were fully supported. I also supported on both days through handling multiple lifters and supporting other handlers.
- Invested in the purchase of additional power bars for The Edge, improving the training environment.
- I actively recruited new members through The Edge throughout the year and at the end of last year
- Organised and ran the Powerlifting Internal competition at Implexus, providing a fun and supportive first competition.
- Sorted out the first WLM video and photos package for the club
- Initiated talks with Newcastle about a Varsity competition and am currently organising the competition, along with any travel/accommodation to come
- Initiated talks with Lydia Shale, Activities and Opportunities Officer for the Union, to strengthen the relationship between the Lifting Society and the Union. This helped start the Women in Sport panel

Plans for next year:

Goals for the Coming Year:
- Use the promotional material created this year to enhance our visibility, especially during Freshers' Week, helping to recruit new members and raise awareness of our activities.
- Build on the great initiatives we’ve introduced this year, implementing new ideas to further develop the society and provide even more value to our members.
- Continue my role as a coach at the Wednesday sessions, ensuring consistent, high-quality support for all members.
- Make further strides in building a positive, collaborative relationship with The Edge and the University, to ensure continued growth and support for our society.
- Finalise the purchase of a Para-Powerlifting bench at Cromer Terrace, making the club more inclusive for all students, and fostering a supportive environment for athletes of all abilities.
- Expand on the Leeds vs Newcastle Varsity competition and work to establish it as an annual tradition for both clubs

If I have the honor of becoming President again, I’ll work hard to make next year even better. I want to see the club that’s become central to my time at Leeds continue to grow and improve, supporting more people on their lifting journeys. My goal is to lay the foundation for the club’s future success, creating a steppingstone for years to come.

Let’s make sure next year is the best year the club has seen, knock Newcastle off the Northern Universities throne and take back what’s ours!

(take a look at the photo to see me hold an award for something I didn’t do)