The Power of Sport: University of Bath film festival

In their final year BSc Sport Management and Coaching students at the University of Bath were tasked with producing short films tackling sensitive issues, and using sport as a tool for social transformation. The challenge, supported by ConnectSport CIC, required students to engage with the public and explore the lived experiences of those directly affected by these issues. The result was a series of compelling three-minute documentary films advocating for positive change through sport, addressing topics such as serious youth violence and crime, parental pressure, mental health, and gambling. Read the full story.

Please see descriptions below for any warnings about sensitive content or scenes viewers might find distressing.

Men, mental health and sport – A collaboration with Bath City FC

By Pratham Dikshit, David Hodgson, Maddie Hilbert, Evie Duncan, George Middlewick and Max Gunnell

Some reference to mental health

Showing how isolation and inactivity increase the risk of mental health, the team focused on the impact of this risk on men and how Bath City Football Club is tackling it. The club has instigated wellbeing sessions on the pitch followed by workshops and chats off the pitch, to reduce the stigma and increase openness about this subject, particularly showing how football can be more than sport, it provides support, camaraderie and connection.

Sport and youth crime

By Sam Percival and Romario Reid

Some reference to crime

How poverty can connect people to crime from a young age and how sport can be a way out of this if made accessible to all. The students show statistics that the speak for themselves and how access to sport can change this trajectory and teach resilience, teamwork and discipline.

Breaking barriers with Bath Ladies Rugby

By Becca Lacey, Lauren Jeffery, Dylan Jones, Jack Dixon, Dylan Milner, Varun Manohar, Ayo Dosunmu and Benju Williams

Bath Ladies Rugby is encouraging women to get into what is often perceived as a men’s sport. In this film students hear those who have experienced it speak about how supportive and safe this environment feels. They recognise the realities of real-life commitments and welcome everyone in the team.

Against all odds – Sports gambling

By Monty Hadow, Ben Stoolman, Ollie Bird, Ben Robertson, Jack Craik and James Jones

Some scenes of gambling

This film shows how easy it is for gambling to become an addictive habit which can lead to depression and financial worries. A group of students notice the change in behaviour of a friend and rather than excluding him they find and share services, particularly Gamble Aware, to help and support him to navigate this challenge.

Balancing act – Parental pressures from the sidelines  

By Ollie Clow, Maisie Dennison, Sasha Elliot, Abby Rolland, Lauren McGinnis, Clara Pastor, Sophia Al Hussaini and Kasper Mikla 

The short film examines the fine line between parental support and perceived pressure for student-athletes. The team explored how students can interpret well-meaning support as added pressure, and how this dynamic can affect their relationship with sports and their mental health.  

Women’s safety and running  

By Deni Agnew, Ellie Pearson, Rosie Bignell, Lucy Driver, Josh Taylor and Tom Hands  

Some reference to harassment and fear

Students highlight the challenges faced by women running solo in the dark, focusing on the constant decision-making surrounding fear and safety. They explore strategies, such as joining running clubs, to help address these concerns and create a safer environment for female runners. 

University sport and culture of drinking - Collaboration with University of Bath Nightline

By Alice Howitt, Alfie Dawson, Ella Turner, Ella Thorpe, Georgina Knatchbull, Stephanie Bryer, Amadine Woodberry and Ben Britton 

Contains scenes of drinking alcohol

This short film explores the pressures of drinking culture and how stereotypes, such as being labeled 'boring’,  can be overcome. It emphasises the importance of seeking support from organisations like Nightline and the power of open conversations and honesty. The film highlights that peer pressure should not force individuals to change their own values.  

Tackling stigma: Menstruation, sport and period poverty – A collaboration with EGAL Pads on a Roll  

By Molly Cousins, Lucy Blanchard, Sarina Crannis, Lily Smith and Charlotte Jones

Students discuss the realities surrounding women’s periods, focusing on the barriers to open discussion and the lack of product availability, and how these factors impact daily life and sport. The film introduces an innovative product solution that could transform the experience for girls and women. 

Men, mental health and sport – A collaboration with Movember  

By Trishan Patel, Clay Chapman, Reis Norman, Zack Sedelmeier, Christian Streater, Ethan Hart, Alex Briggs and Owen Cooksley  

Some reference to mental health and suicide

Students highlight the invisibility of mental health struggles and depression in men. They explore how sport, especially team sports, can provide social support and connection, emphasising the importance of noticing others and reaching out. The film also highlights organisations, such as the Samaritans, that offer help. 

Balancing life – the reality of being a student athlete  

By Sam Cobb, Charlie Brown, Toby West, Toby Lazeris, Amelia Rishman and Tom Hills  

In this short film, students explored how breaking down barriers to open communication with coaches helps balance workloads and ease feelings of being overwhelmed. They highlight the importance of creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking for help while pursuing sports at the highest level. 

#BreakTheLine – Rugby academies and mental health  

By Jack Mills, Ethan Wetherell, Sam Collens and Ben Chapman  

Some reference to mental health issues

The team explored the pressures that can be felt for younger athletes joining academies and the gap in emotional support available at that critical stage.  

Increasing Chinese youth sport participation  

By Will Wang, Damon Wu, James Zhang, Jon Cheung and David Jones  

Students explore the unique pressures faced by sports students from Chinese families. They discuss how these students often navigate a delicate balance between cultural duty and the pursuit of sporting excellence, a path that may not always be fully supported by their families. 

 

Athlete retirement and transitioning  

By Yasmin Charlton-Gershon, Jemima Jaggar, Harry Withers, Archie Friend, Todd Benney, Cerys King and Sam Benson  

This short film examines the challenges of transitioning out of performance sport, focusing on the loss of structure and identity that athletes often experience. The team showcase some of the organisations and support available for this transition and emphasise the importance of integrating it into an athlete’s journey.  

 

Sports gambling and university students  

By Josh Cook, Fintan Russell, Ivan Newsome, Jack Aldrich, Izzy Ingram, Will Burton and Dom Randall 

Some scenes of gambling and drinking alcohol

The team explore the spiral of gambling and drinking, highlighting how it can take hold and impact all aspects of life. They discuss the ease of access through smartphones, the distractions it causes in studies, and the isolation, shame, and depression it can lead to. The film emphasises how this issue often remains invisible and shows the availability of organisations that offer support. 

#PlayToInspire: Women’s football – A collaboration with Bath City FC  

By Millie Stacey, Erin Duffy, Amy Baker, Nyle Crocker, Karrie Clark and Surya James  

Students have produced a short film with a call to action for the community to support Bath City FC women’s football, showing their desire to inspire future generations whilst dealing with the disparity in attendance numbers compared to the men’s game.