A new Associate Director of Sport has been appointed to lead the Sports Centre team and further develop the University’s Sports Strategy and partnership between Lancaster University Students’ Union and the University.

Helen Loftus, Lancaster University alumna, currently leads the strategic and operational management of the campus-based sports facilities at the University of Leeds and brings 20 years’ experience in the sports and fitness industry.

She has worked in both the private and higher education sectors and has specialised in sustainability management in sport, utilising the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing and the positive impact our choices have on the environment and us.

Andrew Burgess, Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services at Lancaster University, said: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to the team, she has some excellent experience that will bring leadership, energy and dynamism to the role.”

Helen Loftus said: “I am very excited to be returning and leading the next era of the sports strategy in partnership with Lancaster University's Students' Union. The University has a brilliant combination of a committed and talented sports team as well as exceptional facilities set in an activity inspiring landscape. This combination will prove to be vital in the future development of sport at the university.”

Misbah Ashraf,Chief Executive of Lancaster University Students’ Union, said: “The Union is really excited and looking forward to working with Helen. We are looking ahead to working on the long term sports strategy for our students which is so important as part of the Covid-19 recovery."

Helen will join the University in September 2021.