The clocks have gone back and the days are getting colder and shorter but don't worry we still have plenty for you to do all under one roof at Oriam! Find out more about what we have planned for this November in Edinburgh.
New Look for our Fitness Suite!
Have you heard the latest news from our Fitness Team? We are giving our Fitness Suite a refresh this December. This exciting project includes new equipment and updated layout. All changes have been thoroughly researched by our fitness team, including valuable customer feedback from our NPS surveys. This ensures we can continue to provide fitness facilities and services that are industry leading.
The Fitness Suite will be closed for a week, from the 9th - 15th December whilst the work is completed. You will still be able to work-out with us during this time; enjoy access to additional fitness spaces, an expanded group exercise timetable. Follow the link below for a YouTube video from our Fitness Manager, Mandy and more details about our Fitness Suite refresh.
Indoor Pitch Renovations
Earlier this year, we started an extensive programme of renovations for our synthetic pitches. The indoor Academy Synthetic and the Outdoor Synthetic are complete and back in use. This December we will complete this project by renovating the Indoor Synthetic Pitch.
The pitch will be temporarily closed whilst the work is completed. These renovations are essential to maintain the best pitch performance for our community and partners for the future.
We have updated our Footwear policy for our pitches. All players, coaches and officials on pitch must wear football boots with well-defined plastic blades or studs. Please do not wear trainers, astroturf boots or any other shoes on the pitches.
HWU Football Scholar goes Pro
We are delighted to share that talented HWU Football Scholar, Barney Stewart has signed a full-time professional contract with current Scottish League One Champions, Falkirk Football Club. The highly rated striker is the first Heriot-Watt University Football Scholar to sign a full-time professional contract and stands as a testament to the success of the university’s Football Scholarship Programme.
Barney, a current 3rd Year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student, has had a stellar career with the Heriot-Watt Football Club and we can’t wait to see what he achieves as a professional footballer. Falkirk F.C. have agreed to loan Barney back to Heriot-Watt University Football Club on loan until the January transfer window. We wish Barney all the very best in his football career.
Barney is our third Football Scholar to progress into professional football in the past two years, highlighting the success of Heriot-Watt University’s Scholarship Programme. This showcases the investment into the very best facilities and coaching for Heriot-Watt Football Club and the Football Scholarship Programme, alongside the achievements of the team under Head Football Coach, Olabanji Koya.
Minis and Juniors Sports
Got the kids back to into a school routine after the October Holidays? Check out our Mini and Junior Sports Programme. This term we are excited to welcome back our Minis Athletics classes! This is a fun and energetic class for ages 5-8 years. They will be introduced to a range of Athletic disciplines whilst they have plenty of opportunity to build new friendships with their classmates.
There are a few spaces left in our other classes too including Mini Multi-sports and our Tennis Minis and Juniors classes. Find out more here.
Squeeze in some Squash
We're thrilled to host Stage One of the BUCS Premier Northern League for Squash. The competition will be held in our Squash courts on the 9th and 10th November. Heriot-Watt Men's 1st team will be competing so we'd love to see you there, to cheer on the team. We also look forward to welcoming other university teams from across Scotland and the North of England.
Feeling inspired to play? We also have a growing Community Squash Club open to all abilities with fun and friendly coaching sessions and box-league competitions, plus you get 10 court-bookings per month with your club membership. We're also launching new weekend pricing exclusively for squash, £10 courts Saturday and Sunday.
New Tennis Box-League
Heriot-Watt Students, have you tried our Indoor Tennis Courts yet? Looking to add a bit of friendly competition over the winter? We are launching a new Student Tennis Box-League at Oriam! Sign-up on our Oriam App.
If you would like to be one of the first to know about our opening events, competitions and Pay as You Play court bookings then join our Tennis Community in our monthly Tennis Newsletter.
Walking Sports
Did you know we have a thriving community of Walking Football and Walking Netball players at Oriam? Both clubs have developed a great calendar of fun sessions, training, competitions and socials. The clubs' welcoming and friendly atmosphere supports every members physical and mental wellbeing.
Find out more about the clubs on our walking sports page.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR...
Winter Training Tips
Autumn and Winter can be tough on your training plans and motivation. Our Fitness team have got some top tips to help you stay active this November. Whether this is your first or hundred-and-first training session, our team have got some great ideas to help you stay on track and reach your goals, even on the coldest, darkest mornings, when your cosy duvet seems far more appealing than an early gym session!
Check out their blog post here.
Move for Movember
Every year Heriot-Watt Sports Union participate in Movember, raising vital funds and awareness for Men's Health. At Heriot-Watt, Movember is more than just some interesting facial hair choices! Last year Heriot-Watt and the Sports Union raised over £24,000. Can we beat that this year? This month, the Sports Union clubs will be setting themselves a whole range of sports and fitness challenges to complete in aid of the good cause. Find out more about how you can donate or participate here.
We look forward to seeing the good, the bad and the ugly 'taches as they take shape this month!
Summary
Here's a round-up of everything we have planned at Oriam for November. New Classes, activities and more coming this winter.