BSAC has welcomed its new University Coordinator to the team, with Yorkshire-based member Joe Westnedge stepping into the role.
A current member of Sheffield University SAC, Joe has replaced outgoing University Coordinator Yasmine Thorn.
Working as part of BSAC’s University Project group, the aim of the University Coordinator role is to ensure the university club network and its student members get the support they need.
As a degree apprentice who also has experience of the wider BSAC club network, Joe is well-placed to rise to the opportunities and challenges of his new role.
The 22-year-old joined BSAC in 2021 as a trainee Ocean Diver during his first year at Sheffield University, progressing to Dive Leader within two years before qualifying as an Open Water Instructor in 2023. As well as being a university branch member, Joe is a member of two ordinary BSAC clubs, South Bay Scuba and North East Derbyshire SAC. He is also a volunteer within the Yorkshire Regional Team.
With BSAC university clubs facing challenges such as three-year membership cycles, limited instructor resources and training time constraints, Joe said he was looking forward to becoming the ‘go-to’ for clubs that need extra support:
Thanks to the work of the previous University Coordinator, Yasmine, I have a baseline for what can be achieved. My focus now will be working with the regional teams to help university clubs build themselves, make connections and get out diving.
Joe said that one of the first things he plans to do in his new BSAC role is get out on the road and visit as many university branches as he can.
My priority is to engage with all our university clubs around the country to build a picture of what support is needed and where,” he added. “There is so much support available, so if any university branches are experiencing difficulties with diving, training or anything related to their club and diving in general, please get in touch!
For more information on how BSAC’s new University Coordinator can help your uni club, email Joe at unicoordinator@bsac.com
