More Honours Incoming: EUMHC Recognised Nationally by BUCS
More Honours Incoming: EUMHC Recognised Nationally by BUCS
You thought we were done with awards? Not quite. Members of Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club are now being recognised on the national stage, as both Neil Allan and the Men’s 1XI have been shortlisted in this year’s BUCS Awards, celebrating the very best in student sport across the UK.
Neil Allan – BUCS Coach of the Year (Shortlisted)
Shortlisted for BUCS Coach of the Year, Neil Allan’s leadership has been nothing short of transformational. The award honours coaches who have not only driven performance but ensured player wellbeing and development, and Neil has excelled on all fronts.
Earlier this month, Neil was also named Edinburgh University Sports Union Coach of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional commitment to player development, culture, and performance. Since taking over as Head of Performance, Neil has steered the 1XI through an unbeaten BUCS campaign, claimed the BUCS North Premier title, won the National Vase at Big BUCS Wednesday, and secured promotion to the BUCS National Premier — the highest level of university hockey in the UK. A few weeks after lifting the Vase, the team also made history by becoming the first ever male university side to win the Scottish Cup, defeating Hillhead 3–1 in the final.
Off the pitch, Neil has helped professionalise the club’s high-performance programme, championed mental resilience, and mentored both players and coaching staff across multiple teams. On top of that, he also served as Assistant Coach for the Scotland Senior Men’s National Team, winning the FIH Nations Cup 2 this spring.
Men’s 1XI – BUCS Team of the Year (Shortlisted)
The 1XI have been recognised for one of the most dominant and historic seasons in university hockey, earning a place on the BUCS Team of the Year shortlist.
Their 2024/25 season achievements include:
Unbeaten in BUCS Premier North
Promoted to BUCS National Premier
BUCS National Vase Champions
Scottish Cup Winners – First men’s university side in history
Five players selected for the Scotland Senior Team
This nomination celebrates not just matchday performance, but a year of ground-breaking achievement, culture-building, and setting new standards in student sport.
We’re incredibly proud to see the hard work, vision, and talent in our club being recognised on the UK stage. Congratulations to Neil and the entire 1XI squad — and to everyone who has supported them along the way.
BUCS Award winners will be announced in July at the BUCS Awards held at the University of Hull. Stay tuned.