Lucy Manifold

Which society did you start up and when did you do it?

I started up the University of Manchester Gymnastics club at the end of my first year in 2012. I have now finished a master's and about to embark upon a PhD here at Manchester.

Why did you decide to start up the society?

I first thought up the idea when I came to Manchester in 2011 and found out there wasn't a university club. I briefly joined other clubs and societies but gymnastics was what I really wanted to do as it has been my life-long hobby and I knew I couldn't be alone. At the end of my first year I tried to get the ball rolling and emailed the Student's Union asking if I could start up a new club. After they confirmed I could, I made posters and pinned them up around campus to gauge interest in gymnastics. Soon enough, around 30 people emailed me saying they wanted to be part of the club. From there I found suitable facilities and a coach and worked out how much I would need to charge to break even.

Did you receive much help and support from the Students’ Union?

The Student's Union allowed me to register as a bronze club which at the time gave me access to £300 of funding per academic year. I didn't require the money as the club really took off and I was making profit each week but it was reassuring to know it was there. Now the club is part of the Athletic Union. The club had to run self-sufficiently for two years before it could be considered as an official sports club.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting their own society?

My advice to anyone starting a club would be to persevere and not be afraid to ask for help. I ran the club almost single-handed for two years and with rising costs of club hire, losing the coach and unsuccessful external funding applications I did want to give up at times. Now the club is an official university sport with a sponsor and has landed in the capable hands of a 12 member committee. Having the largest student population in the country at Manchester, whichever club you would like to start, there will be other students wanting to join.