This season has been a major success for all of our UDUK-affiliated societies on the board, but many of our teams have also been bringing home the silverware in their university awards. Birmingham were successful in their Guild of Students Awards. Earlier this year, the society – shortlisted for the ‘Kick-Start Award’ – won the accolade for their tremendous efforts since being founded last season. It is worthy recognition for one of the newest teams in the UDUK system, nicely complemented by 2022/23 President Woody Boon’s <a href=\"https://www.uduk.co.uk/post/clmxhc4290001mo08dorni9cn\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">recent ‘Pillar of the Community’ Award </a>granted by the UDUK committee. On the Guild award, Boon said: “We were up against a lot of different societies championing worthy causes and to beat them to the award just demonstrates the leaps and bounds this society has come this year.” “From hosting Varsity and growing membership eight fold, to setting up activities outside of darts, it’s really nice to know that our hard work to do all that isn’t just recognised by the members but also by our Students’ Union.” Elsewhere, Liverpool received recognition for what was a fabulous opening season for all concerned. Winners of their university’s ‘New Society’ award, the gong is testament to the hard work of all those involved in helping establish the society, which placed fourth in the North West league on debut. Founder and UDUK Vice President Iwan Hughes stated: “It’s an incredible achievement for a society only given status in January. The great commitment of many has been rewarded and I cannot wait to watch it grow in years to come.”&nbsp; Liverpool were not the only North West team receiving some rightful praise from their university this year. Bangor were also commended at their Athletic Union awards for their superb social media content. It comes after the society has sustained an impressive presence on a range of platforms, including TikTok, helping to engage a wider audience with the sport and university darts alike. Word must also go to the University of Gloucestershire, whose helpful work assisting UDUK with running February’s Cotswolds Classic received a nomination for ‘Best Event’. We would actively encourage all of our affiliated societies to consider nominating themselves and their members for such awards. Not only does it help to reward hard work, but it puts darts societies across the country on the map and promotes the commitment we are all helping to give.

Thomas Bartley - 24/09/2023

UDUK societies prove winners off as well as on the oche