Sport's President Blog #7
Name: William Parkin
Year of study: Third
Course: History (BA)
Club: Men’s Basketball
How long have you been involved in your sport and what inspired you to become Club President?
I've been playing basketball for the past 8 years, and began getting progressively more involved with the club during my first year at NTU. After seeing the work that my President did during that first year, I thought I would give it a shot during my 2nd year. Following a successful 1st term as president, I took it upon myself to run for a 2nd term during my final year at NTU. To tell the truth, I kind of liked the idea of power and that drove me to carry on.
Give us a quick overview of what a day in the life of being president is like.
On day to day basis, it's more a case of making sure that club admin is kept on top of; dealing with queries/grievances from club members, following up with the sports staff to make sure the team's performance is being tracked and updated.
As part of the Club President role, it also involves getting the club as involved with other events, not necessarily related to the university.
What's been your proudest achievement so far?
The achievement I am proudest of during my time here as President, would have to be helping to bring the Men's team to victory over the University of Nottingham, for the first time in 5 years. Not only was the most dramatic victory of any basketball match I have been a part of, it also went down in the history books as we were able to get Notts Varsity trending at number 1 for 13 hours across the country.
What's been your toughest challenge?
The toughest challenge would have to be making sure that you appeal to the club's majority interests as best as possible. This is something that never comes easily, but for the last two years it has proven to be the most difficult obstacle to overcome, and this was made even harder with the introduction of a basketball development programme this year.
What aims do you have for the rest of the academic year?
The rest of the academic year is all about continuing both the Men's 1st and 2nd team undefeated league streak with the hopes of gaining a double promotion for my final goodbye to the club. Alongside performance tasks, with the help of the committee I am hoping to arrange some community games, wherein we will get clubs from all around the local area to come and be a part of a charity tournament.
What's the best thing about being a President?
The best thing? The best thing is probably the respect it seems to bring you from people who don't know you, yet seem impressed when you inform them of all the clearly incredible things you appear to do. (I hope sarcasm gets across)
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about running for President next year?
Do it. Despite being a little more work than your usual routine, you get to have a powerful position within the club that you should care a great deal about, seeing as it's where you'll be spending the best 3 years of your life.
Tell us more about your teammates
Funniest: Tom Ballantine
Best Dressed: Charles "The Dream" Downs
Best Taste in Music: Jimmy Evans
Hardest Trainer: Janes Casimiro
Social Butterfly: Adam Main
Brain Box: Ryan Stewart
Best Wednesday Fancy Dress: Richard Ryan
