Our next staff Kent Diamond is Sam Stevens. Sam is responsible for engaging as many students, staff and the local community as possible in sport and physical activity. Hear from Sam:
My name is Sam Stevens. I am a Sports Development Coordinator in Kent Sport. I have been working in the role since March 2025. I also worked on a casual basis in the Sports Development team, while I was studying for my BSc Psychology here at the University of Kent. Between graduating and rejoining Kent Sport, I worked in a secondary school coaching sport and leading sports activities.
Away from work I enjoy being outdoors and active as much as I can. A typical weekend for me would involve watching my team Gillingham inevitably lose, playing tennis with friends and enjoying a nice walk or cycle in the countryside or by the sea!
Tell us about your role at Kent and how you make an impact.
As a Sports Development Coordinator, my role is to engage as many students, staff, and members of the local community as possible in sport and physical activity. We have a clear mission of opening sport for all and aim to remove the barriers that individuals may face when getting involved.
My main responsibilities include leading the football programme for over 700 students and around 50 staff members, as well as coordinating the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup staff sports competition. I also enjoy working on the ALL Active programme, which provides regular, social, relaxed, and low-cost sessions across a variety of sports throughout the week. In the holiday times, we run multi-sport activity camps for children, which is great fun!
I am passionate about removing barriers to participation and helping people experience the physical and mental well-being benefits that sport can provide. It is rewarding to organise events and programmes that help the Kent community step away from their studies or work, make new friends, stay active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a former student, I have experienced how important these activities are.
Tell us about… Staff Varsity
Staff Varsity is an annual sports tournament between staff from the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. The tournament was stablished to provide staff with the opportunity to compete in a friendly and social sporting competition. It has quickly become a highlight of the staff sports calendar, with many familiar faces from our ALL Active sessions and Vice-Chancellor’s Cup competition coming together to represent Team Kent.
There’s still time to get involved in Staff Varsity 2026! It’s been a great competition so far, with Team Kent claiming victory in golf and our cricketers putting in a strong performance despite missing out on the win. Staff have also taken part in boccia, dodgeball and badminton, with pickleball, football and rounders to come, followed by an awards and social evening. Whether you fancy playing or just coming along to support, there’s still time to get involved. Register your interest now.
What are some of your favourite things about the University?
As a former student and now staff member, I have always loved the green campus. My favourite spot on campus is the lawn near Rutherford with the stunning view of the town and cathedral. Being so close to the Crab and Winkle Way means you can easily head off for a walk or cycle down to Whitstable.
As a keen tennis player and footballer, it is great to have the indoor tennis centre and two fantastic football pitches at the doorstep of our office.
Who helps make the Kent community special for you?
Through my role, I’m lucky to regularly see so many colleagues from across the University. Seeing so many friendly faces at events like the VC’s Cup competition always makes my week. It’s wonderful to see staff enjoying some friendly competition while supporting one another and I think it’s a great reflection of our friendly and welcoming community.
What advice would you give to Kent students and staff?
Advice for students:
Make the most of your accommodation membership by taking advantage of the wide range of free sport and physical activity opportunities available throughout the year. From weekly sessions to one-off events, there are plenty of fun ways to get involved, meet new people and stay active. Highlights this year included the colour run and regular archery tag events!
Advice for staff:
I would highly recommend coming along to an ALL Active session and giving something new a try. Whether you’re sporty or not sporty at all, everyone is welcome, and our friendly team will help you get started. If you’re looking to develop your sports skills, check out our ALL Active+ programme, which offers expert coaching in sports including tennis and football.
Join or create a Vice-Chancellor’s Cup team and enjoy some friendly, social competition. From rounders and pickleball to pub games and quizzes, there’s something for everyone. Visit the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup webpage for more information or drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help you find or start a team. We can also host active away days tailored for your department.
The Kent Diamonds campaign recognises the students, staff and alumni that make Kent shine. Learn more about our Kent Diamonds and our other 60th Diamond Anniversary celebrations.