The first AIM seminar of the 2026/27 Performance Sport calendar focused on positive self-talk and mental toughness.

The session explored how athletes can manage their internal dialogue and respond to pressure, setbacks and challenging moments in both training and competition.

Athletes were encouraged to consider how the way they speak to themselves can influence their mindset and performance, while developing practical approaches to staying focused and responding positively when faced with challenges.

The seminar was the first in a series of AIM workshops scheduled throughout the 2026/27 academic year.

Queen’s Performance Sport welcomed its 2026/27 Elite Athlete Programme cohort for the programme’s annual induction.

The session outlined the support available to athletes during the year, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, performance lifestyle support and academic flexibility.

Athletes were also introduced to the Performance Sport staff who will work with them throughout the programme, before hearing about the year ahead and what will be expected of them as Queen’s elite athletes.

The induction also gave athletes from a range of sports the opportunity to meet one another ahead of the new academic year.

The 2026 Deep RiverRock Blues Awards celebrated another exceptional year for sport at Queen’s University Belfast, recognising the achievements of student-athletes across a wide range of sports.

A total of 64 Blues Awards were presented on the night, highlighting excellence at university, national and international level. The evening also celebrated a number of special award recipients, including member of the elite programme; swimmer Rosalie Phelan, who was named Individual Sportswoman of the Year following another outstanding season in the pool.

The ceremony also welcomed two distinguished figures into the Queen’s Sport Hall of Fame. Cathy Gallagher was recognised for her outstanding contribution to performance sport, while former Ireland and Ulster Rugby captain David Humphreys was honoured for his remarkable achievements in rugby and his contribution to sport both on and off the field.

Congratulations to all Blues Award recipients, special award winners and Hall of Fame inductees on their achievements and for their continued contribution to the success of Queen’s Sport.

The 2026 Future Stars event, sponsored by McKeever’s celebrated young talented athletes from across the Province in GAA, Hockey, Soccer, Rugby and Rowing. Through a vigorous selection and trial process of nearly 1,000 athletes from over 180 schools, the top athletes were selected. The event highlighted how Queen’s support elite athletes, helping students perform to a extremely high level in both academia and sport. We would like to thank the schools, coaches, and parents for their continued support throughout the process and look forward to seeing the future achievements of all the young awardees.

A brilliant evening at our annual Derry Group Winter Scholarship Event, celebrating the hard work and progress of nearly 150 scholarship athletes across seven programmes.

Thank you to Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor Richard Miles for opening the event, to performance skills coach Hugh Campbell for an engaging workshop, and to Rory Best and Caroline O’Hanlon for an inspiring Q&A. Head of Sport & Physical Wellbeing Karl Oakes closed the evening with thanks and reflection as we look ahead to Semester Two.

A fantastic way to close Semester One

On 5 June, Queen’s University celebrated a proud tradition of sporting excellence at the 2025 Blues Awards, honouring student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers for their dedication, performance, and impact across more than 20 different sports. The event showcased the strength and spirit of the university’s sporting community, highlighting achievements both on and off the field.

On 15 April 2025, Queen’s University celebrated its annual Future Stars Awards, sponsored by McKeever Sports, recognising 148 talented Year 11 and 12 student-athletes across five priority sports. The gala at Whitla Hall highlighted the University’s Academy Programmes, supporting dual careers in sport and academia, and featured nearly 1,000 young athletes identified through partnerships with local sports bodies.