What is the Extra Mile?
The Extra Mile is a programme designed to recognise all our societies and sports clubs who go above and beyond to provide an excellent level of service, opportunity and experience for their members, as well as helping the SU Sports and Societies team to achieve strategic goals within the UPSU strategy.
The Extra Mile Accreditation Scheme uses a grading system:
Each award has different tasks that need to be completed, as well as a choice of tasks which can be selected by the individual groups depending on their interest areas and goals.
These awards demonstrate to UPSU, Sabbatical Officers, the University of Plymouth and the wider student community how student groups are actively making a difference to develop and engage members. Taking part in the Extra Mile is optional for student groups; however, by getting involved, student group leaders can give their members a fantastic experience and allow them to be recognised for their efforts.
Bronze Award
Pole Dance
This year, Pole Dance have shown a huge commitment to support local communities and charities. They supported International Women’s Day, putting up a 'Pole Jam' and showing off their best skills and they have hosted a breast Cancer Awareness Day in the SU with the Primrose Foundation, encouraging everyone to check themselves. In total, this year they have raised over £500 for multiple charities. They have been amazing at managing their finances to allow for the purchase of a new stage pole, ensuring members can practice on safe equipment.
Well done Pole Dance! 👏🏼
Photos: Pole Dance in collaboration with Debate society litter picking on campus and Pole Dance competing in the South West Pole Varsity.
Silver Award
Jiu Jitsu
This year, Jiu Jitsu put on tailored sessions for International Women’s Day, allowing people to practice self defence in a safe way, provided gradings throughout the year to allow members the opportunity to put their skills to the test, and took part in Movember activities for men's mental health.
This year, many members have moved up a grading thanks to the dedication and top coaching provided, and members were able to take part in a martial arts exhibition at Varsity, the first of it’s kind! 🙌🏽
Photos: Jiu Jitsu grading and members taking part in Movember activities.
Canoe
The Canoe Club have focused their efforts on keeping their environment clean this year, committing 140 hours to clearing up local beaches in the city!
Furthermore, they are in the process of donating old kit to schools to support younger children getting out on the water, created a movie for members about their time with the club, and continued to raise money for charity.
Well done Canoe Club!
Photos: Canoe Club members walked a whopping 10,000km to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)!
Lacrosse
Lacrosse has dedicated over 180 hours volunteering in the community across a huge variety of events, including food drives and Christmas gift drives for Salvation Army. Members have also volunteered at a local refugee kitchen and at the Cumberland Centre.
They have also worked hard to upskill members in umpiring and first aid qualifications, and have managed to source £2200 in additional funding for members – this funding was key to paying for their training facilities throughout the year!
Photo: Lacrosse at Varsity 2025.
Gold Award
Waterfront Running
It’s been a mammoth year for Waterfront Running! This year, they have hosted a Marathon Relay for charity by running around campus for Devon Mind, supported International Women’s Day, and won Outstanding Contribution at the Beacon Awards. What’s more, they have attended Trevi’s Reclaim The Night March, building up support in the community to ensure members are safe running throughout the year.
Throughout the year, members have racked up 465 community volunteering hours, supporting Park Run, litter picks, running period poverty drives, and helping with a CoppaFeel event. They have also collaborated with other societies and worked with the SU and Sabbatical Officers to put on an International Women’s Day event in the SU.
Amazing work Waterfront Running Club! 👏🏼
Photos: Waterfront Running Club at Welcome 2025 and members after the ultra relay marathon for Devon Mind.
SwitchUP
This year, SwitchUP have joined the collaborative networking group for university esports teams, hosted by Gamers vs Depression and funded by PlayAid, and consistently collaborate with other student groups, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.
The society has also entered their Mario Kart and Smash Bros teams into an esports Varsity event against Sheffield’s esports teams! They managed to win both matches and had a great time, and are planning a rematch for next year. Another huge achievement for the year was their 48 hour stream-a-thon which raised £1540 for Children on the Edge, which took place on campus.
The society is always looking and implementing member feedback, and have added additional sensory rooms to their regular weekly sessions.
Good work SwitchUp!
Photos: SwitchUp's tournaments this academic year.
Cheerleading
This year, members have supported Central Park park runs and raised money for Mind Devon, Breast Cancer Awareness, Movember and Marie Curie. Cheer also hosted a 100 tumbles session to raise money on behalf of Roma, from Nottingham Trent University who sadly passed away.
They have held taster sessions and “bring a boy” to Cheer to help break down barriers in the sport. They have collaborated with other clubs, including skill swap session to litter picks in the city.
One of their key goals was to create a sideline team, giving members a chance to support other clubs at their sports fixtures. This team was able to support Varsity events, weekly basketball fixtures, and has given everyone a chance to be involved even if they aren’t in a competition squad.
Congratulations Cheer!
Photos: Plymouth Storm Cheerleading's competition teams headed to ICC Wales for their first competition of the season.
Swim, Synchro and Water Polo
Swim, Synchro and Water Polo have been dedicated to fundraising this year, raising a staggering £1500 for Trevi and Movember. Members achieved this by taking part in the Plymouth Half, growing some strong moustaches, and auquafit charity sessions. They have also worked hard to support the local Christmas Shoebox appeal, filling ten boxes for children of all ages.
The club has done an amazing job in securing £1750 for members from their sponsors, which has been used to put on events, competitions, and socials.
The club were also voting champions in the UPSU elections, encouraging 87 members to vote for 2025/2026 Sabbatical Officers.
Well done Swim, Synchro and Water Polo!
Photos: UPSSWPC at the British University Swimming League and members take part in the half marathon to raise money.
Photos: UPSSWPC competition swimmers compete in the short course BUCS, going head-to-head with universities from across Britain.
A big congratulations to all our societies and sports clubs this year who have been accredited with either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award!