As campaign week throws candidates into the deep end, the student leadership elections at Loughborough’s Student Union is in full swing. With over thirteen candidates across the five roles, it is certainly a competitive playing field. The current Sports Executive, Frankie Suckling, is re-running for the same position. Despite being the only candidate for Sports, Frankie has thrown herself into her campaign – striving for commitment, connection and championship. Frankie is originally from Cambridge and graduated last year from her Sport and Exercise Science degree before starting her Executive role. We spoke with Frankie to ask her some questions on her campaign and manifesto, allowing us some extra insight into what her aspirations are if she was to extend her role.
What are your top priorities for your time in Sport Executive Officer?
Commit. Connect. Champion. These are my three priorities for my time as Sport Executive Officer. I will implement strategies that will enhance the student experience and strengthen connections across the sporting community. I want to build on this foundation to ensure that every student, regardless of their sporting background, feels supported, valued, and inspired.
What good work would you look to carry on from this year?
Enhance club visibility by expanding Sporting Spotlight with creative content, including pre-game interviews and social media takeovers to celebrate achievements. Continue to strengthen the bond with the Loughborough London Campus, following the London Sport Experience Day and creating more of these opportunities. Additionally, develop the reward and recognition introduce through Committee Member of the Month and the Athletic Union Newsletter.
Where does your personal drive to take up this position come from?
Throughout my time at Loughborough, I have immersed myself in sport at every level—from IMS to AU—gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities clubs and students face. My involvement with the AU Korfball team has been particularly inspiring; witnessing a small club grow in both participation and social media presence has ignited my passion for supporting underrepresented clubs. This experience has motivated me to continue another term of being the Sport Executive Officer, where I am dedicated to being a supportive and approachable presence, ensuring that every club has the guidance and resources needed to thrive.
What experience have you encountered which you believe improved your ability in the role?
My journey at Loughborough has equipped me with diverse experiences that have refined my skills in this role. Whether it’s encouraging a student to try a new sport, assisting a committee member in navigating club processes, or playing a key role in organizing an event for over 1,000 spectators, each opportunity has contributed to my growth. Through hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, and student engagement, I have developed a robust foundation that enables me to make a meaningful impact from day one.
What should voters expect from your campaign?
All I can say is be prepared to see 21 of me walking around campus…
If voters would like to get in touch with further questions, are you open to this and how would they go about contacting you?
DM me on Instagram @frankie4sporteo
As elections gets busier, we can only wish Frankie and other candidates the best with their campaign. Make sure to keep a look out on campus for campaign teams, t-shirts and mascots. Voting opens on the 3rd of March at 8am and closes on the 5th of March, at 5pm. There are a lot of incentives for voting, from sweet treats to 99p FND once 5,000 votes are reached – so make sure to vote via the LSU app next week!
