UC Student Selected for International Sports Leadership Programme

UTSNZ is proud to announce the selection of Liam Keegan, from the University of Canterbury (UC), to the 2025/26 FISU Student Ambassadors Programme - an international initiative aimed at empowering emerging leaders in university sport.

Liam will join a global cohort of student leaders at the FISU Student Ambassadors Training event, held online this September as part of the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA). This marks the beginning of a year-long journey during which he will represent New Zealand in promoting the values of university sport and healthy lifestyles, in collaboration with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and UTSNZ.

Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Taxation), Liam has consistently demonstrated academic excellence alongside his deep involvement in sport, health, and community initiatives. He works as both a Group Fitness Instructor and Customer Experience Representative at UC Rec & Sport, and represents Chartered Accountants ANZ and UC through multiple ambassador roles. His extensive volunteer experience - ranging from junior golf leadership to conservation social media management - has developed his skills in communication and inclusive community engagement.

Liam is excited at the opportunity to be able to contribute meaningfully to university sport in New Zealand and beyond.

“Becoming a FISU Student Ambassador represents an exciting opportunity to grow personally, promote the transformative power of sport, and build global connections. I am eager to contribute to this inspiring programme and support the development of university sport on both national and international levels” explains Liam.

Liam’s selection reflects his alignment with the goals of the FISU Ambassadors Programme: to inspire global student participation, foster leadership, and champion the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and gender equality. Over the course of the programme, he will be responsible for developing and implementing a national action plan in partnership with UTSNZ, participating in monthly webinars, supporting volunteer initiatives, and contributing to the celebration of the International Day of University Sport (IDUS).

UTSNZ congratulates Liam on this achievement and looks forward to supporting him throughout his leadership journey. His leadership exemplifies the calibre of students emerging from New Zealand’s tertiary sport system and the important role university sport plays in developing future leaders.

The 2025 programme will commence with student ambassador training 12-13 September 2025 (online), followed by activities throughout the remainder of the year and through 2026.

For more information about the FISU Student Ambassadors Programme – click here.