What do you do?

I am the Sports officer!

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I love seeing the change my actions/ideas/projects make. Sport is unique in the fact that there is always more you can do, constantly improving the AU is what excites me.

What successes have you had?

I would like to think I have achieved everything in my manifesto, participation numbers have gone up, the amount of students I represent has been increased, club development programmes are nicely underway, links with external agencies have been formed/strengthened including a strong sports science relationship but most importantly the profile has been raised massively  which helps all of the above.

How many of your manifesto pledges have you achieved?

All of them! Some of them more so than others but this year were about setting the foundations for future years, projects started this year will hopefully go from strength to strength in the future.

What's the most frustrating part of your position?

Time and politics! Things always seem to take longer than they need to especially when dealing with 50 odd clubs!

Would you recommend the role to other students?

Yes but only if they were serious about improving sport. I would like to think the days of going for Sabbatical for status or position have passed, if you really want it to enhance sport and that’s what makes you buzz then it’s the best job you could have, sure its frustrating at times, not all of it is glamour and glitz but if done correctly it can be very rewarding. 

What was the hardest part about the 2007 elections for you?

Not knowing if you are going to win; the more effort you put in (not to mention all your friends effort!) the more I wanted it, not to have won would have been disastrous. 

... and the best part?

Seeing how much your friends care and help getting you elected, the whole election week is great fun, just getting out there and talking to people not to mention the social side of things is all fun within itself.  

In 2008/2009, what will the Sabb team need to work the hardest on?

At the moment we are working on a Union strategy, analysing where we are and what we want to do. Next years team will play a major part in carrying out the action plan. Greater togetherness will also be needed to achieve more. 

If you could offer your successor one piece of advice, what would it be?

Do it because you want to achieve something! 

What does your successor need more than anything else to be successful?

Ambition; if you know what you want do not let anyone stand in your way (within reason of course) people do not like change but if it’s for the best fight for it! You also need to have the gift of the gab, good with public speaking and more important than anything else you need to be passionate about the Athletic Union! 

Find out more 

You can also read what Darby had to say about his role and aims at the start of the year on his Sabb page.