Celebrating Sport and Culture

Performance Sport at Essex is about spotlighting and celebrating our student-athletes, who bring personality, strength and culture to our community. Meet one of our men’s first-team footballers, an international student from Zambia who has progressed through Essex Business School from Undergraduate level to studying his Master’s, and whose journey reminds us how diversity and heritage shape sport, friendship, and identity here at Essex, and beyond.

Introducing… Luwa Luwabelwa

"Being a part of the performance football team has been one of the most impactful aspects of my experience and deepened my connection to the significance of Black History Month, bringing me closer to teammates from various backgrounds, in support of each other on and off the field. Not only has it given me a sense of belonging, but it’s also allowed me to form friendships with people from all over the world. The diversity on our team mirrors the larger university community, and it’s amazing how we all learn from each other’s backgrounds, stories, and perspectives."

How has your cultural heritage shaped you as an athlete, and how do you bring elements of your culture into your sporting life?

"My cultural heritage has played a huge role in shaping me as an athlete, instilling in me values of resilience, integrity and perseverance. Reflecting on where I come from, my journey has taught me to value every opportunity and to work tirelessly to achieve my goals. My background has kept me grounded and fuelled my drive on the field, knowing that every step forward reflects not only my personal effort but also the strength of my family and community back home. One way I bring elements of my culture into my sporting life is through the concept of unity and teamwork. In my culture, community support is central, and people come together to lift each other. This mindset translates naturally into my role on the university’s first team."

What has your experience been like as a student-athlete in our performance programme, and how has the community here supported you?

"It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Balancing my academic pursuits with my commitment to the first team has its challenges, but the programme’s structure and support have made it possible to excel in both areas. One of the most impactful aspects has been the sense of community here. Being far from home, I’ve found a second family in my teammates and coaches, who have shown genuine support. They understand the demands of being a student-athlete and create an environment where we feel encouraged to grow not only as athletes but as individuals. This community has taught me to be more disciplined, resilient, and adaptable, qualities that help me academically and athletically."

Can you share a personal story or memory that you feel has shaped your outlook on sport and life?

"A defining experience that deeply shaped my outlook on sport and life was a long-term knee injury I suffered during a critical phase of my athletic journey. At the time, I was gaining momentum as a semi-professional footballer, and this injury felt like a devastating setback. The recovery process was gruelling, physically and mentally. I went through months of physical therapy, missed games, and sat on the sidelines while my teammates continued to progress. It was one of the most challenging times I’ve faced, but it also became one of the most transformative. This injury taught me the true meaning of resilience. It forced me to work harder, knowing that getting back on the field would require everything I had and more. It wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was about building mental strength and finding the motivation to keep pushing forward, even when it felt like progress was painfully slow. I began to appreciate the small milestones, each session, each step closer to running without pain, each moment of progress teaching me to embrace the process rather than just the outcome."

Discover how our Performance Sport programme at Essex can support your overall development.

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Sports scholarships and bursaries

We are committed to supporting and developing high performance athletes. Find out whether you could be eligible for a sports scholarship or bursary, plus a range of additional benefits too when you join the University of Essex.