Matt Dawson opens new Students' Union

Following a £2.9 million investment, the Students’ Union offers a brand new bar and event space as well as an updated student support department. The bar, located on the ground floor, includes six TV screens showcasing live sport and an open, airy space for students and staff to relax. The coffee lounge on the first floor provides a full barista service.

As ambassador for health and wellbeing on behalf of Sodexo, the University’s catering supplier, Matt also worked with campus chefs to prepare his recipes for students including sweet chilli and chorizo penne, vegetarian Sicilian pasta and smoked mackerel super food salad.

York St John has invested over £100 million over the past 10 years as part of its extensive commitment to improving student support and facilities, which include the development of world-class sports facilities at its Nestle Rowntree Sports Park on Haxby Road. Matt Dawson spent the afternoon at the new 57 acre sports site, coaching sessions for the women’s development league as part of Rugby Football Union’s Yorkshire Festival.

Matt, who supports a number of charities including UNICEF and Sparks, said: “I am honoured to be here to open this fantastic building, it’s going to be a great place for students to enjoy while they’re studying at York St John and is all part of being happy & health while at University – it makes me wish I was a student here too!”