ULVAA and the Veterinary Science Fund are proud to support 10 student clubs and societies this year, helping veterinary students pursue their passions, from sports and yoga to sustainability and international veterinary initiatives.
Supported by the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association (ULVAA) and donors of the Veterinary Science Fund, each year veterinary students are invited to apply for funding for academic and non-academic activities that enhance their student experience.
This year, 10 student clubs and societies have received grants, enabling them to deliver projects that support learning, wellbeing, professional development and community building. We are pleased to share updates from several of the societies, highlighting how alumni and donor support has already made a meaningful impact.
ULVAA are proud to support:
- International Veterinary Student Association
- Leahurst Christmas Carol Service
- Leahurst Vets Yoga
- Liverpool Farm Animal Veterinary Society
- Liverpool University Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society
- Liverpool University Veterinary Sustainability Society
- Liverpool University Vets Football Club
- Liverpool University Vets Hockey Club
- Liverpool University Vets Rugby Club
- Liverpool University Vets Squash Society
International Veterinary Student Association
The International Veterinary Student Association (IVSA) would like to thank ULVAA for their recent support of student exchanges. In December, IVSA welcomed veterinary students from Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Türkiye, following a Liverpool visit to Istanbul in October.
Funding from ULVAA enabled the society to host their Istanbul guests in Liverpool, including tours of the Leahurst campus and facilities, a pathology practical, and opportunities to experience Liverpool’s culture and landmarks.
Looking ahead to 2026, IVSA has organised an exchange with the University of Padova School of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. Padova students will visit Liverpool in February, with Liverpool students travelling to Italy in April. ULVAA funding will again support activities and expenses for visiting students.
Leahurst Christmas Choir
The annual Leahurst Christmas Carol Service took place on 4 December at St Mary’s and St Helen’s Church, Neston. The choir rehearsed weekly from October, building a seven-carol repertoire, alongside additional performances of Bethlehem Down and Ding Dong Merrily on High—a firm crowd favourite.
The church was filled with staff, students and members of the local community, and the service was warmly received. Funding from ULVAA was used to provide refreshments, which were sold after the service to raise funds for the church and Liverpool University Veterinary Society charities, including the Clare Harrison Memorial Fund, Care for the Paw, PDSA and Vetlife.
Liverpool Farm Animal Veterinary Society
The Liverpool Farm Animal Veterinary Society used their funding to purchase branded polo shirts for committee members to wear at their annual Species Day on 29 November 2025.
Species Day is the Society’s largest event of the year, featuring practical workshops and seminars for students interested in farm animal medicine. This year’s event welcomed 60 attendees from both pre-clinical and clinical years. The polo shirts gave the committee a professional and recognisable presence, making it easier for attendees to seek guidance and support throughout the day.
The Society noted that the funding not only improved the smooth running of the event but also fostered a strong sense of pride and camaraderie among committee members, leaving a lasting positive impact.
Leahurst Vets Yoga
Funding from ULVAA has enabled weekly yoga sessions to run for veterinary students based at Leahurst. The support has covered venue hire and the cost of a fully certified external instructor, allowing sessions to be offered at a significantly reduced price compared with local studios.
Throughout the winter months, these sessions have provided a calming and supportive space for students to unwind, practise mindfulness and step away from academic pressures. Attendance has been consistent, and feedback highlights the value of these sessions for both wellbeing and community building among students.
Liverpool University Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society
The Liverpool University Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (LUVEDS) has had a successful first semester, with strong engagement and growing attendance at its events. LUVEDS has been particularly pleased to see increased participation from first-year students, helping them find a sense of belonging early in their university experience, and also fourth- and fifth-year students based at Leahurst, which has been achieved with the support of the LUVEDS Leahurst rep.
During semester one, LUVEDS hosted a variety of socials, including games nights, potluck dinners, hikes and craft evenings. These events were carefully planned to blend social connection with cultural education and awareness. For example, a games night featured quizzes on global cuisine, national flags and notable ethnic minority figures within the veterinary profession.
By managing funds carefully, LUVEDS are now planning to host a Bollywood-themed social. LUVEDS are pleased to demonstrate how funding has been used to create inclusive, educational and welcoming spaces for students.
Liverpool University Vets Football Club
We would like to thank the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association (ULVAA) for their continued funding and support of the team, which makes these activities possible. This support has allowed us to invest in new footballs to replace those lost over the course of the season.
The Vets FC team has been enjoying the season so far, despite some disappointing results. We have been playing regular 11-a-side and 6-a-side matches, alongside a busy programme of social events, including our ever-popular curry nights.
Our new freshers have integrated well into the team and are already shaping up to be the future of Vets FC. We are hopeful for a stronger run of results and a few more victories in the second half of the season.
Liverpool University Vets Hockey Club
ULVAA's generosity has allowed us to fund a new bag of hockey balls and subsidise playing kits for our new players, arriving soon.
Liverpool University Vets Rugby Club
Thank you ULVAA for your continued support of our team; we are competing in the Division III South League again this year. We have used the funding to cover expenses, including the purchase on a new match and training balls, cover referee costs, and fuel expenses so we get players to our away matches. We are also exploring the purchase of new match shirts, and the funding will help us budget for this. We are extremely grateful for your continued support, which has allowed our players to compete, travel, and represent the Vets with pride. We hope to continue doing so, particularly with the upcoming Vets vs Medics game on the 31st of January.
Liverpool University Vets Squash Society
We’ve been getting back into the swing of things over the last few months – welcoming new members, building friendships, and developing our squash skills.
This year’s funding has enabled us to secure access to squash courts and invest in new equipment, making it possible for members to practice regularly. We’ve also been busy preparing for our annual Staff vs Students charity squash competition later in the year, which ULVAA’s support will help make possible.
One of the highlights so far has been our Vet Squash Christmas meal, keeping the tradition alive, although with a slightly less traditional choice of a pizza restaurant this time!
Everyone involved in Vets Squash would like to say thank you to ULVAA for helping get the society firmly off the ground in 2025. We’re all looking forward to an even bigger and better 2026.
ULVAA are pleased to share these updates and see the tangible impact of alumni and donor generosity. More activities are taking place throughout the academic year, and we look forward to sharing further updates from the remaining clubs and societies as their projects unfold.