UKCL Showcases Cornhole at Loughborough University as Part of Growing Campus Initiative

On Tuesday, 1 July, the United Kingdom Cornhole League (UKCL)  were invited to deliver a live cornhole activation at Loughborough University’s Staff Summer Picnic, held at the EHB Pavilion.

Organised in partnership with the University’s recognised Trade Unions, the event offered a prime opportunity to introduce cornhole to academic and professional services staff in an accessible, high-footfall setting.

Delivered with support from longstanding UKCL players Jon Wishart and Tony Gavan, the cornhole installation allowed staff from departments across the university to engage with the sport—many for the first time. Participants included representatives from Estates, Grounds, Lecturing Staff, Maintenance, and Union Officials. Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings also took part.

The activation forms part of a broader UKCL objective to grow the sport’s reach in higher education environments.

“We believe cornhole is perfectly suited to campus culture—easy to play, highly social, and ideal for inter-departmental engagement,” said a UKCL Director, Alistair Pettitt. “The reception at Loughborough has been really encouraging.”

The event was supported locally by Irvin Hendrickson, from the University’s Student Union, who championed bringing the sport onto campus.

“After seeing the positive energy cornhole brings to people, I wanted to share that same experience with my colleagues. I’m hopeful this can be the first step towards regular play on campus.”

UKCL extends thanks to event organiser Rachel Curtis, the Loughborough Student Union, and the Vice-Chancellor's Office for enabling the event. Discussions are ongoing regarding further university-led activations, with the potential for a Loughborough Staff League or inter-university pilot tournament in future.