Taking part in sport at Lancaster is an incredible, unique opportunity that is about much more than just sport itself. It’s the chance to try something new, to compete at every level (whether you’re interested in representing the university in BUCS and Roses or having a kickabout in the rec leagues), and it’s really the opportunity to find your community and flourish within it. For students who take part in sports teams, and I’m speaking as one, it’s what shapes the university experience more than anything else, and I couldn’t recommend anything more than getting involved!

At Lancaster University Students Union we’re proud to play our part in supporting students to make the most of all their sporting opportunities, enhancing their potential in and away from the sporting arena. From the day new students arrive there are opportunities for them to make new friends and be part of Lancaster’s active community – whether they’re pursuing an existing interest or trying something completely new. Your union is here to support and represent the student body for all things activities, covering everything from our competitive university teams, recreational sport offering, and collegiate sport as well as our wide range of student societies and volunteering.

We have a diverse selection of sports teams who compete in national university and college leagues, cups and competitions. These clubs come under our Sport Lancaster banner – a partnership between the students’ union and the university that supports our sports teams to achieve their potential. There are 39 Sport Lancaster clubs, six of which – Badminton, Fencing, Hockey, Netball, Rugby Union and Swimming & WP – are designated focus sports. This means they receive additional support and funding from the students’ union to perform at the highest level.

We’re one of a small handful of universities in the UK to have a collegiate system and college sport is an integral part of our sporting provision. There are inter-collegiate leagues in football, netball, rugby, pool, darts and dominoes, where colleges compete against one another weekly to be crowned champions at the end of the academic year. They may not be competing against other universities, but I can assure you the amount of college pride and rivalry shown in intercollegiate sport is a match for anything!

The highlight of the year for many students is Roses. This massive annual tournament with the University of York features more than 50 sports, and over 150 fixtures across the weekend, making it one of the largest inter-varsity competitions in Europe. From personal experience, I can easily say that this is one of the best events during the year. Roses is a fantastic opportunity for societies to take part and showcase their activities and also an opportunity for students to rally behind their sports clubs, friends and peers to create an amazing atmosphere and to ensure Roses are red!

Mental health is high on the agenda for students and us here at the Students’ Union. As a union we’re keen students can experience the benefits an active lifestyle has on physical, social and mental health. Whether you prefer a stroll in the campus grounds, a social game of badminton with your friends or an intense training session with your sports club, we believe if you take some time out of your studies to get some regular exercise or enjoy Lancaster’s wide sporting offer, you will feel better in every way.

Paul McCarthy (Vice President Sport and Activities)