All across the country, Varsity is huge. Two Universities battling it out across a whole range of sports brings an intense atmosphere that we don’t see very often, and that is no different here at UWE Bristol.
Every year we help students be the best that they can be and the Varsity series only highlights this more. However, this year Varsity is changing. We are going to see a change in the format, with events being spaced out across the year, so fear not; you won’t have to wait long for the first events to roll around.
The ever popular darts is the first event to hit the series on the 9th November, hosted by Walkabout Sports Bar on Corn Street. This is always a sell-out, so be sure to pick up your tickets soon. UWE always set their sights high, so expect them to come out all-guns-blazing in what should be a great event and expect us keep the crown. Last year was a wash out with UWE beating Bristol 7-1.
On the 2nd of December, one of Bristol’s most successful sports comes to the series; water polo. UWE is very proud to have Craig Figes, the GB Water Polo Captain, amongst its alumni and this year we are going to do him proud after just missing on the win last year, losing the series 2-1. Combining accuracy, skill, strength and strategy, the water polo never disappoints and is always a close competition. Why not see something different this year? Who knows, you may even fancy giving it a go!
After dominating the American football, basketball and squash last year, keep an eye out for these events too. American football is the first of these events in the calendar, taking place on the 2nd February, followed by basketball on March 13th and squash on the 21st of the same month.
Squash takes place on this year’s Varsity Day on the 21st March. Although the format has changed for the year, there will still be a designated Varsity Day with several smaller events taking place throughout the day, where many of our students grab the opportunity to compete in a wide range of sports offered to them. The day is free to all students and takes place at Frenchay, with events taking place all over campus.
Students from all walks of life come together across the Varsity Series and this year is no different. New sports are always being considered; this year we may see the introduction of orienteering so make sure to get involved if this is something that appeals to you. You could be part of something new and exciting!
Are there any new sports you would like to see added? And how excited are we for this year’s Varsity series? Let us know, spread the love and support Team UWE!
Max Baker, 3rd Year BA(Hons) Journalism