Reasons to get involved with a Uni Sport

University sport is a great way to meet people, stay active and enjoy your time at the University of Lincoln. The uni has teams for almost 50 different sports, from the more conventional football and netball to the surprising dodgeball and ultimate frisbee.

Did you play a sport before university?

If you played a sport before going to uni, that can be a great way into uni sport. For me it was cricket. I played for a club in my hometown, so I tried out for the uni’s cricket team when I got to Lincoln.

This can help you get your feet under the table and settle into the vast world of uni sport.

It can be helpful to play a sport at uni that you already have experience in, but that’s not the only way.

Why not try something new?

Instead of carrying on with a sport you are familiar with, the uni lets you to have the choice of trying out a totally new sport. The uni offers 47 different sports – name a sport, and there is probably a team for it.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to try hockey, or you are interested in American football, or maybe you want to find out what korfball is (don’t ask me, I don’t know)!

The opportunity to try something new is there for everyone.

Great way to make new friends

Uni sport is always a good way of making friends. You can meet people who have similar interests as you, as I have done. Sport is one of the best ways of meeting new people, and where better to do that than at uni?

Part of this is sports club socials. These socials are fun and friendly nights out for the sports teams. You can get dressed up (in fancy dress), take part in challenges and spend time with other students on your team.

Sometimes, teams arrange joint socials with other societies, like cricket and netball often do. So, you can meet lots of different people, not just those playing your sport.

Sense of community

Sport is very good at creating a sense of community. Joining together with other people.

It gave me the skill of working in a team which has been really useful in my work and education. So, sport is a valuable opportunity in that sense too. Working with people is something that you have to do throughout your life, from a very young age, and sport is always a great example of that.

The bond you have with people you play sport with is a very strong one; you feel like you’re part of something.

Don’t be afraid to give it a go

Trying something new and meeting new people can be scary. Understandably so. However, university sport is worth giving a go. Not only does it help you stay fit and active, but it can also help you forge new friendships.

Not all of uni sport is competitive either, there are many social, ‘fun’ teams, so there’s something for everyone. Uni can be daunting, but trying out a sport is a way of helping alleviate some of that pressure.