Sport and activities for fun

Want to get involved with sport at University but have no idea where to start? Have a picture in your head that all sports clubs are intimidating and only recruit people who have been playing since birth?

There may be some confusion and anxiety around getting involved when you first start University, but there are so many ways to join in with sport, and no, it is not a pre-requisite to look like you just walked out of Casa Amor!

1. Sports Clubs

There are over 70 sports clubs to choose from at Leeds, from the bigger, more traditional ones such as netball and rugby, to the smaller ones such as fencing or darts. Clubs welcome all players, regardless of prior experience and run “Give it A Go” sessions at the beginning of each term where you can just turn up and see if it might be for you, with no obligation to join. This is a great way to meet not only current members of the club, but also like-minded students who are thinking of joining too! Each club has a dedicated page on the LUU website where they put info regarding trials, contact information and their social handles, so you can find out all about them!

2. Social Sport

Want to get involved with sport but don’t want to join a club? Social sport offers a casual way to play with scheduled “turn up and play” sessions that require very little commitment, as well as social leagues, where you can put a team together with your mates and enter. Sports available for turn up and play include; Dodgeball, Basketball, Badminton, Futsal, Lacrosse and football. Leagues you can enter include five a side, 11 a side and netball. You can even become a referee and help our leagues run smoothly!

3. Bodington Cycle Circuit

Love a bit of cycling but the busy streets of Leeds throwing you off your game? The University’s Bodington Cycle Circuit located a couple of miles north of campus is the perfect place to come and ride. It has a 1-mile circuit (one of the longest in the country FYI) free of any traffic. There are pay and pedal sessions throughout the week which are open to anyone, so you can get outside and take a breather, riding round that track as many times as you like!

4. GOGA

Get Out Get Active is a fantastic programme which allows you to try out a range of fun and sociable activities both here on campus and in the beautiful surrounding countryside. This includes things like climbing, walking and running, plus yoga and Pilates classes. No prior experience is required to join any of the activities and is a great chance to meet new people, whilst trying new things.

5. The Edge

Want to be more active but on your own schedule? The Edge, is the university’s fitness facility, located right on campus. So, if you fancy a swim on your lunch, want to dance with Pablo at a Les Mills bodyjam class or play badminton with your mates before brunch at LS6, we have you covered. It of course also has a 250-station gym floor that you can use. If you are new to the gym and can’t work out how all the fancy machines work, you can request an induction with one of the knowledgeable staff and they will make sure that you feel confident.

• Find out all you need to know about Leeds Sport
• Find a club or society
• Find out What’s On this month, including Give It A Go (GIAG) sessions
• Follow Leeds Sport on Instagram

Let’s get moving!