Sport is a big part of university life, especially here at Exeter. There are loads of opportunities, and you don't have to be a top athlete to get involved. Whether you're the reincarnation of Pelé or someone whose sporting experience doesn't go much further than PE at school, there are plenty of ways to stay active, meet people and try something new, whatever your ability or schedule!

BUCS Sport: for those who want to compete!

Firstly, if you’re after high-level competitive sport, then maybe BUCS sport is for you. Standing for British Universities and Colleges Sport, BUCS gives students the chance to represent Exeter against other universities in competitive leagues and tournaments. There are teams across a range of sports, although joining usually involves regular training, matches and sometimes travelling to other universities. 

I’ve played BUCS futsal throughout my time here, training twice a week and playing matches on Sundays. I’ve loved being part of a team and meeting new people each year, although I completely understand that not everyone wants to spend their Sundays travelling as far as Aberystwyth!

Reminder: Although trials often happen at the start of the year, some teams may still welcome new players. If you’re interested, try contacting clubs to ask for opportunities instead of assuming you’ve missed the boat!

Sports and Active Societies: try something new!

‍

If competition isn’t quite your thing, Exeter has plenty of active societies focused more on enjoyment and socialising. From yoga and benchball to judo, BodySoc and calisthenics, there’s a wide range of activities to explore through the Guild website.

You don’t need to be an expert to take part, and societies are a great way to meet people outside your course or accommodation. Have a browse of the Guild societies page. You might discover something you’d never considered trying before university and end up loving it!

Pitch Up and Play: just turn up!

If you don’t fancy committing to a club or society, Pitch Up and Play offers a free, casual way to play sport. There’s no need for previous experience or to attend every week. The focus is simply on having fun, meeting people and staying active.

With activities such as tennis, football, badminton and Pilatesrotating each week, it’s a great option for those with busy schedules, or evento experiment with different sports before joining a society. Just check thetimetable and book your sessions through the University website.

Social Sport Leagues: some friendly competition!

For something between BUCS and casual sessions, Exeter also runs Social Sport Leagues, where students compete in regular fixtures against other teams. You can get involved in sports like football, netball, basketball and cricket, often with friends, course mates or society members.

It’s a great option for those who enjoy competing in sport but don’t want the training commitments. Check the University website for registration opportunities in Terms 2 and 3. Even if leagues have already started this term, it’s worth asking existing teams whether they have room for another player.

Whether you want to compete, try something new or just have a laugh, there are loads of opportunities to get involved in sport here. You definitely don’t need to be a professional! Sometimes the best thing you can do is just give it a go.

‍