As a first year student, you have no doubt heard the phrase “join societies and sports teams to make new friends at university!”, it’s a saying as old as time. But with over 66 student sport teams to choose from at UoM, deciding on which team to join can be quite overwhelming. Well, never fear freshers (and returners), The Mancunion Sport has compiled a brief introduction to University sports to help you choose wisely.
One of the many benefits of sport at UoM is the vast and varied range of activities you can get involved with. The majority of our sports teams compete across the country against other universities in BUCS leagues. Our larger societies include UoM Netball, UoM Rugby Union and UoM Football, but, to give you the full picture of the wide array of clubs on offer in Manchester, The Mancunion spoke to some of the university’s fastest growing sports clubs that are welcoming new members!
University of Manchester Korfball Club
An up-and-coming sport that originally came from The Netherlands, Korfball is the only mixed-gender sport to exist and it has taken the BUCS Leagues by storm. The UoM Korfball team finished 6th in BUCS Championships and 3rd in the trophy so you’ll be in more than capable hands with this club. With skills similar to those of basketball and netball, Korfball requires teamwork between the four male and four female teammates.
We asked UoM Korfball’s Social Media Secretary, Amy Esterhuyse, why students should join Korfball, to which she replied, “We are a really welcoming and fun club where everyone is a beginner and starts at the same level”. Club President, Gemma Davies, further highlighted how the club is “very inclusive” and has a “game time guarantee”, so everyone, regardless of experience, can get a chance to show what they’re made of on court.
So if you’re looking for a new sport to get in to whilst also meeting a really lovely group of people, get yourself on to the Korfball Club’s social media for more information on membership, training and their weekly Wednesday socials!
Instagram: @uomkorfball
Website: Korfball
University of Manchester Ultimate Frisbee Club
Ultimate frisbee is one of the fastest growing sports around. Unique in that the game does not have a referee, each player is responsible for upholding and respecting its rules and spirit. Women’s Captain, Charlie Hicks, represented Ultimate GB and told us why Ultimate is the club to join at UoM. “The club is really welcoming, inclusive to all levels of the game plus there is a lot of space to progress within the club”
Training sessions are held on Monday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm in the Armitage Sports Centre, as well as on Friday evenings from 7.30pm-9.30pm on Armitage Pitch E. With an upcoming tournament hosted in Manchester welcoming several other teams, why not represent UoM in ultimate frisbee; a welcoming yet competitive team (with a pretty impressive meme collection on their socials that The Mancunion team thoroughly enjoyed).
Instagram: @uomultimate
Website: Ultimate Frisbee
University of Manchester Surf Society
Whoever said you can’t surf in relentlessly rainy Manchester was wrong. UoM Surf is one of the fastest growing societies at university and with cool merch, surf trips abroad and DJ charity events, it’s no surprise as to why.
Never surfed before? That is not an issue because UoM Surf encourages absolute beginners to join the club. You can expect UK weekend trips away and a week-long trip abroad to catch some rays and ride some waves with the society. “We focus on inclusivity, not just drinking and not just surfing but also meeting loads of fun people”. With surf socials happening every week, the surf society is a guaranteed way of meeting some very cool people.
Instagram: @uom_surf
Website: Surf
Manchester University Sub Acqua Club (MUSAC)
Currently building back up after COVID, MUSAC is an extremely exciting and interesting club to get involved with. With all qualified instructors, members are encouraged to learn and train before heading out on trips to Capernwray dive site in Aberdeen to showcase their scuba skills. It is not surprise that the club has been generating a lot of interest since reforming this year.
President, Catherine Smith, explained that “there is a misconception that there’s not much diving in the UK but there is a wide range of marine life to explore”. So if you fancy deep diving into some adventure whilst at university, MUSAC is the society for you!
Website: Scuba Diving
University of Manchester Tennis X Padel
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports at the moment and it has finally come to UoM as an offshoot of the University of Manchester Tennis Club. Invented in Mexico, padel combines the techniques of tennis and other racket-based games into a fast-paced sport where people of mixed ability can play.
We spoke to Abdelrahman Elgamal, the president of Padel here at UoM, about the sport and why students should try Padel. He emphasised how easy the sport is to pick up, stating that “not a lot of training is required and we cater towards beginners, intermediate, and advanced players through friendly matches and tournaments.” Memberships for the year are available now to buy from the link tree in their Instagram bio, so go and check it out now!
Instagram: @uomtennisclub
Wesbite: Tennis
University of Manchester Cycling Club
UoM Cycling Club offers three disciplines within one society: road cycling, mountain biking, and track cycling, so there is something for every cycling enthusiast! The society hosts weekly rides for all abilities ranging from novice to elite. The rides provide a good chance to experience the picturesque views of the Peak District and the local countryside.
We spoke to the society about their club and they were quick to highlight the weekly rides as a great social event, being extremely inclusive to all abilities. They also provide links to bike rental if you do not own the equipment, making the weekly rides more accessible to everyone. In addition, they provide the experience for racing and training for those of a higher ability that would like to start competing in cycling, with the team taking part in BUCS.
Instagram: @uomcycling
Website: Cycling
University of Manchester Cricket Club
UoM Cricket Club is an extremely popular and inclusive society. With five teams in BUCS (both Men’s and Women’s teams), and social cricket teams, there is something for everyone at all levels. At the highest level, the men’s 1XI team is currently in the Premier North Division, competing against other universities such as Loughborough and Durham.
We spoke to Oscar, UMCC Committee Treasurer, about why students should join Cricket. “We cater for all at UoM Cricket. Whether you enjoy watching the game, or playing cricket at a social level, everyone is accepted.” He went on to say: “With such a talented squad as of now, we are looking for new and aspirational cricket lovers to embark on the journey of becoming a force in the North.” The society offers more than just cricket, with opportunities for “11 a-side football and 6 a-side football” in the campus leagues, and also “weekly Wednesday socials, sober socials and much more”. The club’s commitment to inclusivity shines through as they “hope to see a lot of new faces in the coming months”.
Instagram: @uomcricket
Website: Cricket
University of Manchester Athletics Club
UoM Athletics Club offers training in Track events and Jumping events, with weekly training at the Etihad Campus. The club is open to all abilities, with team selection changing for every competition based on performance. They offer two types of membership, one for those who are interested in training and a few competitions, and the other for full commitment to training and competing regularly.
Men’s Captain Lorcan Fallon stated that “UoM Athletics has become a major player in the UK athletics scene, with us ranked No.5 in the country for BUCS, and the best Northern Uni team, having historically been a smaller and quieter team.” He went on to say that himself and Women’s Captain Michelle Karen are committed to “providing the best experience for our athletes” with “inclusivity at the heart of our strategy”.
Instagram: @uom_athleticsclub
Website: Athletics
So whether you fancy frisbee, some trips away with surfing or making new friends at UoM Cycling, there are plenty of sports clubs and societies on offer at UoM.
