For those who have had their university impacted by the pandemic, or perhaps if you are reading this as a first year, many universities take part in annual varsities. These are without doubt the most packed sports days of the year, and a time when you can support your university and their players, or perhaps play yourselves.
Being part of this university event is, in my opinion, an absolute must for all students. The day provides a feeling and sense of community when attending varsity.
A day of sports
This offers the opportunity to acknowledge the skills involved in other sports. Perhaps you have never seen a lacrosse clash or watched American football. Varsity games allow you to change this and enjoy something new. It may make you more aware of the athleticism involved in these sports.
Not only do you get to be involved in some fierce competition with the rival team. It’s also a day of sports entertainment washed down with cold pints.
Supporting friends involved in sports such as cheerleading, hockey, netball, football, and rugby will allow you to get behind your university like never before.
How does it feel to play in Varsity?
I’ve spoken with students who were part of the Varsity at Cardiff University two years ago (due to Covid and then Covid restrictions preventing the previous two years). One student described stepping onto the football pitch as being ‘absolutely terrifying yet, after hearing cheers from the crowd and support from your university, you feel a sense of excitement like never before’.
This goes to demonstrate that showing up and supporting your uni and their teams can really make the difference between winning and losing.
Varsity also releases a top for students to wear on the day. In Cardiff, for example, there will be a sea of red fighting against a sea of green, who are for Swansea University. The day is full of songs and chants as the crowd competes to come up with the most insulting rhymes and chants.
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