Sport for non-sport master's students

Leeds Beckett University is well known for Sport. Yet people often forget the university offers a wide range of non-sport courses too. If you are not studying a postgraduate sports course, you may be less aware of what the university offers you regarding sports, which you can definitely access as a postgraduate student. Here’s what you need to know if you are looking to get involved. 

Sports teams & Societies

There is a wide range of sports teams & societies at the university, and not all teams are competitive. Yes, our football, rugby, swimming, or athletics societies, to name a few, do offer opportunities for members to compete at annual varsity and BUC’s competitions. 

However, if you are looking for something less competitive, at Leeds Beckett there will be a team that you can join. For example, you could join the Surf team (I am a former proud member), which arranges regular surf trips in the UK and abroad and accepts members of any ability or experience, or the Snowboarding team, who do training sessions for those who only want to learn. 

Of course, there is a huge social aspect with any team you join at the university as well. And there are so many options that you can try, be it a sport you've played for years, or something new entirely.

Social and league sport

Being a part of a society is not for everyone, that’s why Leeds Beckett also offers ‘social’ sports. For example, you can book a 5-a-side or 7-a-side football pitch, join the Strava club for running, walking or cycling, or get together with your friends for some social netball.

Student membership

As a student, you can also get a student membership with the Athletic Union. The membership gives you access to the gyms and fitness spaces, such as the swimming pool, the athletics track, fitness classes, and more. I had the membership for two years at uni and it was great, the range and flexibility of options to stay fit and healthy was for me the best part of the student membership at Beckett! And the gyms are on-site (either at Headingley or City campus), which is ideal for going to before or after lectures or seminars.

External sport

The city of Leeds is one with a rich culture and tradition in Sport. Many will know of Leeds United FC, the Yorkshire county cricket club and, of course, the famous Leeds Rhinos, which offers opportunities to go and watch these teams in action. 

Away from the university, there are also many opportunities to take part in amateur sports, such as football, rugby, swimming, netball, or athletics, to name a few. Again, this offers a great, new experience to those interested in playing a sport outside the university environment.

What about costs?

Well, this depends on what you choose to do. Some sports teams, for example, may require specialist equipment, which may cost more than participation. Ultimately, there are fees for sports teams/societies, social leagues and memberships that all range in price based on what each opportunity offers you. From my experience though, I can tell you that these are all reasonable prices for a student, which won’t leave you out of pocket and are certainly worth your money in full.

There are a huge number of benefits to taking part in sport at Leeds Beckett. First of all, you're keeping yourself fit and healthy, whilst working out on some absolutely outstanding facilities. But for me, the best thing is the social aspects that sport at Leeds Beckett University provides, you make so many mates from so many different backgrounds, and that's an absolutely fantastic experience - I can vouch for it first-hand!