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Leeds Beckett aims to extend unbeaten Leeds Varsity record
The biggest student sporting event in Leeds returns next week with thousands from the city’s largest universities set to be a part of the battle for bragging rights.
Leeds Varsity – in its 12th year – will see Leeds Beckett University take on the University of Leeds in more than 50 fixtures across 25 different sports.
The spectacular 24-hour competition will culminate in the traditional men’s rugby union finale on 5 October under the floodlights at the home of Leeds Rugby, Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
The night before, on 4 October, the universities’ women’s netball first teams will go head-to-head in the Varsity opener at the Sports Arena on Leeds Beckett’s Headingley campus.
Among the other sports involved are squash, athletics, biathlon and water polo, ensuring Leeds Varsity is one of the most inclusive and diverse Varsity events in the country.
Last year, more than 1,400 students took part in sporting competition while there were a record 14,000 spectators at Headingley as Leeds Beckett ran out 27-13 winners on the night to take an 11th straight Varsity victory.
The charities Leeds Varsity will this year be raising funds for are CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and Climbing Out, which helps rebuild confidence and self-esteem in young people who have been through life-changing injury, illness and trauma.
Players from both universities will also be wearing rainbow laces in support of Stonewall’s campaign to kick out homophobia, biphobia and transphobia from sport.
Speaking ahead of Leeds Varsity 2016, Sir Bob Murray CBE, Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “Leeds Varsity is one of the sporting highlights of the year and I enjoy celebrating the commitment, determination and talent of all of the student athletes involved.
“Following on from the Olympics, to see students so passionate about sport, their university and their city is extremely pleasing and it’s a real pleasure to be part of such a dynamic and competitive event.
“Good luck to all those taking part and I very much hope that Leeds Beckett will be able to retain the Varsity honours for the twelfth successive year!”
9 days to go! Have you got your rugby tickets yet? They're selling out fast! Make sure you're not sat at home on the 5th Oct! #leedsvarsity pic.twitter.com/8G0SQxpmSe
— LeedsVarsity (@LeedsVarsity16) September 26, 2016
Josephine Mannion, Varsity Event Manager at Leeds Beckett, said: “Varsity 2016 promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be lots of sporting action happening throughout the day on campus and at Leeds Uni so we are encouraging staff and students to come down and cheer on every team to victory.
“Tickets for the rugby at Headingley Stadium are selling fast and we anticipate a bumper crowd of over 14,000 to attend, so get your tickets early because it could be sell out!”
A full list of day fixtures and ticket information can be found on the Leeds Varsity website http://www.leedsvarsity.com/
To keep in touch with all the latest Varsity news as it happens follow @leedsvarsity16 on Twitter and use the #leedsvarsity #beckettvarsity and #leedsunivarsity hashtags.