Varsity Sport Festival: Fostering camaraderie and competition

The University of Wolverhampton recently saw the return of the Varsity Sports Festival at its Walsall Campus, alongside University College Birmingham, and Birmingham Newman University. 

Building on the success of previous events, this year's festival saw a remarkable turnout, with over 250 students from across the three universities teaming up to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and competition - with the University of Wolverhampton winning the overall festival.  

There was a diverse range of activities awaiting participants. From women’s football to dodgeball and 3v3 basketball, alongside activities organised by the Students’ Unions of all three universities, the event promised an action-packed day of friendly rivalries and shared camaraderie. 

Natalie Gould, Sport and Physical Activity Manager at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "We're not just here to compete. It's about forging connections and a sense of belonging among students from different universities." 

Elias Antoine, the interim captain of Wolves Basketball team, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of universities coming together to compete. For him, the event wasn't just about the game but also about the sense of community it fostered and the mental health benefits of playing a sport alongside your studies.  

In addition to the sports teams, Wolves Students' Union, Newman Student Union, and University College Birmingham Guild of Students came together to not only support the students, but also share ideas on how to create a vibrant student community within the West Midlands. 

At the end of the festival, the University of Wolverhampton were the victors securing five points, University College Birmingham won two points and Birmingham Newman University with one point. As students departed, their spirits lifted by a day of thrilling matches and new connections, one thing became clear: in the realm of sports, it's not just about winning or losing—it's about the bonds we forge and the memories we create along the way. And in that regard, the Varsity Sport Festival had once again succeeded brilliantly. 

Anyone interested in studying for courses in the School of Sport at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.   

ENDS