On Wednesday 20th of March, over 500 students headed to  Greenwich University’s Avery Hill Campus to join in Varsity 2024 which was delivered in collaboration by LSBU Active, South Bank Students Union and Greenwich Students Union. Over 10 sports were on offer throughout the day including taster sports giving LSBU students the opportunity to try a new sport or activity they may have never previously taken part in. There was also a social hangout space where non-competitive sport and activity was offered for students to come together, providing a safe space for South Bank and Greenwich students to interact with their peers. LSBU students came together to support each other throughout the day, all proudly representing LSBU, whether this was in a competitive fixture, social event or as a spectator.

For many, the varsity event is the highlight of their year as it gives students access to opportunity to build relationships and develop social connectedness, take part in a range sport and physical activity opportunities developing their good health and wellbeing and enhance their student experience by celebrating together. The power of sport brought students together from many different backgrounds. This was something prevalent on the day, with Emdad Shar, 3rd year School of Business, president of the Bangladeshi Society, and Cricket Club leader, saying:

“The best part about Varsity is the diversity and inclusion with all the sports clubs playing and this is the first time having cricket at Varsity. So far we are doing well, we are batting first and have a decent amount of runs”

Taking part in sport at LSBU is about more than just the training and fixtures, it gives students the opportunity to be part of an enriching community, making friends for life and supporting each other through University.

When asked whether they would recommend joining women’s basketball club, Elisha Dawes, 1st year, School of Law and Social Sciences, and Kamaya Nelson-Clayton, 1st year, School of Arts and Creative Industries said:

“One hundred percent! Once you get to know everyone, we’re basically like sisters”

A final word on Varsity from Daniel Goldhill, 5th year, School of Built Environment and Architecture and Men’s rugby captain:

“The best thing about varsity is having the whole team together for the whole day, we are all here, all socialising and all having fun. Everyone is coming down to support the final of the rugby later it will be a big atmosphere and I’m well excited”

Several LSBU students travelled up to Sheffield for BUCS Nationals, one of the largest university sporting events of the year. This year’s event took place from Friday 23^rd to Sunday 25^th February with over 1000 students from around the country travelling to compete in swimming, athletics, badminton, climbing and karate.   

LSBU kicked off their campaign at midday on day one with our sports scholar Jake Thomas-Mansfield, 1^st year School of Law & Social Sciences, taking to the pool. Jake who is completing his apprenticeship in town planning at LSBU has previously competed at BUCS Nationals representing the University of Birmingham and is also a previous medalist and Olympic trials swimmer. BUCS Nationals is one of the biggest events in the swimming calendar for British athletes with some the best swimmers, including world record holders, competing at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Despite having a season off due to injury, LSBU Active are proud of Jake for getting a lifetime best in the 50m butterfly and are hopeful for his future success representing LSBU.  

With most students competing on Day 3, Sports Development Officer Sam headed to different venues around Sheffield to see what LSBU students were getting up to. First off Sam went to catch up with Natalia Nestouri, a medalist at the previous BUCS Nationals and representative for LSBU at the European University Games, who was also competing at Ponds Forge. Natalia is currently in her 2^nd year studying Criminology within the School of Law & Social Sciences. This year she was fighting in a new weight category and finished 5^th out of a field of 21 athletes in the -61kg Kumite.

Hopping on a tram outside of the Ponds Forge international sport centre Sam took the short 15 minutes journey to the English Institute of Sport which was hosting the 2024 indoor athletics. LSBU have had a strong history in the indoor athletics with alumni Yasmin Miller previous holding the BUCS Nationals record for the 60m hurdles which was only beaten this year after 7 years! At the indoor Athletics 2^nd year School of Health & Social Care, Sports Rehabilitation student, Eva Kutman, was competing in the pole vault where she qualified for the finals on the Sunday afternoon, unfortunately missing out on the medal places.

Only a walk away was Maxwell Jones, 1^st year Chiropractic at the School of Health & Social Care, who was competing in the Fencing individuals at the Canon Medical arena. Going into the event Max was the number 4 seed and one of the highest ranked competitors in the event. After what was a comfortable pool stage Max then qualified for the knockout rounds in the tableaux of 128, continuing through the knockout rounds with some comfortable victories Max was set up to face the number 1 seed in the last 16. After going a point up in the opening minute, it was not to be for Max as he was knocked out by the highest ranked fencer in the event who went on to win the BUCS individual Fencing title.  

We are incredibly proud of all the students who represented LSBU at BUCS Nationals and look forward to supporting many more at future events to come.  

Several students will be heading to BUCS Nationals during the weekend of Friday 23 February and Sunday 25 February. During the weekend we be supporting Natalia who will look to retain her medal position in Karate hoping to look to qualify for the European University Games once again, which saw her head to Zagreb last year for the European University Games. We will also see 2 new LSBU students competing in Fencing and Swimming, with Max currently part of the U20s GB fencing squad and Jake having previously gone to Olympic swimming trials. Also heading up north we have Eva, one of our 2nd year students who has previously competed in national pole-vaulting event in her home country of Estonia. However, not all of our athletes are heading to Sheffield for their competition, with one heading to Bristol for the regional indoor archery qualifiers. We are sending our best wishes to 1st year international student Yun who will be representing LSBU.