For many people out there, the event of Varsity may simply be about rugby or football, maybe even korfball but regardless of what sticks out to you personally, the undoubted truth is that this thrilling event brings everyone together and leaves you off your seat no matter what sport you’re watching.
An event like this one which has been in the running for almost two decades, and with over 25 different sports played across one day certainly has the potential to put less popular sports in the spotlight and that’s exactly what it does. Every year Varsity seems to be exceeding the expectations of everyone and 2016 did just that with over 15,000 tickets being sold just for the rugby.
Although this year’s special saw Uni of Leeds triumph 49 – 69 and take the trophy back home, Beckett’s korfball and squash were one of the few sports that brought Beckett supporters a feeling of victory like no other. The korfball team went on to win 21 – 11, in a game that was action-packed from the first to the last minute filled with screaming, excitement, great play and most importantly celebrations.
It’s more than a game
To plenty of students and outsiders, Varsity is where they hear or see about sports like korfball, lacrosse or squash for the first time, and this is one of the reasons why this event is so important. It gives niche sports and athletes a chance to demonstrate why that sport is so special and why they choose to take part in that sport. Beckett’s korfball captain Max Godridge knows all too well what it means to be part of varsity and win but the same can’t be said for teammate Dom Lyons who played in his first varsity, yet both knew just how crucial this event is.
“I feel like it’s an important event, not in terms of like competitiveness I feel like it’s more in terms of getting yourself out there and sort of experiencing what it is to be a part of it. Obviously, it’s my first Varsity, so I don’t really know what it entails entirely but from what I’ve seen so far it’s a really nice thing to do.” Said Dom.
The only way is up
Whether it’s the men’s, women’s or mixed-in action, the support and engagement around every sport is only going up each year with less popular sports following in the same direction. A crucial factor in making everything tick comes from the organisers of the event who put so much time and effort into making sure everything goes perfectly.
Leeds Beckett’s Athletics Union President Aaron Jinks and Leeds University Union’s Activities Officer Ella Williams regulate the event as a whole and make sure that their students are geared in their appropriate colours. “For us as fans, spectators and part of each respective university to try and just be there to support and be part of a collaborative for the university and be on behalf of Uni of, as a team as an individual, you are Leeds Beckett, you are Uni of, kind of support as one.”
“Everyone’s here and it’s sort of chance you know to have pride for your uni and put your colours on, but also watch a sport you’ve never seen before which is really unique.” Explained Williams.
Showcasing your ability
Regardless of the winner in varsity, just being part of the event as a spectator or player means so much to those involved and gives those niche sports a feeling of superiority even if it’s for a day. During the pre-varsity event, Uni of Leeds Rugby Union player Aleena Ayub highlighted her excitement about playing at Headingley and what the event means for her.
“We’re so excited, I mean I was telling the girls we’ve won one game in this stadium and lost one game, so it’s all to play for this match.
It means so much because I think especially playing in the stadium, we’re showing how women can play rugby and show that we’re just as good as the men playing rugby and we can prove that women in the sport is a real thing, and we can prove that on the pitch so it’s really exciting.” Added Ayoub.”
