There is a lot to get stuck into when you start at university and no doubt many of you will be wanting to join a team upon starting in October. You’re in luck. There are so many teams at Lancaster it would be silly to list them all but from cycling to fencing, rowing to water polo there will be something for everyone. All these teams will have representatives at the freshers’ fair during welcome week so be sure to head down and have a chat with them if you’re interested! Whether you have played for years or want to try something new there are plenty of teams of varied ability so don’t let that put you off. During welcome week there will also be taster sessions run by various teams, check the iLancaster app and ask your freshers’ rep if you have any questions about these.

As well as playing the sport itself, there are so many more reasons to join a team when you arrive. There are always social activities going on throughout the year including themed nights out and team meals. Competing at BUCS, Roses, college rivalries, not to mention all the friends you’ll make there and even potential housemates for your later years at university!

One of the great things about sport and the teams at Lancaster is that there are plenty of opportunities; not only is there a vast range of sport to get involved with, but because we are collegiate there are also college teams you can join. Instead of competing against other universities these are internal leagues between the colleges at Lancaster including football, netball and a range of bar sports. I am a member of both my college football and pool teams, both have a great sense of community and were certainly a highlight of my first year at university. But yes, you can join more than one team – just bear in mind their matches and training sessions may overlap!

Both the university and college teams each have a body of students running the club voted for by their respective members each year; captains, social secs, treasurers and more, so there is always the option to get more involved with the club if you desire. A small item to note is that like in societies there is usually a membership fee to pay that goes towards kits, referees, training, equipment etc but this varies between teams.

A highlight for teams at Lancaster is Roses! Each year we compete against The University of York in the summer term and the whole university seems to glow with a sort of patriotic buzz. Something to look forward to whether you’re in a team or a spectator.

Things to take away from this piece: head down to the freshers’ fair to find out what’s on offer; go to their taster sessions if you’re interested; and if you’re unsure about anything just ask your freshers’ rep to help!

By Daniel Ashworth, BSc Physics, writer at www.uniqueunderstanding.co.uk