Varsity sports are a staple on a university campus; they provide a sense of community and great entertainment for fans, but varsity sports are not your only option.
If you are looking for a great way to stay active and fun without the pressure that comes with a varsity team then maybe club sports are for you.
Gary Leslie is the recreation & facilities coordinator as well as the contact for any information about club sports. Leslie is a big supporter of club sports on campus, “There are more people on campus that can play club sports than varsity,” he says.
UNBSJ offers a wide variety of club sports; from the well known Seawolves football club and brand new women’s rugby club, to the women’s hockey club and the lesser known badminton club.
These club sports on campus are a fantastic way to expand your university experience, have some school spirit, get to know some fellow students, stay active and competitive, and just have fun without the pressure and commitment of a varsity team.
The athletic department does provide some funding for club sports and provides teams with free practice space, such as paying for tryout ice time for the woman’s hockey and free field time for the women’s rugby and the football team. The rest of the funding for club sports comes from player fees.
Club sports are only as strong as those who are interested. “[Club sports] are student run,” says Leslie, “that’s the key.” This means that in order for there to continue being club sports, students have to step up and become more involved.
It’s not just student who can benefit from club sports. Staff and faculty members as well as members of the community can be part of the team. Even though non-students are permitted to play, it is the goal of the club sports to have at least a 65 per cent student team.
Since club sports are student-run there is an infinite possibility of what sports can be seen at UNBSJ, “If anybody else wants to form a club, bring it forward,” says Leslie.
The women’s rugby team will be playing games and tournaments between Sept. 28 and Oct. 28, with a hopeful line up of games against Mount Allison and UNBF.
The women’s hockey team will be holding tryouts at the beginning of October as they start playing in the Women’s Senior Hockey League on Oct. 17.
The Badminton club met on Sept. 12 to gauge interest and determine if the club will be formed.
As for the football team, their first game takes place on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Canada Games Stadium where they will be facing off against the Holland College Hurricanes.
Another option to get involved with sports at UNBSJ is the new Recreational Crew that Leslie is looking to form this year. If you are interested in being a part of a recreational crew or would like more information, contact Leslie in the Athletics Department.
Whether you want to play or just provide some school support and spirit, come out and cheer on your Seawolves club teams or tryout and become a member of the pack! It’s a fun way to get more involved with your campus and, “We all need to get more involved” says Leslie.
