Sports Fair Preview: The Big Sports at UoB

This years Sports Fair kicks-off this coming Wednesday, 24 September, 11-4 at the Munrow Sports Centre.

UoB freshers flocking to this year’s fair can rest easy in the knowledge that amongst UoB’s 80 sports clubs, there will be something for everyone.

Ranging from the most popular sports, to martial arts and fitness classes, new students will be spoilt for choice.

With plenty to choose from, you might want to try your hand at something new.

Who knows you might even unearth a hidden talent and join the list of Birmingham stars for the future.

Football:

Mens captains – Ibrahim Jabbie and Callum White, Womens captain – Ashlea Hargreaves

The UoB football teams are some of the most successful sides at the university.

With popularity obviously high in football, the university provides three Men’s 11-a-side teams and a Futsal side.

In recent seasons UoB football have performed exceptionally well and with coaches such as Jason Withe, a former international footballer himself, it’s no wonder.

In the 2013-14 season the 1st’s narrowly missed out on promotion while the 2nd’s were promoted to Midlands 1A league and will play the 1st’s this coming season. They were also runners-up in the conference cup, losing out to Loughborough.

The 3rd team have also performed commendably in recent times, sealing back-to-back promotions for two consecutive years.

The club has also nurtured its fair share of footballing talent, including previous mens captain Christian Burgess, who now plays for Peterborough United, following a spell at Middlesborough which he completed after his degree.

The women’s squad boast an equally successful production line.

The 1st’s reached the BUCS Championships quarter-finals in the 2013-14 season, while the 2nd’s came third in the Midlands 1A league.

Club captain Izzy Christiansen is all a star in the making. Last year she was snapped up by Manchester City after receiving an England call-up over the summer.

To join either team look out for the Football stand at the Sports Fair, where you can sign up for trials.

Trials for the men’s side usually costs £5.

Rugby:

Mens captain – Sam Dowell-Bennett, Womens captain – Elicia Davis

The Rugby sides at UoB are another of the clubs that bring huge success to the university.

Boasting a total of four mens teams- including as Fresher’s XIV- UBRFC is coached by experienced Tom Drewett and maintains an active social programme featuring regular themed nights.

Although all the teams play competitively, players of all abilities are welcomed and will be provided with an excellent opportunity to improve their skills and play a high standard of rugby.

The Womens team boasts an impressive record in recent years with an unprecedented unbeaten season back in 2011-12.

For more information on Rugby at UoB head over to their stand at the Sports Fair, or take a look at the UoB Sport site.

Cricket:

Mens captain – Jamie Tipper, Womens captain – Becki McWhinnie

There is Cricket for all abilities and ample chances for Freshers to break into the sides that bring so much success.

There are four squads and with Edgbaston Cricket Ground so close by, playing and watching top class Cricket is easier than you thought.

Be sure to get involved with Cricket at the Sports Fair.

Hockey:

Mens captain – Dewi Roblin, Womens captain – Emily Townsend

The UoB Hockey Club is the most successful University club in the country and boasts an impressive record in both the men and women’s Hockey.

There are eight teams, four mens and four women’s-with recent major honours coming in the form of two BUCS cups and three BUCS leagues.

So if you want to be part of one of the best run clubs at UoB and in the UK, then get down to the Hockey stand at the Sports Fair and become part of a trophy winning set up.

Athletics and Cross Country:

Club captain – Cordy Parker

One of the largest and most successful clubs in the UK, let alone UoB, welcomes those who wish to compete seriously and are looking for top quality coaching and ways to improve in their field.

And those casual athletes just looking to keep fit and enjoy the social side are also welcome.

In 2014 the club excelled at the BUCS Cross Country Championships, with women’s team gold, men’s team silver and two individual medallists.

The club also triumphed at BUCS Indoor and Outdoor Athletic competitions, where it was able to secure 19 team and individual medals respectively.

To become part of this impressive club, visit the Athletics and Cross Country stand at the Sports Fair for more information.