Joining a BSU sports team

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How joining a sports team can enhance university life

Tuesday, 23 September, 2025

With the record-breaking success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, now could be the perfect time to try out a new sport at Bath Spa University. Joining a sports team is a great way to build relationships, teamwork, leadership skills, and stay fit alongside studying. The Activities Fair might have been and gone with Welcome Week, but it is not too late for students to try something new and join a sports team at BSU.

Heading into a new semester, there are plenty of teams available to join, regardless of skill level or experience. The benefits to joining a new team are numerous, from developing social connections with teammates, improving fitness, and taking a break from busy studies to switch off and reduce stress.

What better way to take your mind off a stressful assignment than smashing a big rugby tackle, scoring an important goal in football, or celebrating with teammates after a win.

Former Rugby Union player, women’s rugby coach, and now Senior Lecturer for the School of Education at BSU Dr Michael Drayson, speaks on the importance of getting people involved in sports at university:

“When I coached women's rugby at universities back in the early 2000s our teams would compose of total sporting beginners, converts from other individual or team sports, a few with some playing experience, and the odd international here and there; regardless of where people started, they all journeyed together as part of something, learning and growing along the way.”

He continued:

“It was something that enlivened the player's university experience and many continued on their playing (and friendships) long after graduation. At its core, especially for younger players, the enjoyment, learning, and camaraderie are paramount for the longer-term health of the players and the game, whichever gender/team/club.”

Through joining a sports team, key skills can be developed that will come in handy throughout university and beyond. Being able to handle stressful situations, developing communications skills, and learning how to work as a team towards a common goal, are all transferable qualities.

 

Speaking with Vice President Opportunities for the Students’ Union Maddie Simmons about her experience of being part of a sports team at BSU:

“Having been on the Women's Football throughout my time at university I learnt first-hand how important being on a sports team helps both physical and mental health, learning new skills whilst making friends for life is a no brainer! Joining a sports team helped my confidence so much and led me to this role as VP Opportunities. It would definitely be my one piece of advice for anyone at university to join a society!

"BSU has such a wide range of over 100 sports and interest societies all with completely free memberships, there is definitely something for everyone.”

Whilst Women’s Rugby has been the talk of the sports world off the back of the incredible World Cup tournament, there are plenty of other sports to get involved with at BSU, for both men and women. Sports such as American Football, Field Hockey, Cricket, and Women’s Football are all looking for new players to join, and the wide range of options mean there is something for everyone to get involved and enjoy. No fees are required either to join a team, removing financial barriers for students and making joining a sports team accessible for everyone.

If you are interested in joining a sports team, then further information regarding the teams you can join and how to join them can be found on the Student Union website.