Sport in Portsmouth

University sports leagues

You can pit yourself against other students and staff teams in our campus leagues, including 5-a-side football, badminton and tennis.

Taking part in our leagues is a great way to stay fit and healthy while playing a sport you love, without the commitment. You can play with your friends, course mates or make new friends. The winners of our leagues get the chance to compete in Varsity against Southampton University in the Intra Cup.

PLAY sessions

Looking for something casual, fun and sociable without the commitment?

Our PLAY sessions offer the flexibility for you to get involved whilst not interfering with your studies and other commitments.  Even if you're a member of our sports clubs or you're involved in campus sport leagues, you can still book onto PLAY sessions whenever you feel like it.

Campus sport

If you're looking for something slightly more competitive, but still without the BUCS commitment then Campus sport is your opportunity to get involved in sport socially. You can play in leagues and tournaments against other students within the university. Play with flatmates, housemates or course mates, get your team and get involved.

Varsity

Every year our sports teams compete against their opposite numbers at the University of Southampton across more than 50 competitive fixtures in the Varsity Cup.

Students from both universities converge for a day of sports, uni spirit and healthy neighbourhood rivalry. Whether you're competing, spectating or tagging along for the official after-party, it's one of the biggest events of the year.

Boxing Society Fight Night

The Boxing Society hosts a series of boxing nights fully affiliated and licensed with England Boxing, featuring men's and women's bouts.

The society's events team transforms the venue into a professional-style boxing arena with all the hype and pomp you'd expect in a pro match, including a pop-up bar. With sell-out crowds of up to 400 people, the nights are always a popular drawcard among students.

Sports clubs

We have lots of sports clubs and societies you can join – the list here is a snapshot. If you don't find something you're interested in, you can set up your own club or society.

Freshers' Fair is a great place to meet club reps and find out more about teams. Or you could go to a club social to get to know your team mates better. Many club socials take place on our official student night – Purple Wednesdays.

Fancy a taster before committing to a sports club? Our Give Me Sport weekend gives you the chance to try over 35 sports over 4 days.

If you're new to sport, our clubs offer full equipment and support in every session, and are a great opportunity to socialise.

Here are some of the sports clubs you can join at Portsmouth:

• American football
• Archery
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Break dancing
• Cheerleading
• Cricket
• Cuban Salsa Society
• Cycling
• Fencing
• Football
• Mountaineering and climbing
• Netball
• Polo
• Powerlifting
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Taekwondo
• Ultimate frisbee
• Volleyball

Sports Scholarship Scheme

If you compete at regional or international level, you could get funding worth between £250 and £3,000 from our Sports Scholarship Scheme. Around 20 students a year receive this scholarship, regardless of nationality, year of study or academic course.

The scholarship aims to help you balance your competing and training with your studies.

If you receive a sports scholarship, you'll get free access to:

• 1-to-1 Strength and conditioning sessions
• Expert sports nutrition advice
• Free gym membership and access to facilities
• Free physio and sports massage
• Media promotion and experience
• Expert sports psychology advice
• BUCS affiliation for your sports club
• Regular 1-to-1 mentoring
• Academic support and flexibility
• Lifestyle support
• University of Portsmouth branded sports kit

You can apply before you join us – visit our Sports Scholarship Scheme page to find out more.