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Enjoying recreational sport at Bath

One of the main reasons Elden decided to study at Bath was the outstanding sporting opportunities offered to students of all abilities.

Elden's been able to indulge his love of football at the University, and wants to make it easy for others to get involved, too.

Despite being a BSc (Hons) Sport Management and Coaching student, I’ve never been an elite athlete nor competed in any international sporting events, yet this has not prevented me from getting involved in sports at the University of Bath.

Continuing my passion for football

My main passion has always been football, so I was really pleased to learn that the University offers a variety of options when it comes to recreational football. I got a taste of all of these during my first year, and it proved to be a terrific opportunity to meet new friends, many of whom I now play football with on a regular basis.

A team(s) player

I play for my course in the University's Inter-departmental League every Wednesday, so I get to interact with my coursemates outside of the classroom. At the weekend, I play for my accommodation in the Inter-Halls League. I love playing in both teams because they strike an ideal balance between competitive and recreational football. The University’s Association Football and Futsal Club organises these events well, occasionally assigning qualified referees to help keep the game in order.

Being involved in sport committee roles

As a second-year student, I currently hold positions on two committees: the Students' Union (SU) Sport Media and Marketing Manager and the Association Football and Futsal Club Secretary. I actively participate in these clubs' decision-making processes and aim to encourage more people to take part in sports at the University.

In particular, as the football club secretary, I’ve prioritised expanding recreational football possibilities for all of our students. For instance, throughout the week, we host ‘Turn Up and Play’ sessions for informal football matches. This is a fantastic way to meet new people, have a kickabout, and enjoy the sense of community that football fosters. We also started a new Women's Recreational League every Sunday for female students who want to play in a structured but purely recreational football league. It all shows that you can be fully immersed in sports at the University in so many ways if you’re enthusiastic about it.

Trying something new

Bath is the ideal place to try new sports and step outside of your comfort zone. Many of my friends were able to find a new hobby and meet new people through a shared interest. Even though football is my main sport, I have tried many others including badminton, volleyball, touch rugby. Bath Active sessions are always a fantastic chance to explore sports for free all year long, while all clubs provide taster sessions during Freshers' Week and throughout the year. I'm looking forward to trying tennis with my friends, and although we've never played much before, we're excited to check out their recreational sessions soon!