Kingston sports societies get a new lease of life

Last week Kingston’s sports societies lined the corridors at Penhryn road campus for the January ‘Refreshers’ event.

The event aimed to reignite dwindling interest in Kingston’s many sports societies.

With over 30 sports societies available for students from mountaineering to yoga students have a huge variety of activities to get involved in during their time at university.

Representatives from each sports team held stalls with information about their sport and how to join.

Kingston students Union’s Sports Development Coordinator Nicole Soriano said: “Sports clubs offer a variety of benefits, not only is physical activity a great way to de-stress, they also allow students to meet new people and get involved in something new.”

While the physical and mental benefits of participating in a sports team are well known, membership also offers students social and academic benefits as well, with opportunities to collaborate with others and take part in fundraising and social activities.

Highlighting these Soriano said: “There is also opportunity for students to become committee members of their club, a role where they hold a lot of responsibility, for example becoming social secretary or treasurer.”

One team hoping to encourage new students to get involved was the KU cricket team. Shahzad Khan, their captain explained that the refreshers event “is an opportunity for everyone to expand their capabilities and learn about the options available for them”.

He said: “I joined the cricket team after the October Freshers Fair and was lucky enough to be selected as captain.

“Being a part of these societies has helped me be more active and taught me new skills like teamwork, intrapersonal skills and improved my confidence.”

First year student Elle Janik who joined the mixed snowsports team during the refreshers fair said: “I’m grateful that I got another chance to find out about all the sports on offer.

“I think I was very apprehensive during the last freshers event because I was so new, I cant wait to get involved with the Snowsports team as its something I’ve never done before.”

If you want to get involved with a KU sports society or even start your own, you can find more information on the Kingston Sports section of the student union website.