Social Sessions are not currently available.

Delivered in partnership with the student clubs, we’ve created a flexible programme of friendly and sociable sport sessions in football, tennis, badminton, frisbee golf, and orienteering

Whether you're a complete beginner, or want to keep playing the sport you love, we have something for everyone!

They're free for Essex Sport Gold and Silver members, or available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

We have a beautiful, award-winning campus right on our doorstep for you to enjoy!

If you want to get outside for some fresh air and a chat with another student on campus, then get in touch with us and we’ll pair you for a Buddy Walk. Email our Sports Development team at sportsdevelopment@essex.ac.uk

Plus, we'll give you both a Buy One Get One Free voucher for a hot drink from Crumbs, so you and your buddy can stay warm as you wander round campus.

Please note, the Buddy Scheme is to encourage fitness and wellbeing and is not a dating service.

Fancy a challenge? 

Sign up your club, society, accommodation, or department, and see if you have what it takes to be the fastest team to complete our orienteering challenge and top the leader board! Max of 6 per group. Route completed in pairs.

Want to take your time?

If you'd rather take your time to explore new parts of campus, then our recreational orienteering route is for you.

Email sportsdevelopment@essex.ac.uk for more details.

We've set up a fitness trail on campus, so you can explore our beautiful campus as you work up a sweat! There are 14 stations on the route around the field, starting at the pavilion. Each station has an exercise to complete before moving on. Instructions and map are at each station.

Looking for more ways to stay active? Give our Active Bingo Challenge a go, and see how many things you can cross off!

This is a hugely challenging time for everyone, but our priorities remain the same; to promote participation and performance, help the University community grow through sport, and to keep everyone safe and active. 

There are some changes to how we deliver our programmes, but we continue to work with the University, sporting governing bodies, and within Government guidelines, to ensure you can carry on doing what you love.

Please take a look at our latest participation guidelines (.pdf), or get in touch if you have any questions. You can also view the University's full COVID-19 guidance.

The Students' Union's Essex Blades are our sports teams who compete in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) events. 

From ultimate frisbee to football, from table tennis to trampolining, there are nearly 50 different sports clubs in the Students’ Union's Essex Blades, giving you plenty to choose from. Most sports club memberships, training, match fees and travel expenses for BUCS matches are included in your basic University membership.

Kitted out in the county colours of red and black, there are more than 50 Essex Blades sports clubs and teams. From ultimate frisbee to football, and table tennis to trampolining, there is plenty to choose from.

However, if you can’t find what you’re looking for and want to start a new club, please email the Student Activities office at vpactivities@essex.ac.uk.

We’re constantly on the lookout for passionate, motivated students to work with us. 

Maybe you want to earn some coaching hours, gain experience in a fast and rewarding environment, or you just want to develop your CV. Whatever the reason, get in touch to find out the latest paid and voluntary opportunities available with us: sportsdevelopment@essex.ac.uk