Delivered in partnership with the student clubs, we’ve created a flexible programme of weekly, term time sessions to help you fit sport into your busy schedule. 

Open to staff and students, these sessions are a great way to take a break from work or study, in a friendly and sociable environment. 

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

We want to help you achieve your goals, and our structured Learn To course-based sessions provide a fantastic springboard to get you started.  

For the Autumn Term, we are running a course in tennis (for all abilities), and a beginner’s course in yoga.

Previous courses included self-defence, climbing, Latin and ballroom dancing, kickboxing, and squash, and we hope to be able to bring these back in the future. 

Our hugely popular and successful leagues provide semi-competitive social opportunities between students and staff at the University of Essex. 

This year, as we adapt to the changing environment, they consist of weekly 3v3 leagues in football and basketball. 

Grab some friends, or get in touch with us as a free agent, and join the league experience, including live-streamed matches and a finals tournament for the winners. 

We also deliver one-off tournaments throughout the year alongside the student clubs. 

Social sessions and Learn To courses

All sessions and courses must be booked in advance.

• Book via the Essex Sport App, available for free on the App Store and Google Play. 
• Book and pay online with your email and pin number
• Book by telephone on 01206 873250 using your debit or credit card

Leagues and Tournaments

It’s easy to enter; simply sign up online! Deadline to enter the leagues is Friday 23 October.

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