Our student social sports programme is an exciting and different way to get involved with sport on campus.
Whether you want to find a fun way to stay active, learn another skill or fancy something a little more competitive, we have it covered.
Become an Essex Sport member today, and you get all these social sessions free, plus a discounts on our courses.
Our social session programme offers a flexible way for students to try new sports and socialise in a fun environment. Open to all abilities and often delivered in partnership with the SU clubs, our programme includes basketball, football, tennis, touch rugby, badminton and more!
Whether you're a complete beginner, or just want to stay active whilst you study, we have something for everyone! We also provide all required equipment!
Social sessions are free for all University of Essex students.
Please check the Essex Sport App for a live and most up to date timetable.
Activity | Time | Location |
Ladies Tennis | 1.00pm - 2.00pm | Tennis Courts |
Futsal | 1.00pm - 2.00pm | Arena - Balcony Court |
Campus Run | 4.00pm - 5.00pm | Car Park B (South Courts) |
Kickboxing | 6.00pm - 7.00pm | Studio 1 |
Women's Basketball | 7.00pm - 8.00pm | Arena - Far Court |
Scrimmage Basketball | 8.00pm - 9.00pm | Arean - Balcony Court |
Activity | Time | Location |
Women's Touch Rugby | 5:00 - 6:00pm | STP |
Touch Rugby | 6:00 - 7:00pm | STP |
Cardio Tennis | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Tennis Court 2 |
Badminton | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arena Balcony Court |
Netball | 7.30pm - 8.30pm | Arena Far Court |
Activity | Time | Location |
Social Football | 5:00pm - 6:00pm | STP |
Social Volleyball | 7:00 - 8:00pm | Arena - Far Court |
Activity | Time | Location |
Social Volleyball | 3.00pm - 4.00pm | Arena Balcony Court |
Social Tennis | 6.00pm 7.00pm | Tennis Courts |
Activity | Time | Location |
Campus Run | 10.00am - 11.00am | Car Park B (South Courts) |
18 April, 21 April, 5 May & 26 May - No active campus on Bank Holidays.
All social sessions must be booked in advance.
How to book social sessions:
If you cannot attend a booked session it is essential that you cancel this no later than 1-hour before the session. This ensures other members have the opportunity to participate and join the session.
Repeated failure to cancel your sessions may result in a fine or restriction being placed on your account.
It is also important that you are registered for our sessions. For indoor sessions please make sure you swipe through the turnstiles. For outdoor sessions, it is your responsibility to speak to the staff member leading the session and to make sure your registration is recorded.
Our recreational leagues and tournaments are for students who want to play competitive sport in a social, fun and relaxed environment.
Get together with a group of friends, sign up as a society, department, or accommodation, or join a different sport to your current BUCS club. Win or lose, you’ll have a great time and make some incredible memories.
Enter by completing the sign up form.
Enter by completing the sign up form.
Bookings are now live for our summer term leagues. Register your team and complete payment online.
You can also download and complete the registration form (.pdf) and return this to our reception team along with payment. If you have any questions about the leagues, payments or registration drop us an email before the deadline!
Our Learn To courses provide a structured course-based programme to help improve your skill level and ability. Our courses focus on helping you develop in a fun environment and provide an excellent springboard to help get you started.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new or take your game to the next level we have courses for everyone, and our flexible programme ensures you get a great experience all term long.
All equipment is provided but we do encourage you to bring your own equipment where possible and our coaches are more than happy to chat with you to help ensure you get the right thing!
All Essex Sport members will also save 15% off on all course bookings.
Prices: Members £48 and Non-Members £56.
All Levels:
Non-members: £56
Members: £48
Each Session runs from 1pm - 4pm
Non-members: £60
Members: £51
Book and pay online with your email and pin number.
Book by telephone on 01206 873250 using your debit or credit card.
If this is your first time booking online with Essex Sport you will need to create an account before you can play online. Create your account and then come back to pay online to proceed with your booking.
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