Essex Sport

Active Campus

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Move more. Be well. Make friends.

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.

Buy a student membership online  

Essex Sport on social media:

Colchester Half Marathon 2024

Essex Sport have partnered up with the Colchester Half Marathon to provide University of Essex students and staff a discounted entry of £25.    

Entry Here.

What does your entry fee include?

  • Entry into the Colchester Half Marathon 
  • Bespoke Essex Sport Half Marathon T-Shirt
  • Free 12-week training programme
  • Transport to and from the venue 
  • Follow your journey through social media 
  • Run for the Robin Cancer Trust charity. 

Robin Cancer Trust

The Robin Cancer Trust is a UK-based charity organization dedicated to raising awareness about Germ Cell Cancers, particularly Testicular Cancer, among young adults. Established in memory of Robin Freeman, who tragically lost his life to a Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumour at the age of 24, the trust aims to educate and inform young people about the signs and symptoms of these often treatable forms of cancer.

When is the Colchester Half Marathon?

Sunday 17 March 2024 - 9am starting and finishing at the Colchester Jobserve Community Stadium, taking you through Colchester's most iconic landmarks and scenic rural areas.

Social sessions

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.

Timetable: 16 October - 15 December

Please note that all Active Campus sessions are free for Essex Sport members, prices shown are for non-members only.

Monday

Netball
  • Time: 7pm - 8pm
  • Location: Arena - Balcony
Women's basketball
  • Time: 4pm - 5pm
  • Location: Arena - Showcourt
Campus run
  • Time: 5pm - 6pm
  • Location: Outside Sports Centre reception
Basketball scrimmage
  • Time: 8pm - 9pm
  • Location: Arena - Balcony

Tuesday

Social football
  • Time: 5pm - 6pm
  • Location: STP
Touch rugby
  • Time: 6pm - 7pm
  • Location: STP
Student cardio tennis
  • Time: 6pm - 7pm
  • Location: Tennis courts
Social badminton
  • Time: 7pm - 9pm
  • Location: Sports hall
Basketball scrimmage
  • Time: 7pm - 9pm
  • Location: Arena - Far

Thursday

Social badminton
  • Time: 4pm - 5pm
  • Location: Arena - Balcony
Social volleyball
  • Time: 6pm - 7pm
  • Location: Arena - Far
Social tennis
  • Time: 1pm - 2pm
  • Location: Tennis court
Archery
  • Time: 1pm - 2pm
  • Location: Sports hall
Social football
  • Time: 5pm - 6pm
  • Location: STP

Friday

Campus Run
  • Time: 5pm - 6pm
  • Location: Sports centre reception
Indoor cricket
  • Time:12pm - 2pm
  • Location: Sports hall
Volleyball
  • Time: 3pm - 4pm
  • Location: Arena - Show court
Climbing (first Friday of every month)
  • Time: 7pm - 8.30pm
  • Location: climbing wall

How to book

All social sessions must be booked in advance.

How to book social sessions:

  • Social sessions are FREE for all Essex students
  • 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

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.

Intramural leagues and tournaments

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.

Leagues

Timetable

Flexi 11-a-side football league

18 October to 13 December

  • When: Wednesday, 1pm - 4pm
  • Location: Grass pitches
  • Deadline to register: Friday 13 October
  • Price: £200 

5v5 Basketball league

20 October to 15 December

  • When: Friday, 5pm - 8pm
  • Location: Sports hall
  • Deadline to register: Wednesday 18 October
  • Price: £150

How to book

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!

Learn To courses

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.

Timetable: 18 October - 8 December

  • Intermediate Tennis - Thursday, 5pm - 6pm
  • Xpress Beginner Tennis - Friday, 5pm - 6pm
  • Advanced Tennis - Friday, 6pm - 7pm

How to book

Book and pay online with your email and pin number.

Book by telephone on 01206 873250 using your debit or credit card.

 

More ways to keep active

 

Essex Blades 

Overview

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.

Clubs and teams

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.

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Sports Development Team

Work with us

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

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Get in touch
Sports Development Team For more information on current and future courses, leagues and tournaments, please contact our Sports Development Team.
Telephone: 01206 873250