So let’s get this straight; you may not have picked up a ball since you were fourteen, your tennis serve leaves a lot to be desired, and you wouldn’t know the difference between a lacrosse stick and a hockey stick if they hit you in the face… But this doesn’t mean you need to miss out on one of the most essential parts of university life, the part that involves YOU joining a sports society.
Let me paint you a picture. It’s a Wednesday night. Your friends are filling up on carbs to line their stomachs, the nervousness and excitement in the air at the night ahead is tangible. Everyone you see is dressing up. Smeared make up and face paint have turned the bathroom wall and sink into an artistic mural. Around you, in a rush, eager not to be late, there are babies, animals, wizards… you swear you even saw one boy flit past, a glittering, sparkling fairy in spandex. Other friends are wearing polo shirts, the drinking tops of the clubs that will display their various allegiances as they party in Timepiece later on. All of these people in societies, in their different costumes and separate clubs have something in common; they know that it is Wednesday night. For them this is THE night, the night for new adventures, new embarrassing stories, new rules to learn, and new friends. What will happen? Where will they end up? Who will they meet? Every week is different, every week is fun, and every week they will be thankful that they joined a sports society. You didn’t join anything. You are at home, and there is nothing on TV.
The lively and welcoming attitude, coupled with the feeling of being a part of a big club, combine to make your sports society a real part of your life at university.
Playing is not compulsory and who knows you may even go along to a few beginner sessions and find you have a hidden talent? If not, it doesn’t matter. For those of you who shudder at the thought of hand-eye coordination, the social aspect provided by the sports societies is more than enough to justify your decision to join. All clubs will have places to socialise on a Wednesday night and this will be told to freshers and new club members in the first few weeks. For most clubs, these places remain the same, unless stated, for the whole year. These socials will have a theme set by the social secs and members must come dressed accordingly with original ideas for themes always being appreciated. These socials are where the real fun happens.
From the savannahs of Africa, to a rural English foxhunt, the themes can be literally anything; one week you’re surrounded by Barbies and Kens, the next a giant flowerpot (don’t ask). Valentine’s Day brings with it a loving theme in which packets of sweethearts can be seen downing vodka cokes next to a line of fresher cupids. Drinking shirts socials include old-school games, club songs, and the learning the rules specific to your club that will ensure you feel a part of what is going on. The socials get you suitably merry for the night ahead, but they are also where you make your closest friends; they are literally a place to socialise, and it is almost guaranteed that you will find that many, like you, just want to have fun.
So do it. Join a sport society. Be spontaneous, take a chance, and experience some of the best times of your university life.