Sports @ UTAS

Alex Guibord - Sports President

From swimming to skiing, footy, futsal and every other way to play ball, your Tasmania University Union has a sports club for every student. If you can’t find what you want, we’re happy to help you launch the next best UTAS sports team.

Who says student life has to be all work and no play? The TUU supports over 30 affiliated clubs across the Uni’s north and south campuses. The Sports Council, chaired by the TUU’s Sports President, also offers financial and administrative assistance so all athletes receive equitable resources to own the podium.

What’s more, UTAS Sport oversees the Elite Athlete Program, Team UTAS competing at the University Nationals, the Unigym and heaps of activities to keep students fit. There’s a wealth of UTAS Sport and the TUU programs, so work off that cup-noodle and stay active in extracurricular campus life. That said, playing sports at UTAS will enhance your university life in at least six self-explanatory ways:

Active Living: All of a sudden you’re out of home and you’re cooking for yourself. For most of you, this is a terrible turn of events. After starting uni, it makes sense that students typically fall out of exercise because physical education isn’t mandatory anymore. If this fits your description, then you might want to consider finding a gym buddy or buying a membership to a uni sporting club. Joining a team and doing social sport activities will keep you motivated and in good health.

Wellbeing: Besides improving your vitality and strength, your overall wellness should improve after joining a club sports team because UTAS athletes can receive physical health and injury prevention training. Most importantly, your body will love you for it and it just feels good.

Socialising: Being a student can be a lonely experience. It’s okay — we’ve all been there. Many of you have come from far and wide to study here, and it can be hard to be make friends in a strange town (let’s face it — between Launnie, Cradle Coast and Hobart, they don’t come much stranger). But you’re not alone! Work off your worries, feel good, make new mates and have fun by joining a UTAS sporting club. Unigym Launceston hosts social sport competitions for basketball, netball and Ultimate frisbee each semester.

Mateship: Develop a culture of camaraderie through the love of sport. There’s no solidarity like sweaty solidarity. Whether you’re playing for bragging rights, a trophy, or a scholarship, you’ll build lasting friendships with your teammates as you compete against the odds together — especially after earning achievements, building trust and sharing mutual respect.

Personal Growth: Seize opportunities to cultivate soft skills outside your weekly lectures and study sessions. Develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills with your peers by joining a club sports team. Make a worthwhile investment in your long-term personal and professional success.

Recognition: Every year, Team UTAS competes at the University Nationals presented by UniSport Australia. The State’s finest student-athletes and sports clubs get celebrated at UTAS’ annual Sports Awards Night. The accolades include Sports Council Awards, Full and Half Blues for outstanding athletic achievements in chosen sports, sports scholarship recipients, sports council awards, sports club of the year, and the North vs. South Trophy. The UTAS Sports Fund also supports deserving student-athletes with their sporting and academic careers.

Are you ready to enjoy these benefits? Visit the TUU’s website to get in the game.

For a how-to guide and frequently asked questions, refer to the Sports Handbook 2018 on the TUU website’s Sports Resource Portal. If you need more help with your sports club email aguibord@utas.edu.au for advice.