We're excited to announce that Essex is now one of the UK's top 30 sporting universities.
After 643 fixtures, 291 wins and 797 students competing, Essex Blades came in at 29th place with 1759.5 points - our highest ever ranking!
HOW DID WE DO IT?
- focussing on a comprehensive pre-season for BUCS
- widened communication to all students to promote BUCs sports
- increasing member engagement
- identifying alternative sports for members to engage with
- ensuring we were fully compliant with BUCs rules and regulations
- working wth the London and S.E. region to fixture block our matches
and finally, having 9 new teams in BUCs (Dodgeball Women 2d, Football Women 3", Softball Mixed 1*t, Table Tennis Women 2d, Tennis Women 3d, Ultimate Men and Women teams, Volleyball Men 3", Water Polo Women)-
SOME SPECIAL SHOUTOUTS
A well-deserved round of applause to some of the teams who have gone above and beyond this year, including:
- 12 of our BUCS Teams win their respective leagues (Basketball Men's 1, 2nd and 3' teams and Women's 1*; Football Men's 5*, Lacrosse Men, Rugby Men and Women 1» teams, Tennis Men and Women 1at teams, Volleyball Men and Women 1» teams).
- Women's Rugby 1« reached the Conference Cup final beating higher ranked teams along the way.
- Basketball Men's 2nd achieved an unbeaten season, winning both league and cup.
- Tennis Women's 1" gaining promotion to the Premier South League for 2024-25 season for first time.
- Volleyball and Basketball Women's 1" teams winning their Premier South leagues and reaching the finals of the National Championship.
Essex Softball fulfilling the season and reaching the National Championship Knockouts for the first time.
Hannah Mortimer, Sports Coordinator says, “having listened to student feedback … we are looking to work with our respective sports clubs to drive up the quality of provision, increase the student engagement and overall experience, to consolidate our position within the UK Top 30.”
With this big achievement under our belts, there’s only one thing to say…. #BackTheBlades