It’s Varsity time. Edge Hill University and the University of Lancashire (formerly UCLAN) go head to head.
Since 2013, the two institutions have taken it in turn to host the big event. And this year we’re guests of the University of Lancashire.
What is Varsity?
Varsity is the biggest sporting fixture of the year. The day is made up of a range of sports including:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Football
- Futsal
- Hockey
- Netball
- Pool
- Rounders
- Rugby
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Trampolining
- Volleyball
Each fixture has a winner and points are allocated. To win, your team has to have the highest amount of points at the end of the day. Whether you are competing or supporting, there will be lots of fun to get involved with.
How are the fixtures scored?
A win is worth 2 points. A draw is worth 1 point. And a loss is 0 points.
The points will be updated online throughout the day. The results and trophy will be revealed that evening.
When is Varsity 2025?
This year, Varsity is running across four days from Monday 24 – Thursday 26 March.
Is there a charity linked to the event?
While the teams spend all day head to head, Varsity is raising money for a joint charity, Student Minds. Student Minds is a UK student mental health charity. They aim to empower university students to look after their own mental health, as well as those around them.
Money will be raised for Student Minds throughout the day from donations, t-shirt sales and fun activities.
Varsity Fixtures
Monday 24 March
| Rugby Union Women | 5.30pm | Preston Grasshoppers (ticketed event) |
| Rugby Union Men | 8pm | Preston Grasshoppers (ticketed event) |
Tuesday 25 March
| Basketball Women | 6pm | Sir Tom Finney Show Court (ticketed event) |
| Basketball Men | 8pm | Sir Tom Finney Show Court (ticketed event) |
Wednesday 26 March
| Trampolining | 10am | Preston City Trampoline Club |
| Badminton Women | 11am | S2, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Badminton Men | 11am | S2, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Mixed Tennis | 12pm | Tennis C, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Football Women 5-a-side | 12pm | USA Grid A, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Rounders | 12pm | USA, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Pool | 12pm | Lampworks / Atrium |
| Volleyball Women | 1pm | S1, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Volleyball Men | 1pm | S1, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Table Tennis | 1pm | Studio, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Athletics (Northern Cup) | 1pm | Sports City Manchester |
| Swimming | 1pm | Westview Leisure Centre |
| Football Men 5-a-side | 1pm | USA Grid A, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Hockey Women | 1pm | USA AWA, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Netball | 1.30pm | SC, Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre |
| Football Women 11-a-side | 2pm | P1, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Football Men 11-a-side | 2pm | P3, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Football Rec 11-a-side | 2pm | P2, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Hockey Men | 3pm | USA AWA, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Rugby League | 3pm | Arena Pitch, UCLan Sports Arena |
| Futsal | 4.30pm | Show Court (ticketed event) |
So how did it go?
Varsity 2025. 666 competitors. 26 fixtures. 7 venues. 4 days. 1 winner.
“This year’s Varsity was absolutely amazing! Spanning multiple action-packed days, our sports teams travelled to Preston to face off against the University of Lancashire. We had over 400 students travelling for their fixtures, with spectators coming to support, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone. Despite some tough matches, the University of Lancashire came out on top and took home the trophy. We’re already gearing up for Varsity 2026, which will be hosted by Edge Hill, and we’re aiming to make it even better!”
Kyra Simpson, Sports Development Assistant (BUCS) at EHU.
Find out more about Team Edge Hill and sport at Edge Hill University
March 20, 2025
