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Sport in the city
Into playing or watching sport? Get on your bike (or boat or board) to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is a great city for sport.
Surrounded by the sea and the South Downs national park, the city is an ideal location for sailing, scuba diving, kite surfing and other water sports. It's a great location for outdoor sports like mountain biking, orienteering, triathlons and running, and we're home to more than 40 sports teams – ranging from football to volleyball. (Our Sport at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú site has even more to discover.)
Whether you're an elite athlete, keen on a weekly Parkrun or looking to enhance your social life, there's something for you in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
Sport on campus
Sport and fitness facilities
- offers an 8 lane swimming pool, 175-station gym, climbing wall and ski simulator
- A sports centre with cardio and multi-use studio spaces, boxing bags, treadmills and free weights
- Fitness classes, courses and workshops, led by our skilled fitness staff – including cardio cycling, yoga fitness, cardio conditioning and pilates
- Indoor sports halls and courts where you can play volleyball, badminton, tennis, squash and more
- Outdoor courts and pitches for sports including football, rugby, netball and tennis
Health, fitness and sport at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Video with upbeat music introducing Health, Fitness and Sport at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Reach your personal best. There are a range of health fitness memberships available. Over 30 competitive sport clubs for you to join. Play, Train, Compete. Your best begins at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
Gym membership for students
Get Sweaty. Make friends. Save the Bees. Health and fitness membership for students. Access Ravelin Sports Centre, our brand new multi-purpose sports facility, at great value.
Experience everything the building has to offer, including gym, swimming, fitness classes, climbing, squash, and exclusive discounts, plus a discounted rate on sports club memberships, with an Ultimate membership. To find out more about our sport memberships please visit
Student sports community
The university offers a range of sports clubs and sporting events for students of all abilities.
We have lots of and societies you can join.
Freshers' Fair is a great place to meet club reps and find out more about teams. Many club socials take place on our official student night – Purple Wednesdays.
If you're new to sport, our clubs offer full equipment and support in every session, and are a great opportunity to socialise.
Our regularly take part in leagues and competitions against other universities. Most of our larger clubs compete every week.
We have over 35 competitive teams, including rugby, football, hockey and netball. If you get picked for a team, you could represent the University in British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) competitions.
You can pit yourself against other students and staff teams in our campus leagues, including 5-a-side football, badminton and tennis.
Looking for something casual, fun and sociable without the commitment?
Our offer the flexibility for you to get involved whilst not interfering with your studies and other commitments.
If you're looking for something slightly more competitive, but still without the BUCS commitment then is your opportunity to get involved in sport socially.
Every year our sports teams compete against their opposite numbers at the University of Southampton across more than 50 competitive fixtures in the Varsity Cup. Whether you're competing, spectating or tagging along for the official after-party, it's one of the biggest events of the year.
The Boxing Society hosts a series of boxing nights fully affiliated and licensed with England Boxing, featuring men's and women's bouts.
Performance sport
We have a history of sporting success. We've taught athletes at the peak of their game and supported them to excel at their sports. With our high quality coaching and support, you could also achieve your sporting ambitions.
Our previous Sports Scholars
- Lauren Steadman, Para-Triathlete – 4x paralympian (competing at London 2012, winning silver at Rio 2016 and Gold at Tokyo 2020), triple world champion and 6 time European champion in para-triathlon
- Ben Khor, Double Trap Shooter – Delhi 2008 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist
- Holly Jane Myers, Rugby Union Player – England Rugby Union and Rugby League International
Sports Scholarship Scheme
If you compete at regional or international level, you could get funding worth between £250 and £3,000 from our Sports Scholarship Scheme. Around 20 students a year receive this scholarship, regardless of nationality, year of study or academic course.
The scholarship aims to help you balance your competing and training with your studies.
If you receive a sports scholarship, you'll get free access to:
- 1-to-1 Strength and conditioning sessions
- Expert sports nutrition advice
- Free gym membership and access to facilities
- Free physio and sports massage
- Media promotion and experience
- Expert sports psychology advice
- BUCS affiliation for your sports club
- Regular 1-to-1 mentoring
- Academic support and flexibility
- Lifestyle support
- ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú branded sports kit
You can apply before you join us – visit our to find out more.
Sport around ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
You'll have lots of opportunities to get active when you live in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. We've got the sea and national parks on our doorstep, and several sports centres across the city.
Get active now
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is flat, so cycling is an ideal way to get around. Whether you're going from A to B, or taking in some of the beautiful seaside scenery, riding your bike is a great way to stay active.
Whether you're interested in mountain biking or road cycling, our Cycling Club has got you covered. All levels of skill are welcome and you can get involved in a variety of cycle disciplines, including:
- Road social
- Road competitive
- Trail/Enduro mountain biking
- Downhill mountain biking
- BMX and Street
There are several options to swim across the city and we’re not just talking about the sea. Whether you’re a short or long course swimmer, or just want to swim socially with other students, has everything you’ll need. All skill levels are welcome and travel to the pool is often arranged within the club, so you don’t need to worry about finding your way there.
, includes the University's own swimming pool. This is where the swimming club trains throughout the week. You can swim as part of your core, super or ultimate membership or simply pay as you go. You can swim in lanes, take part in aqua classes, take some lessons to improve your swimming, and try activities such as water polo.
From Southsea Esplanade to Milton Common, there are lots of places to run in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú hosts many running events throughout the year including the Southsea Parkrun (which we helped fund and setup), the Great South Run, and the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Coastal Half Marathon, Marathon and 50km Ultra.
You can join a community running club or get involved in running through our Athletics Club. The club specialises in middle and long distance running, and also trains sprint. The Club competes in local, regional and national meets and runs a beginners club if you're new to the sport.
The South Downs National Park, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest are ideal locations to hike for stunning views and beautiful flora and fauna. And they're all a short distance from the city.
Or you can go on less challenging walks in the city along Southsea seafront or at Milton Locks Nature Reserve.
There are many options available if you fancy grabbing your racket and getting on the court, both outdoor grass and hard courts, as well as top-of-the-range indoor facilities.
You can also join the university's Tennis Club with options to compete, develop as a player with tennis lessons, or participate in recreational sessions, as a social member.
As you'd expect from an island city on the UK's south coast, you'll have lots of opportunities to engage in water sports – from sailing around the Solent to stand-up paddleboarding along the shoreline.
Some of the UK's major water sports events take place near ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, including the Hayling Island Kitesurfing Armada Festival and
Joining one of our or is a great way to get involved and into the water – whether you're an expert or a novice. We have clubs for sailing, rowing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming and surfing.
Or you can get water sports training from local businesses such as the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Watersports Centre. They offer classes in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, paddleboarding, foiling and kayaking.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is a proud football city, with many locals seeing the club as one of the most important things that the city has to offer. The university has a long-standing partnership with the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Football Club offering students scholarships and discounted match tickets. Outside the football club, there are also designated 5-a-side courts and other open spaces where you can get active in the city.
There is also the opportunity to join the or use the 5-a-side courts or football pitches.
With the seafront so close to the city there is a range of beach sports for you to enjoy, such as playing beach volleyball on one of the sand courts in Southsea.
Find out more about life in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Take a closer look at more of the exciting things on offer in our amazing city.
Beaches, piers and parks
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is a bustling city with the sea on our doorstep and green spaces all around.
Places to eat in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
Hungry for adventure? Here's a taster of the great food and drink you can savour in the city.
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's music scene
Want to get involved in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's music scene? Here's all you need to start.
Shopping in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú
We're home to great independent businesses, so shopping in the city is a real treat.
Virtual Experience
Get a feel for life on campus without leaving home. Discover panoramic views of the campus, watch course webinars, look at accommodation, browse facilities like labs, workshops and studios, explore our leisure facilities and more.