Sport, Volunteering and Development

If joining a serious sports team isn’t for you, there are plenty of recreational and social sport opportunities that students can get involved in.You don’t need to join a competitive sports team or even take out a membership with the Sports centre if you would like to give a new sport a try.

The University offers a comprehensive list of sports suitable for complete beginners. Activities generally take place in term time, with opportunities to get involved seven days a week. Social sports on offer include basketball, badminton, ultimate Frisbee, table tennis, boxing, lacrosse, netball, climbing and many more.

For a full list of membership options visit the Sports Centre located just a few minutes away from the main Canterbury Campus, alternatively full details of membership options are available via the sports centre webpages. To view the current Social Sport timetable, click here.

The University host a variety of Intramural Sports for students, offering a great balance between friendly competition and community. Leagues are recreational so no previous experience is necessary; it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a sports fanatic, there is a team for you.

Play in leagues and tournaments within the University, with chances to win trophies and prizes - several events and competitions take place throughout the year. If you want to join in but don’t already have a side, our Sport Development team can help match you up with a team that suits you. Current leagues include football, futsal, badminton, table tennis and tennis.

For fixtures, results or any questions about intramural sport at the University, please contact the Sports Development Team via email: sportdevelopment@canterbury.ac.uk.

The University offers a range of Sport Scholarships for talented sportspeople. In addition to the substantial benefits of mentoring support, free access to the university’s fantastic gym, sports facilities and sports science support, our Sport Scholarships also offer financial support, ranging from £400 to £1500 per annum to sports people competing in any sport.

Sport Scholarships are open to students in all years of study at the University.  Their aim is to help athletes achieve their dual career/athlete potential. View the Sport Scholarship online application form.

Christ Church Sport create numerous recreational and social sport activities for students and staff. The programme allows students to sample a range of sports and physical activities both inside and outside of the University, with most sessions aimed at a beginner level. Our Sport Activators help to coordinate or deliver a chosen sport session to ensure activities are well attended, engaging and enjoyable for those taking part.

For more information about Sport Activator volunteering at Christ Church Sport, please contact the Sport Development team via email: sportdevelopment@canterbury.ac.uk

Move More is a Christ Church Sport initiative that aims to reduce the time students spend inactive; introducing them to all kinds of new activity – from walking groups, to Couch to 5k sessions and much more.

We hope that this basic idea will support the progression of students to the next stages of becoming more active. The role of a Move More Activator is to add to participation projects aimed at raising awareness of health and wellbeing and encouraging activity amongst students, observe and support the fitness team with delivery of fitness and wellbeing programmes and contribute their ideas to growing the initiative.

If you would like to hear more about the role or find out how to get involved, contact: sport@canterbury.ac.uk

Christ Church Sport have numerous Sport Coaching Courses on offer. These courses are often very popular with trainee teachers and students studying sport based degrees. However, they are also available to any student with an interest in developing coaching skills in a specific sport or wishing to pursue a career in sport coaching.

Many of the courses available are a pre-requisite for taking additional or higher levels of coaching award, making this a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge and understanding of sport.

If you have an interest in sport coaching or would like further information on the opportunities available to students, please contact the University’s Sport Development team via email: sportdevelopment@canterbury.ac.uk

Christ Church Sports Centre offers many facilities for private hire to students. In the past, the facilities have been used for conferences, shows, exhibitions, sporting events and more. We can provide for both small and large events. Facilities on offer include a double sports hall with viewing gallery, with capabilities for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, 5-a-side football, cricket and climbing. Also available is a modern fitness studio with a semi-sprung floor and mirrored walls; ideal for activities including aerobics, martial arts and dance.

For full information regarding the hire of facilities, venue specifications, pricing and availability, please contact the Canterbury Christ Church Sports Centre via telephone: 01227 923500 or via email: sport@canterbury.ac.uk