Whether you’d like to be more active and get a little fitter, or you’re serious about training and competing, there’s lots of opportunities for you. Sport, active health and wellbeing are at the heart of the Canterbury Christ Church University experience, so here’s a taster of what’s on offer.
Affordable gym memberships
Open seven days a week, the University’s multi-million-pound Sports Centre features a gym with the latest fitness equipment, an interactive spin studio, climbing wall and a double sports hall.
Memberships start at as little as £15 a month and vary depending on the type of activities you want to take part in.
Free fitness classes and programmes
You can take advantage of free classes and programmes on offer during your time at university to help you stay active and healthy:
- Exercise from home! We collaborate with OurParks to deliver online exercise classes including Stretch & Flex, BoxFit, Pilates, Dance, Yoga and more!
- Complete beginners can start running by joining the Couch to 5k group.
- Keen runners can join the community of runners through the University’s running club.
Through our Couch to 5K programme we have inspired students and staff to get active – not only helping them to become fitter but also boosting their confidence and self-belief. I am particularly proud that so many continue to run and become part of a supportive community of Uni Runners. This means the physical and social benefits are really long lasting beyond the programme itself.
LauraChrist Church Sport Co-ordinator
Pay as you go sports
You can go to the Sports Centre and take part in social sports for just £3 a go, giving you the chance to try something new and meet different people. Sports include climbing, netball, football and many more.
You can enhance your wellbeing
Getting into sport is a proven way to enhance your wellbeing. Especially at the moment during Covid restrictions, we realise just how important taking care of both your mind and body can be. We have free activities for wellbeing on offer:
- The StudyFit programme is designed around you to improve your wellbeing and can be done wherever you are, in your own time.
- We have recently started a podcast called Walkie Talkies which focusses on wellbeing and encourages you to explore your surroundings whilst offering advice and entertainment!
- When it is possible, wellbeing walks on campus allow you time to reflect at a steady pace.
Club sports you can join
There’s lots of sports that you could join during your time at uni. These clubs are run by the Students' Union and include cheerleading, lacrosse, boxing, volleyball plus loads more.
You might even get the chance to represent the university competitively - many of our teams regularly compete in the British Universities and Colleges sports leagues (BUCS) and other competitions including Varsity.
Specialist sports facilities you can use
You have access to our joint specialist sport facility at Polo Farm Sports Club, just a short distance from the central Canterbury campus.
The facilities include:
- floodlit hockey pitches
- indoor and outdoor tennis courts
- a sports hall for netball, hockey and cricket
- five grass sports pitches for football and rugby.
Through partnership with local clubs we also offer golf, kayaking, equestrian, trampoline and athletics facilities.
Sports scholarship opportunities
If you’re a talented sports person you can apply to become a Christ Church Sports Scholar.
You'll be reassured to know that Sports Scholars receive an enhanced level of academic flexibility, helping you balance your studies alongside your sporting schedule.
The University is a Dual Career Accredited Site (recognised by Sport England’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme).
During my Master's degree, I was representing the uni's Men's Hockey 1st Team and Canterbury Hockey Club 1st team. This meant that I was training up to 10 times a week, with two to three competitive fixtures. The sports scholarship allowed me to balance my academic studies and my sporting career which led to a successful season for both the University and Canterbury Hockey Club.
ThomasMSc in Tourism and Event Management graduate
Learn to coach
Get the skills and academic knowledge you need to be a coach or referee right here at the uni. We work with various national governing bodies of sport such as the FA, the ECB and the RFU to offer a range of sport specific coaching and officiating courses.
Championing Women's Sport
We’re proud sponsors of the Kent Women’s Cricket Team and supporters of Kent Cricket.