News
Monday 11 February 2008
Universities to face off in Charity Varsity Sports Series
Nottingham’s two universities are preparing for the start of the eagerly anticipated 2008 Varsity Sports Series. Both sides will meet at the National Ice Centre on 25 February where this year’s Ice Hockey clash will get things underway. Winners of the past two consecutive Varsity Ice Hockey showdowns, Nottingham Trent University will be fighting hard for their hat-trick.
Over 3,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the event. The winners will secure the vital first points of the series, whilst the proceeds from ticket sales will go to this year’s chosen Varsity charity, the Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind (NRSB).
The first official varsity clash on neutral ground is thought to have taken place at Trent Bridge in 1999, with Nottingham Trent University’s cricketers emerging victorious. Since then the varsity sports series has grown to include fixtures in football, rugby (union and league), netball, basketball and hockey. Thousands of students will be out in force to support their side at each of this year’s forthcoming clashes.
As the series has grown, so has its money-raising potential for the charities that it has chosen to support. The 2007 series raised £6,471 for Cerebral Palsy Sport and it is hoped this year will see as much and hopefully more being raised for the NRSB.
If the sporting talent alone wasn’t enough, both universities’ cheerleading squads will be providing half-time entertainment.
“We can’t wait for this year’s series to get started,” said Rosie Hase, Captain of Nottingham Trent University’s award winning Cheerleading squad, Nottingham Trent Tigers.
“It’s an amazing feeling to see so many supporters at the matches cheering on their teams, and being picked to play in a varsity game really is the biggest honour for the players.”
Rob Churchouse, Sports Officer for Nottingham Trent Students’ Union spoke about the build up to this year’s series. He said: “Varsity matches are renowned for real nail-biting showdowns so you can guarantee that the atmosphere at each of these fixtures will be incredible. With the attendance at matches getting bigger every year, we’re hoping for the most popular series yet.”
The 2008 Varsity Sports Series timetable is as follows:
- Ice Hockey (men) - 25 February - National Ice Centre
- Football (men and women) - 28 February - Meadow Lane
- Netball (women) - 12 March - NTU Clifton Sports Hall
- Basketball (men and women) - 12 March - NTU Clifton Sports Hall
- Rugby Union (men and women) - 21 April - Meadow Lane
- Hockey (men and women) - 24 April - Highfields (Beeston HC)
- Rugby League (men) - 30 April - Notts Rugby Club
- Cricket (men) - To be confirmed
Anybody wishing to find out more about any of the varsity fixtures, including the availability of tickets, should call +44 (0)115 848 6278.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Press enquiries please contact Matt Wallace, on +44 (0)115 848 8785 or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on +44 (0)115 848 8774.
