IM Sport Programme Continues to Thrive in 2025/26

The University of Edinburgh’s Intramural (IM) Sports Programme is set for another record-breaking year in 2025/26, offering 10 different sports and welcoming tennis into its second successful season. Membership numbers have reached 1,900, marking an increase of more than 200 compared to this time last year – a clear sign of the growing enthusiasm for IM sport across the university community.

So far, 164 teams have registered across 28 divisions and 13 weekly leagues, with several, including netball, rugby and tennis, already at full capacity. To meet the demand, the Sports Union has expanded these league structures, bringing the total to 20 netball teams, 7 rugby teams and 6 tennis teams. With further entries expected throughout the academic year, the IM Sports Programme is on track for a sell-out season. 

Engagement from academic schools remains strong, with 58 teams now affiliated to academic schools. Several schools are entering the programme for the first time, while others have begun fully funding their IM Sport participation. This growing involvement highlights how the IM Sport Programme continues to strengthen connections within the university community and enhance opportunities for student involvement in sport. 

Supporting this success are 12 voluntary School Sport Coordinators who work alongside the Sports Union to integrate IM teams into school structures, playing a crucial role in promoting sport within their schools. Schools currently represented by School Sport Coordinators include: Biomedical Sciences, Business School, Moray House School of Education and Sport, Biological Sciences, Divinity, Economics, Engineering, Geosciences, Informatics, Literatures, Languages and Culture, Mathematics and Social and Political Sciences. 

Support for International Societies

The Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU) is proud to continue supporting international societies in participation in recreational sports. International students can often face barriers to joining traditional club sport and remain underrepresented in sport at Edinburgh. Through IM Sport, however, they have the chance to compete alongside peers, build friendships and represent their home countries, with many international societies now well established within the programme. 

International students can also take part in the International Sprots Club, organised by the Sports Union Participation Officer. This initiative offers free weekly sporting sessions, giving students the opportunity to try a different sport each week in a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation and community. 

Opportunities to get involved throughout the year

The IM Sports Programme provides plenty of opportunities for students to get involved, whether they are joining an existing team or trying something new. Monthly volleyball tournaments are open to everyone, giving students the chance to form their own teams or take part on the day.

Looking ahead, the ever-popular Festive 5s tournament returns this December, with further details to be announced in November. The All Stars event will take place in March, followed by the highly anticipated Cup Finals Day in April, which will feature a full schedule of competitions and activities for both participants and spectators.

With record participation across teams, schools and fixtures, 2025/26 is set to be the most exciting and competitive year yet for the IM Sports Programme.

a group of people in sports kit on calton monument