IM Sports Program Expands with New Additions and Record Participation

This year’s IM Sports programme has also seen an increase in competitive fixtures, with 26 leagues and over 90 weekly matches scheduled, more than ever before. This brings the total number of fixtures for Semester 1 to over 800, setting another record for the programme.

So far, 184 teams have registered for the programme this year, an increase of 20 compared to the same point last year. With further entries expected throughout the academic year, this year’s growth looks particularly promising. 

The program’s increasing appeal can also be seen in the participation of academic schools, with 63 school-affiliated teams already registered, an impressive 21% increase from last year. This brings the total to a record number of school teams, with 19 out of the 21 academic schools represented in the IM program.

To support this growth, 11 voluntary school sport coordinators are working closely with the Sports Union to integrate IM teams into their school structures. These coordinators play a crucial role in helping schools create affiliated teams, promoting IM sports within their communities, and assisting team captains in accessing funding and leadership opportunities. Schools with active sport coordinators include Biomedical Sciences, Informatics, Social and Political Science, Economics, Engineering, Geosciences, Literatures, Languages and Culture, PPLS, Divinity, Chemistry, and Business.

The Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU) is proud to continue supporting IM teams from international societies to participate in recreational sports. International students often face barriers to participating in regular club sport, and are underrepresented in sport at Edinburgh. However, through Intramural Sports, they have the opportunity to compete alongside their peers and represent their home countries. A third of society affiliated IM teams are international societies, demonstrating that sport plays an important role in the student experience for many of our international community.

EUSU receives funding to support underrepresented groups and is delighted to continue sponsoring teams. In partnership with PlayerLayer, unique kits featuring the EUSU brand are provided, enhancing students’ sense of belonging and affiliation to the University.

The IM Sports programme offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved, even if they are not currently part of a team. Monthly volleyball tournaments are open to all, allowing students to either join an existing team or create one of their own.

Looking ahead, the popular Festive 5s tournament will return this December, with more information to be released in November. And the All Stars event has been rescheduled to March, while the highly anticipated Cup Finals Day will take place in April, offering a range of activities for participants and spectators.

With a record number of teams, schools, and fixtures, the IM Sports program is shaping up for its most exciting and competitive year yet.