AU Edge: With AU President Tom Moore
Welcome (back) to York University. As the President of the Athletic Union, it is my job to tell you everything there is to know about sport at University. I haven’t got nearly enough space for everything that there is to know so I’ll start with the most important things. Firstly, the ducks are all evil, apart from Trevor - he’s the golden one. He gets around quite a lot so you’ll soon become friends.
As for the sport itself, last year the AU had over 3000 members, which means that almost a third of students were members. Partly this is because the Athletic Union has a lot more to offer than the traditional sports such as football, hockey, rugby and rowing.
Whether you are a fresher or a returning student, now is the time to get involved with a whole range of sports. We have no less than 58 sport clubs that range from the traditional to the obscure and every one of them will be more than willing to show you what they do, and how much fun they have doing it.
If you’re thinking ‘I’m not good enough to play university sport,’ that really is no excuse! All clubs encourage people of all abilities to get involved and will answer any questions you might have.
Another option to those who prefer sport on a much more social basis is the Deloitte inter-college sport championship. High level University sportspersons are banned from this competition and therefore it offers a second tier to University sport. College sport is coordinated by your College sport reps so watch out for upcoming opportunities and events.
Even if you do not get involved in playing sport the AU still has something to offer. The AU provides non-playing opportunities and runs a sports volunteer project, and first aid courses as well as generously subsidising coaching awards.
All that’s left for me to say is that if you have any questions at all, please feel free to call into the AU office or check out our website at www.yusu.org/au. Also make sure that you check out the Sports Centre at the YUSU fair on Saturday Week 1 where you will see what University sport is really all about. It is no lie to say that your three years at university are the best time of your life and you can and should do everything possible to make it an unforgettable experience.
