Varsity
Leeds Varsity is back and bigger than ever in 2025!
Monday 28 April - Wednesday 30 April
April 2025 sees the return of the annual inter-university sports tournament between the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. Get behind your fellow students as they take on their cross-town rivals on the fields, courts, waters and tracks to take back the crown that we so narrowly missed out on in 2024.
Since its inaugural edition in 2004, Varsity has been an unmissable staple in the student calendar. It fuels our friendly rivalry and affords students the chance to display their passion and pride for their University every year. This year, it’s Gryphons vs. Bears across 68 fixtures in 24 different sports, and this year, there are more opportunities than ever to get involved!
What's on?
Varsity Colour Run
Monday 28th April 17:30 - LUU Precinct
After a hugely successful event last year, the Leeds Varsity Colour Run is back to kick off the proceedings in 2025, and everyone is welcome to take part!
The event is a 3km run, jog, or walk around our beautiful campus at your own pace. En route, pass by our dye stations and get covered in colour as you go.
Netball, Korfball and Futsal
Monday 28th April - Arena 1, Leeds Beckett University (Headingley Campus)
We. Are. Back! And there’s no better way to kickstart the sports action than with this triple-header at Beckett Arena. Expect unrivalled atmosphere, electrifying dance performances, music and a bar, and three nail-biting clashes between our Netball, Korfball and Futsal first teams!
Programme:
17:00 – Futsal M1s
18:15 – Korfball 1s
20:00 – Netball 1s
Ice Hockey
Sunday 4th May
And as if that wasn’t enough, sign off the week with Gryphons vs Bears once more. But this time… ON ICE! Come down to Planet Ice to show your support for our Ice Hockey club and to be a part of the true spectacle that they have in store for you. This club-led event never fails to amaze and is a testament to our student’s passion, pride and enthusiasm. If you go just once, you will never want to miss it again!
Hockey
Tuesday 29th April - Sports Park Weetwood
Next up, it’s Tuesday night under the lights at Sports Park Weetwood, where our Hockey 1st teams promise to serve up two more thrilling encounters. Bring your banners, wear your colours, and cheer on your teams as they take on their rivals from Leeds Beckett in two fixtures that will not disappoint!
Programme:
Hockey W1s: 18:00
Hockey M1s: 20:00
Basketball
Tuesday 29th April - The Edge
Over at The Edge (Hall 1B), our Basketball 1st teams are gearing up for two exciting matches, as part of today’s programme. With the atmosphere buzzing, fans can look forward to fast-paced action, fierce competition, and plenty of drama on the court. Be sure not to miss it!
Programme:
Basketball W1s: 17:00
Basketball M1s: 19:00
Wednesday Fixtures
Wednesday 30th April - Various locations
Head down to support our Gryphons as they play their part in bringing back that trophy to our campus. Click the button to see a full list of fixtures taking place across Leeds on the main day of Varsity.
Rugby Union Finale
Wednesday 28th April - Headingley Stadium
Wednesday evening brings you the official finale of Varsity 2025 live from Headingley Stadium, the historic home of Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket, as our Rugby Union 1st teams battle it out on the biggest stage of them all.
During the night, we will also see the presentation of the prestigious Varsity trophy, when it is awarded to this year’s overall winners. This event is a must-see in the student calendar, and we expect that it will sell out! Make sure you get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
In student athlete words:
Passion, pride & friendship: Our community impact pledges
We love Varsity, and the friendship, passion and pride that it brings to our student community. We also believe that everyone in the local area should benefit from these values. That’s why we’re asking our students to make a pledge to ensure that Varsity positively impacts our community.
- The majority of Varsity, including the final, takes place on weeknights when our neighbours are likely to be up early for school, lectures or work. We will respect our neighbours by not attending or hosting a noisy house parties that will affect them, sticking to clubs and designated campus celebrations instead.
- Litter and public urination have been ongoing problems when travelling to and from the stadium. Let’s be proactive and plan our journeys. We can dispose of our litter appropriately, recycling where possible. We will leave glass bottles at home to avoid injuring others and animals. We can use facilities before leaving our houses or the stadium.
- We represent the University, the Union and our clubs. We know that our universities, the police and council will be active throughout Varsity to make sure the event is safe, friendly and limit disruption to the local community. We have a responsibility act and behave appropriately, and encourage others to do the same.
Headline Sponsor for Varsity 2025
Pickard Properties – your experts in student and professional property lettings in Leeds – is our official sponsor for this year’s Varsity.
