Women’s mainstream sports

NETBALL – UYNC is a thriving club with a whole host of opportunities for players at all levels. There is a unique spirit which is like no other, which helps gel the team into a close-knit family. Ziggy’s is a regular destination for socials, as our deputy sports editor and UYNC player Charlotte Ferris would remind us.

The club currently have three teams competing in BUCS leagues as well as the BUCS Northern Conference Cup (knock-out format). All of them had decent seasons last year, including the first team’s demolition of Sunderland in their final fixture. All three sides stayed in their respective divisions thanks to some excellent performances.

At the Varsity tournament, held between York and Hull every February, the netball teams did very well, winning three of their four matches and helping York towards an overall win in the competition.

The club have high hopes for this season, with promotion becoming a real possibility for the teams in BUCS, while the girls also intend to exact revenge on their Lancaster rivals after a disappointing Roses tournament in May.

HOCKEY – Hockey is another one of the most exciting sports for women at the University of York, and UYHC had one of its most successful seasons last year.

Both the women’s teams won promotion in their respective BUCS leagues after some brilliant displays both at home and on their travels. In addition, the first team reached the quarter finals of the BUCS Cup following a superb penalty flick victory over Durham, one of the sporting moments of the year. Furthermore, York won two out of their three matches against Lancaster at Roses this year, including an excellent 5-2 win for the indoor first team.

This year, the squads will be looking to consolidate their position and build upon their achievements. Jill Mercer has been tasked with this and is the women’s president for 2012-13, while Sally Dolton was elected women’s first XI captain.

In addition to their BUCS commitments, UYHC compete in the York Saturday league against other top clubs in the local region, providing invaluable experience for those involved. The club trains on the JLD (the astro turf opposite the campus sports centre) on Mondays – see the website for further information on exact times.

LACROSSE – Lacrosse is known as one of the fastest games on two feet making it one of the most exciting team games around. Therefore it is a must to give it a go at York! York Lacrosse welcomes players of all experiences from national, regional and school players, right through to beginners.

Women’s lacrosse has 1st and 2nd teams and last year introduced a Fresher’s team allowing anyone to get game experience. They compete in the BUCS tournament as well as participating in events around the country including the much anticipated annual Tour. Many people have never played lacrosse at York before making it the perfect way to meet other people at university. New players should not be discouraged as almost all of the new freshers are now playing for the university.

The women’s team had some great accomplishments last year, winning Dublinfest and thrashing Lancaster in Roses. However, this year the club are wanting to further improve on our success by finishing top of our BUCS league and therefore need some enthusiastic freshers’ help. Regular practice will be held three times a week on the new astro (at Heslington East) and 22 Acres (the sports fields next to Halifax college) as well as having additional fitness sessions.

What makes York lacrosse even more exceptional is it’s explosive social side. The club without fail, heads in great numbers to the wonderful place that is Ziggy’s after the weekly bar crawl. They also enjoy regular courtyard meals and pub sessions. Freshers should join York Lacrosse as all its members are very welcoming, they can be as involved in the club as much or as little as they like, and of course not forgetting it is one of the most exciting clubs on campus.

ATHLETICS – If you’re feeling inspired after the Olympics, why not join the University of York Athletics Club?  It is one of York’s most prestigious clubs and offers a whole range of opportunities for all abilities. In May, the very best of York’s athletes will compete in the BUCS Athletics Championships; the last one was held in London’s Olympic Stadium which was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

The new sports village in Heslington East is a godsend for the club, which will allow you to push yourself further on a wider range of equipment. Club runs are organised on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as a cross country run on Sunday.

The athletics track encircles the JLD opposite the campus sports centre, but there are plans to upgrade it in the near future. Clearly athletics is worth taking part in at York.

RUGBY – It’s not one of first that come to mind when we think of women’s sports, but women’s rugby is thriving at York and its membership – now over 30 – has soared in the last couple of years.

The team won their BUCS Northern 2B league easily, remaining unbeaten throughout, in one of York’s greatest sporting achievements of 2011-12.

Training is one Mondays Thursdays and Sundays on, and is suited towards accommodating all abilities. Matches take place on the huge fields located at the very south of campus – 22 Acres.

FOOTBALL – Like their rugby cousins, the women’s football club are growing rapidly in stature and it’s easy to see why. Last season only one team competed in the BUCS league, but from October this year membership has risen to the extent a second team will be formed. In addition, there will be more training time each week as well as a new college league will be established.

The team managed to overcome their Hull rivals 1-0 in February in the one-day Varsity tournament and were narrowly beaten by Lancaster in Roses.

Everyone is expecting great things from women’s football this year, so now is as good a time to join as ever before.

CRICKET – One of the newest women’s clubs to be set up, women’s cricket at York is only two years old. Last season was UYWCC’s first competing in BUCS, offering the chance for complete beginners to try their hand at serious competition.

The club welcomes players of all abilities, so even if you have never picked up a cricket bat, it matters little!