The annual Varsity sporting event between The University of St Mark & St John and University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) took place this March, with 19 matches over 12 different disciplines and hosting over a 500 student athletes. Raising £12654.22 for Teenage Cancer Trust and Broadreach House.
This year’s competition was a close battle, with the final score of 22 to 18 points to UPSU (view results). UPSU retain the championship for the 4th consecutive year, with the final results of the competition being decided on the last day.
The main fundraising came from rugby matches held at Plymouth Albion RFC and the football at Plymouth Argyle FC, where thousands of tickets were sold. The amount of money raised reflects the huge support students from both institutions gave to the event and the importance of this annual competition.
Matthew Dark, Vice President of Sport at UPSU, said:
“Our annual Varsity is an amazing event that brings together to great instituions in the city with a range of great sporting talent, whilst raising money for local charities close to students hearts. It’s great to see UPSU hold on to the championship”.
The presentation of the cheques to the charities takes place at the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) on Wednesday 25th May.
Dan Whitby, The University of St Mark & St John Students’ Union President, said:
The University of St Mark & St John is known internationally for its contribution to Elite Sport, so understandably Varsity is one of the big events in our sporting calendar. We’re delighted to have raised funds for these important causes, and we’re grateful for the huge support from the crowds at each of the events and look forward to Varsity growing even more next year.
This annual modern day Varsity is an event has grown over the last twelve years from a single rugby match between the two institutions to a weeklong competition with over 500 students competing in 12 different disciplines and to date has now raised over £120,000 in total for local and national charities
Melissa Kent, Regional Fundraiser Teenage Cancer Trust, said:
We are delighted by the astounding efforts of UPSU and University of St Mark & St John in raising an amazing £6,327 for Teenage Cancer Trust. The UPSU Football team have supported Teenage Cancer Trust over the past year in memory of their friend, and fellow player Ben Murphy. The money raised will help young people with cancer in the South West”
Steve Milfiord: manager of Broadreach house
I would like to take this opportunity to thank UPSU and University of St Mark & St John Varsity teams for their amazing efforts to raise this this sum of money for our charity. This money will go to support the individuals and families who’s lives are blighted by drug and alcohol issues. As a drug and alcohol charity its often difficult to for people to understand that substance abuse is a cause that needs this kind of support as much as any other charity.