Varsity Semester One Update

Sheffield Varsity is the pinnacle of student sport in Sheffield, bringing together thousands of athletes, spectators, and supporters in a celebration of competition, university pride, and community spirit.

Please complete this form to apply to become a Sheffield Varsity new sports fixture or play a friendly fixture.

Applications must hit all points of the below criteria to be considered.

Criteria for new Varsity Sports Fixtures & Friendly Fixtures:

1. Fixtures must adhere to the Sheffield Varsity Rules & Regulations.

2. Students must be members of a student group (club or society) at either Sheffield Hallam University or University of Sheffield.

3. Fixtures must be classified as a Sport*.

4. Fixture/Sport is not already included in Sheffield Varsity as an event e.g. Netball or Football. Please note this is not relevant if you would like to be a friendly fixture.

5. Must align to the Varsity strategy.

*Must have a Sport England recognised governing body

Deadline to complete expression of interest - Friday 23rd October 2026

Your application will be followed up with a decision and next steps before Wednesday 4th November 2026.

To ensure the Varsity competition is as inclusive as possible, the Sheffield Varsity Project Management Group would like to consult all clubs regarding the inclusion of their fixture or event in the Varsity schedule. 

First Opt-Out Deadline

If a club wishes to opt-out from their fixture or event, a Club Captain or President will be required to complete this form by Wednesday 11th November 2026. If you do not wish to withdraw, you do not need to take any action. Please note:

• Clubs wishing to withdraw from the competition must provide a valid reason.

• Each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• The final decision will rest with the Varsity Project Management Group.

Please note, if you submit an application to opt-out, there is no guarantee that your submission will be accepted. Any applications submitted following 11th November 2026 will not be considered. 

All outcomes will be reviewed and communicated by Tuesday 1st December 2026. If a club withdraws from their fixture or event following 1st December 2026, the points will be automatically conceded to the opposing institution. 

Second Opt-Out Deadline

A second opt-out deadline: Friday 12th February 2027 applies only to the following sports. This has been put in place to accommodate specific event and competition schedules that will influence participant selection:

• Athletics

• Boxing

• Climbing

• Cycling

• Fell Running

• Gymnastics

• Ice Hockey

• Pool & Snooker

• Rowing

• Sailing 

• Snowsports

• Strength Sports

• Swimming 

• Trampolining

• Triathlon

These clubs will be consulted before Friday 12th February 2027 to review the specific rules and scoring breakdown for their event, as well as the withdrawal process. After 12th February 2027, any club highlighted above that withdraws from or does not fulfil their fixture or event in line with the agreed rules and regulations, will automatically concede the points to the opposing institution. 

Please ensure your club representatives are aware of these deadlines. If you have any questions or require clarification, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your institutions’ Club Sport Teams.

To support the ongoing Sheffield Varsity strategy and create a lasting digital legacy, the Sheffield Varsity Working Groups have been developing a central library of photography and videography captured and commissioned through Sheffield Varsity over the past few years.

As part of this work, we are now exploring opportunities to expand the library by incorporating club-generated content, including livestream footage, photography and videography from Varsity fixtures and events.

If your club is considering livestreaming any fixtures/events during Sheffield Varsity 2027, please complete this form below by Friday 18th December 2026 to let us know. A member of the team will then be in touch to discuss your plans and any support that may be available.

Club Captain & President Photoshoot and Club 1:1 Meetings

Day 1: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Day 2: Tuesday 27th October 2026

Please keep an eye out for the photoshoot and meeting schedule which will be shared by your Club Sport Teams and Wellbeing & Sports Officers in due course. 

Varsity Tickets On-Sale: Monday 25th January 2027

Further details will be shared by the Sheffield Varsity team throughout Semester One.

Sheffield Varsity 2027 Student Briefing: Tuesday 16th February 2027

Please keep an eye out for an invite to the briefing, led by your Wellbeing & Sports Officers and Sheffield Varsity staff teams, to provide you with all information required to ensure a successful competition.

Player Greenscreen Filming: TBC

More information will be shared with the relevant club committees in the coming months.