Kent Unicorns, the University’s staff netball team, sponsored by Kent Sport is going from strength to strength. Not only did they reach 2nd place in their division during the summer 2022 season of the Thanet Netball League, but they also took 2nd place at Kent Staff Recognition Awards for Community Ambassador.
The team, made up of staff from across the university, was nominated by Emma Marku, the team’s vice-captain, for the various initiatives the team involve themselves in. Representing the university in their weekly games at the local league, team members also support other local leagues and the development and coaching of members of the local community. The Unicorns actively encourage staff to get involved in Kent Sport’s ALL Active Programme to improve their fitness and general mental health and well-being, especially through the Social Netball sessions on a Monday lunchtime. The team have played ‘friendlies’, games against Canterbury Christ Church University’s new staff team to help and support in their team’s own development in the sport, as well as Kent College.
However, it is not just the staff that the Unicorns support. They also get involved with UKC’s student netball community, attending their training sessions to umpire and provide coaching advice when needed.
Through their sportsmanship, they have engaged in various charitable ventures including taking on the BRIT Challenge in February 2022 to contribute towards Team Kent Uni in covering 2022 miles to raise funds to support young adult mental health and fitness. For Kent’s Giving Week in May 2022, they donated £1 for each goal scored during their league game that week, plus participated in their live stream event, adding more to their total by challenging themselves to how many goals scored in a minute.
In her nomination, Emma noted ‘I believe that the Unicorns are a representation of the University’s values, building community, supporting potential wherever that may be, and acting with civic engagement. We encourage all staff and students to just get involved, give things a go, make new friends, build networks along the way as well as have fun and enjoy it’.
If anyone is interested in getting involved with Netball, you can go along to ALL Active Social Netball every Monday lunchtime, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm in the Sports Centre. Kent Sport membership is required. £2 per session with a Pay to Play membership. For more information, please see our website or follow @ALLActiveKent for updates.