Varsity, the annual sporting competition between Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Kent, kicks off this Saturday (13 February).

Running until Wednesday 24 February, teams from both Universities will go head-to-head in 40 matches across 15 sports from lacrosse, rugby and American football to cricket, equestrian and snow sports.

The sporting spectacle was created to showcase the best of university sport within the community and this year the event will be supporting LGBT History Month. Both Universities believe that everyone should have a safe space in sport and wanted to celebrate how inclusive sport can be. 

Sport has the power to unify people while also celebrating the individual regardless of age, gender, sexuality and race. It is for that reason that both Universities are standing together with its LGBT members and allies to ensure everyone has a place to play. 

All students, staff and members of the public are invited to attend the matches, take in the atmosphere, support the players, and see the sporting talent that Canterbury has to offer.

Emily Barron, President (Sports) at Christ Church Students’ Union said: “Being the biggest sporting event in Canterbury, Varsity unites not only fellow students but also the wider community and allows us to showcase the outstanding talent our city holds.

“Varsity is a unique spectacle in which the raw passion, unprecedented nerves and immense pride each player feels cannot be replicated, along with the largest assembly of supporters spurring them on for the win.”

Kent Union Vice-President (Sport), Nina Mehmi, said, “I can’t believe it’s that time of year again, Varsity, the biggest sporting event in Canterbury.

“I want to wish the best of luck to all of my teams, and remember to bring home the wins. Varsity is definitely one of the most memorable things you will take part in at University. Five days, two Universities, one city…there can only be one winner!”

For fixtures and results, head to canterburyvarsity.com