About
Sporticipate is a beginner-level recreational sport /activity programme for all students and staff. We offer a variety of FREE sessions ranging from Team Sports, Individual Sports, Martial arts, fitness and more! These are led by session leaders who aim to create a positive and inclusive environment.
We also offer ‘Learn To’ coached blocks with a minimal charge and regular large-scale events. Equipment is provided, and activities are facilitated by the UoM Sport Workforce.
All our activities are organised through SUMS. Tickets for each session will go live two weeks before the set date.
Please send any questions/queries regarding Sporticipate to: martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk.
Stay active, stay connected – it’s all just a click away!
Semester 1 Exam Recharge – Tickets go live on 30 December!
Legs, Bums and Tums - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and times:
Pilates for Backs - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Mobilates - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Basic Boxercise - In Person
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Mixed Ability Pilates - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Basic Mixed Yoga - In Person
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Basic Group Fitness - In Person
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Lane Swim - In Person
Come and enjoy a free lane swim in the 25-metre main pool at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, exclusively for UoM students and staff! With four designated lanes (no. 1 – 4), it’s a perfect way to stay active. Once booked, simply head to the pool reception and say “Sporticipate lane swim please.
Please note that you must be able to swim confidently as this session takes place in deep water.
- Location: Downstairs pool, Manchester Aquatics Centre.
- Dates and Time:
Morning Yoga - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Body Blast - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Lane Swim - In Person
Come and enjoy a free lane swim in the 25-metre main pool at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, exclusively for UoM students and staff! With two designated 50m lanes (no. 3 & 4), it’s a perfect way to stay active. Booking is essential to prevent overcrowding, so make sure to reserve your spot! Once booked, simply head to the pool reception and say “Sporticipate lane swim please :)”.
Please note that you must be able to swim confidently as this session takes place in deep water .
- Location: Downstairs Pool, Manchester Aquatics Centre.
- Dates and times:
Zumba - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Friday Flex - Online
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Women's Yoga - In Person
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Tai Chi Expanded - 20/01 ONLY
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 20 January, 12:00 – 12:45.
- Book here!
Tai Chi for all - 20/01 ONLY
- Locations: Zoom and G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 20 January, 13:00 – 13:45.
- Book here!
Reflexology Tips - 22/01 ONLY
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 22 January, 13:00 – 14:00.
- Book here!
View our A – Z of all Sporticipate Sessions on offer!
Badminton
Location: Main Hall A at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 17:30 – 19:30 every Saturday.
Nominated session leaders: Abhishu Chatterjee (abhishu.chatterjee@student.manchester.ac.uk) and Manvi Mittal (manvi.-@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Basketball (Men's)
Location: Main Hall B at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 17:30 – 19:30 every Saturday.
Nominated session leader: Klaudijus Gruzauskas (klaudijus.gruzauskas@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Basketball (Women's)
Location: Main Hall B at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:30 every Sunday.
Nominated session leaders: Patricia Sollis (patricia.sollis@student.manchester.ac.uk) and Lisa Halvorsen (lisa.halvorsen@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Dodgeball
Location: Sports Hall in Trinity Sports Centre.
Nominated session leader: Benjamin Tobyn (benjamin.tobyn@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:00 every Wednesday.
Handball
Location: Main Hall C in the Sugden Sports Centre.
Time and dates: 16:30 – 18:00 every Wednesday.
Nominated session leader: Oakley Lindridge (oakley.lindridge@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Hockey
Location: Pitch D (D1/D2) at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 21:00 – 22:00 every Tuesday.
Nominated session leaders: Anaya Powis (anaya.powis@student.manchester.ac.uk) and William Thomson (william.thomson-2@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Korfball
Location: Main Hall A in the Armitage Centre.
Nominated session leader: Hannah Broughton (hannah.broughton@student.manchester.ac.uk)
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:00 every Thursday.
Mixed Lacrosse
Location: Pitch A (A1/A2) at the Armitage Centre.
Nominated session leaders: Molly Drown (molly.drown@student.manchester.ac.uk) and Zack Murphy (zack.murphy@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Time and date: 18:00 – 19:30 every Monday.
Mixed Netball
Location: Main Hall B in the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 16:00 – 17:30 every Saturday.
Nominated session leader: Megan Bassett (megan.bassett@student.manchester.ac.uk), Lucie Miller (lucie.miller@student.manchester.ac.uk) and Roisin Drake (roisin.drake@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Pickleball
Location: Main Hall A in the Sugden Sports Centre.
Time and dates: 14:00 – 15:00 every Sunday.
Nominated session leader: Prasham Shah (prasham.shah@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Softball
Location: Main Hall B in the Sugden Sports Centre
Time and dates: 13:00 – 15:00 every Sunday
Nominated session leader: Ho Yoon Jeong (hoyoon.jeong@student.manchester.ac.uk) and James Richardson (james.richardson-10@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Swimming (Casual)
Lanes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Wednesdays (x4 25m lanes), and lanes 3-4 on Thursdays (x2 50m lanes) at the Manchester Aquatics Centre.
Time and dates: 20:00 – 21:00 every Wednesday and 12:00 – 13:00 every Thursday.
Table Tennis
Location: Conference Rooms R1/R2 in the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 12:00 – 14:00 every Saturday.
Nominated session leader: Sudhanshu Wani (sudhanshu_wani@programmer.net).
Touch Rugby
Location: Pitch F2 at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:30 every Thursday.
Nominated session leader: Isabelle Topp (isabelle.topp@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Ultimate Frisbee
Location: Main Hall B in the Sugden Sports Centre.
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:00 every Tuesday.
Nominated session leader: Freddie Lawrence (freddie.lawrence@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Volleyball
Location: Main Hall A in the Armitage Centre.
Nominated session leader: Max Gover (max.gover@student.manchester.ac.uk)
Time and dates: 13:00 – 15:15 and 15:15 – 17:00 every Saturday.
Women's Football
Location: Pitch F (F1/F2) at the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 17:00 – 18:00 every Friday.
Nominated session leader: Ella McAleer.
Women's Futsal
Location: Main Hall A in the Sugden Sports Centre.
Time and dates: 19:00 – 20:30 every Thursday.
Nominated session leaders: Rebecca Martin (rebecca.martin-6@student.manchester.ac.uk) and Miren Kirk (miren.kirk@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Women's Self-Defence
Location: Conference Rooms R1/R2 in the Armitage Centre.
Time and dates: 18:00 – 19:00 every Sunday.
Nominated session leader: Isabelle Ho (isabelle.ho@student.manchester.ac.uk).
Women's Yoga
Locations: Studio in the Armitage Centre and Wellbeing Room G.66 in the Simon Building, M13 9PS.
Time and dates:
- Studio Armitage Centre: 18:00 – 19:00 every Wednesday.
- G.66 in Wellbeing Rooms: 16:30 – 17:30 every Friday.
Nominated session leaders:
- Studio Armitage Centre: Elaine Waller (elaine@theyogaflowclub.com).
- G.66 in Wellbeing Rooms: Alexis Montastier (lex@flexyoga.studio).
Learn To
Learn to Swim
This Learn to Swim program is perfect for complete beginners looking to build confidence in the water and learn the basics of swimming. The 8-week course, starting on 21st October and running until 9th December, is designed to help you swim confidently by the end.
With Sporticipate subsidising 50% of the usual £48.00 fee, it’s only £24.00 for University of Manchester students and staff. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot!
‘Mic’d Up at Sporticipate’
Join Kate and Pulkit as they try out Sporticipate sessions, giving you a first-hand look at the welcoming, social and beginner-friendly activities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to join a sport?
- No experience required! Sporticipate is designed for beginners and those looking to have fun while learning new sports or group exercise and learn a new skill.
What is the difference between Sporticipate and Learn To?
- Sporticipate activities are free sport sessions with no commitment to attend every week – however, advance booking is required for each session to secure your spot.
- ‘Learn To’ sessions are structured, coached programs that require a commitment to a full block of activities, ranging from 4 to 10 weeks depending on the sport, with a minimal fee.
What do I need to wear/bring to Sporticipate sessions?
- All you need is some comfortable sports clothing and appropriate trainers for the sport/activity. We provide most equipment, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Can I participate in more than one sport/activity?
- Yes! You are welcome to sign up for multiple sports and activities via SUMS.
Are there opportunities for socialising or networking through the programme?
- Yes! Recreational activities are a great way to meet new people and make friends. Most sports / activities host occasional social events to help participants connect outside of the sessions.
Are there coaches/instructors available?
- Yes, each sport/ activity is led by a session leader who will guide you and help you improve your skills in a supportive environment.
Can I become a volunteer on the programme?
- Yes! We are looking for passionate leaders to run and promote Sporticipate sessions, with funding for qualifications and training offered. Roles are open to students and staff. Undergraduates can use it towards the ‘Step Up and Lead’ section of the Stellify Award.
- Apply by sending a 500 word text to sportsvolunteer@manchester.ac.uk stating why do you want to be a Sport Leader and what do you feel you could offer.
What if I have a disability or special accommodation needs?
- If you need accommodation, please contact us (martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heathcote-milner@manchester.ac.uk) in advance to discuss specific needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Can I provide feedback or suggestions for improving the programme?
- Yes! We value participant feedback and encourage you to provide suggestions. You can submit feedback through our online form or by contacting martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heathcote-milner@manchester.ac.uk.
What can I do next?
- If you have been attending Sporticipate sessions for a while and you have found the sport you love, there are clear pathways for development! You could try more advanced or competitive activities such as joining a Sport Club or a Campus League.
- Please reach out to martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heatchote-milner@manchester.ac.uk for recommendations based on your progress and interests!
Other activities
Our A to Zs
Sport A to Z
View our A to Z of all the sports that we offer at Manchester.
Activities A to Z
Take a look at all the activities we offer to get you more active at Manchester.