Uni isn’t about locking yourself in the library for days on end. Here at Stirling, our students love to explore and share the passions and interests that make them unique – and if you’re into sport, you’re going to love the University of Stirling. 

We are Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, and we really live up to that name. Between our 55 sports clubs, fitness classes, social sport leagues, interhall contests and five-star facilities, Stirling has got something for everyone. Bearing that in mind, it’s little wonder we were named Sports University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to get fit, compete on the national stage or just meet some new friends. Here’s how you can get involved as a student: 

1. Check out our shiny new sports centre 

If you want to get involved in sport, you’re going to need the right facilities. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. 

Last year, we were proud to launch our brand-new, £20 million sports centre here on campus. The stunning building has it all – from a 100+ station fitness suite and studio space, to a strength and conditioning suite, performance gym, three-court sports hall, group cycle studio, three outrace functional rigs and more. 

The University’s sports centre is also one of the UK’s first facilities to have the Technogym Excite Live line. This is a range of super-connected cardio equipment that offers users a hyper-personalised training experience based on what it is you’re trying to achieve. 

Translation: if you want to work out, do a fitness class, try some yoga or just toss a ball around with friends, this is the place to be. 

It’s also a great place to just hang out, study or watch the world drift by. The sports centre’s café, Nourish, offers a wide range of breakfast, brunch, lunch and early evening meals. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite after a workout, or just get coffee with friends. 

2. Experience world-class swimming facilities 

Fancy a swim? Our 330-acre campus is home to the National Swimming Academy, which is a partnership between Stirling, Scottish Swimming and British Swimming. 

In fact, some of the UK’s top Olympians practice here on our campus. Five University of Stirling swimmers were selected to make the trip to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as part of Team GB — including 24-year-old Duncan Scott, who became the first British athlete ever to win four medals at one Olympic Games at Tokyo.

But our pool is also open to students, staff and the wider Stirling community. You can book a lane for a bit of practice, train with a group, or just splash about for a recreational swim. 

3. Hit the tennis court 

The University’s campus isn’t just home to Scottish Swimming. Our campus also hosts The Gannochy National Tennis Centre – which is one of the biggest indoor tennis facilities in the UK. 

Featuring six indoor courts, two outdoor clay courts and two outdoor synthetic courts, the National Tennis Centre is the base for Scottish performance tennis. It’s also where three-time Grand Slam Champion Andy Murray honed his skills growing up. 

Whether you fancy yourself the next Andy Murray or simply want to play a slow game with friends, all our courts are open to students and members of the community. 

4. Join a sports club 

Into competitive sports? You’ve come to the right place. The University of Stirling’s Sports Union plays home to more than 50 sports clubs run by students, for students. 

We’ve got everything from American football and basketball to archery, football, cheerleading, cricket, Gaelic football, mountaineering, surfing, gymnastics and everything in between. 

Many of these clubs regularly compete against other Scottish and UK universities in super organised leagues – while others are a bit more recreational and simply offer you the chance to meet up with likeminded people and stay active. 

5. Try out a fitness class 

If you want to get in shape or stay fit, our sports centre offers dozens of weekly classes guided by qualified fitness instructors. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re into Zumba, yoga, Pilates, aqua jogging, suspension training or indoor cycling – you’ll find it here at Stirling. 

All of our classes can be booked online or through a mobile app. 

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The best way to experience sport at the University of Stirling is to dive in and give it a go! 

If you want to find out more about sport at Stirling and how you can get involved, check out our website.