Sport at Reading
The University of Reading provides excellent sports facilities for the health and wellbeing of our University and wider community, and to ensure the success of our sports clubs. Most of the sports facilities can be found at SportsPark at the heart of our Whiteknights campus.
our facilities…
SportsPark
The University Sports Centre is called the SportsPark and offers both indoor and outdoor sports facilities:
- 95-station VO2 Fitness Studio
- Large sports hall for badminton, volleyball, 5-a-side, basketball, netball etc.
- 2 specialist studios for dance, martial arts, yoga and Pilates.
- 4 squash courts (incl. 2 championship glass back courts)
- 3 3G floodlit 5-a-side pitches
- Full size floodlit synthetic turf pitch
- 5 floodlit tennis and 4 netball courts
- 3 grass tennis courts
- Grass pitches for rugby and football
- Floodlit grass training areas
- County standard cricket square
- Synthetic cricket wicket
- Indoor cricket nets
- Eat @ SportsPark (café).
VO2 Fitness Studio
The VO2 Fitness Studio, which was opened in December 2006 following a £2.23 million refurbishment, really is state-of-the-art.
The Fitness Studio is split over two levels with the ground floor housing a reception area and extensive range of fixed and functional strength equipment. The first floor boasts a vast range of cardiovascular equipment with two entertainment styles on offer. You are able to train in the Cardiotheatre area, which contains four 42 inch plasma screens showing the latest sports action, music videos, news and entertainment, or choose the integrated viewing screens for a wider range of viewing options.
Colourwash wall lighting and coloured lighting tubes have been also been installed to create a modern and funky vibe.
Bulmershe Court campus
Bulmershe Court provides the training base for some of the sports clubs that are run in conjunction with the Sports Federation and also hosts some of the matches for the popular Intramural competitions. The facilities consist of a sports hall, gymnasium, hard surfaced tennis courts and grass pitches.
Caversham Boathouse
James Cracknell (Olympic Gold 2000 & 2004) and Debbie Flood (Olympic Silver 2004 & 2008) are ex-Reading rowers, but you don’t have to be an Olympic Champion to take part. Every year many students take up this unique opportunity of having a go at rowing, having never had the chance before.
Wokingham Waterside Centre
Our canoeists are based at this modern facility located on a nearby stretch of the Thames, providing a great chance to try out this exciting sport.
taking part…
Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether it’s casually with your friends at the SportsPark or by joining one of our student sports clubs. Students get discounted membership and activity prices at the SportsPark. You can book courts and play with your friends, work out in the fitness studio or join in one of our classes or courses.
VO2 Group Exercise classes
The SportsPark offers in excess of 40 drop-in classes every week which vary in type, intensity and style. Our qualified instructors will ensure your workout is fun, well balanced and safe.
Learn to…
As part of our commitment to encourage everyone to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, we offer a variety of courses that run for 8 weeks of every term. The courses are led by our qualified and experienced instructors in activities such as Street Dance, Pilates, Yoga, Capoeira, Kick Boxing and many, many more! If you’re unsure about joining, then call in and try the taster sessions during the first week of term.
Intramural activities
Intramural activities are run in league and tournament format.
The emphasis is on friendly and fun competition between teams from departments, halls of residence
or groups of friends. There is the opportunity for men’s, women’s or mixed teams to
take part in sports such as football, netball, rugby and cricket.
Sports Federation
There are over 60 sports clubs at the University of Reading, ranging from popular varsity sports like football, rugby, hockey and netball to a number of different martial arts and the more unusual sports such as ultimate frisbee, floorball, clay pigeon shooting and mountaineering. The clubs provide a welcoming environment to encourage everyone to take part in and enjoy their sport. For some students they also provide a stimulating and challenging environment to support their enthusiasm and help fulfil their potential.
British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) matches or training usually take place on a Wednesday afternoon, with some clubs also training on additional weekday evenings.
Sports scholarships
The University of Reading is committed to the development of sporting excellence amongst its students and awards Sport Scholarships ranging from £500-£2,000. Academy scholarships are also available offering unlimited free access to the VO2 Fitness studio and Group exercise classes.
Membership
We welcome visitors to SportsPark at any time. Just drop by our Reception and we’ll show you around. If you can’t make it in person, there’s plenty more on this website…
for more, contact…
The University of Reading SportsPark
Shinfield Road
Reading RG6 6AH
tel: +44 (0)118 378 8799
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