Varsity 2021 is happening between Tuesday 1st June and Friday 4th June. This series will be a unique year for Varsity as students won’t be able to watch in person. However, make sure to head down to The Vault between 5pm and 11pm to support your favorite teams through a direct livestream! There will also be some amazing food and drinks offers and it’s free entry!
Basketball - Tuesday 1st June 5pm - 11pm
Hockey - Wednesday 2nd June 5pm - 11pm
Rugby - Thursday 3rd June 5pm - 11pm
Football - Friday 4th June 5pm - 11pm
Here is what some of the players and captains of the Hockey, Rugby, and Football teams had to say about this year’s season and the upcoming Varsity fixtures:
GKT Ladies’ Hockey - Jess Oakhill - 1st XI Captain
What has this season been like so far for the Hockey club?
“Sadly, like all other teams this year, COVID-19 has really limited our training. However, we have seized all opportunities to get on the pitch, restrictions permitting. After a long hockey-less winter staying safe indoors, the much-anticipated release to the astro at the end of March was a highlight for all, but especially for the new fresher talent who have finally been able to integrate fully into the team. As training continues every week, with friendly games resuming soon, our squad is finally able to develop throughout the summer term in preparation for Varsity.”
What does Varsity mean to the GKT Hockey club?
“Typically Varsity is an opportunity for the club to showcase their 1st XI with pride, after a season of preparation and training. For such a large and close-knit club, Varsity is most definitely the highlight of the year, bringing everyone together in celebration, no matter your team. Unfortunately this year, as with all other sports, Varsity will be slightly different. The Varsity Series 2021 finally gives the 1st XI the opportunity for one, the most, competitive match after a missed season, and something to work towards now that training has been resumed.”
GKT Mens’ Hockey – Omer Cayir - 1st XI Captain
I am Omer Cayir, Captain of GKT Hockey Club’s Men’s 1st team. I would first like to take this opportunity to thank the Sports Coordinators from KCL and UCL who have worked tirelessly to make Varsity 2021 happen. Also, a special thanks to Michael Pym and Neal Hickey who have been fantastic as the lead points of contact for the Hockey event.
How has the hockey season been so far?
“Well…if we can call this year a season. It has been a tremendously difficult period for pretty much everyone. This year has felt like a transition year for the 1st XI who have lost a number of key players to the squad in the last couple of years. Thus, the introduction of freshers Sam and Jamie and new coach Richard provided a breath of fresh air and an explosion of youth and energy within the team. I am extremely proud of this squad of players who despite the constant setbacks, lockdowns, and cancellations, have fully committed themselves to training and S&C sessions. Varsity feels like a great way to round off all the hard work and progress that was made on the training pitch this season.”
What does Varsity mean for the club?
Varsity holds a special place in the club’s annual calendar. Personally, it is one of the first dates I look towards when fixtures are announced. The unique aspect of performing in front of spectators (an aspect I hope becomes regular in all university fixtures) combined with the age-old rivalry with RUMS, provides us with a fun and competitive spectacle. From the club’s perspective, we are able to demonstrate the strong ethos and culture GKT Hockey Club has, both on and off the pitch. As 1’s Captain, previous captains have drilled into me the importance of winning Varsity. Therefore, we will make sure to be well prepared and play to the best of our ability come June 4th.
KCL Women’s rugby - Cecile - Captain
What has it been like to train this year?
“A lot of our girls graduated last year so we had to recruit a lot of freshers this year to get our numbers back up, but unfortunately COVID hasn't helped with that. But even though the circumstances haven't been ideal, we've been lucky enough to get regular training sessions and I think all of the girls, myself included, have been grateful to get back on a rugby pitch.”
What does Varsity mean for the club?
“Varsity has always been a huge match for the team every year. It's usually the last game of the year and it's the one that all the girls work really hard for. If there's one game that's important, it’s Varsity.”
KCL Ladies’ Football - Rebecca Visser - 1st Captain
What has it been like to train this year?
“Football Practice has been interrupted a lot this year, with all the changing regulations over the months and of course the lockdowns. Still, I’m so proud of how everyone basically took that in their stride, and have continued to show up to and give 100% in training! I have especially enjoyed the whole club sessions in which all three of our teams train at once, alongside each other. Even if we haven’t been able to have the regular league games this season, the atmosphere in practice is so good that I feel like they have really helped us develop our team and club spirit.”
What does varsity mean for the club?
“Well any chance to show UCL who is boss is a big deal, isn't it? Varsity is the biggest game of our season and we look forward to it all year. We can't wait!”
