With 48 sports clubs and over 2,000 active students, Team Surrey has been aspiring to create a world class sporting environment for all students at the University of Surrey since 2005. From Rugby, Netball and Cricket to Snowsports and Dodgeball, Team Surrey’s 48 Clubs give students the chance to play the sport they’re passionate about.
Over the past 4 years we have had some amazing successes – leaping from 75th in the 2010 BUCS league table to 36th in 2014 – an incredible 52% increase – the highest amongst the 153 competing Universities. This year Basketball and American Football are through to the Premiership playoffs for the first time, and Women’s Fencing have secured their place in the premiership team. In this context it’s no surprise that Which? University has awarded Surrey the title of the Best University of Sports & Societies.
As Surrey moves up the BUCS table and the number of students playing expands, more of our teams have to travel further around the country to fixtures. Often there is such a high demand for buses that many are forced to take public transport, which can be tricky especially for teams with bulky equipment.
“The minibuses are essential to the continual success of the Boat club, and it would be even better to turn up to a race proudly proclaiming our University on the side of it” said Ellie Willetts President of the Team Surrey Boat Club. “A new minibus would ensure the Boat Club can keep teaching students to row, compete nationally and represent the University at BUCS competitions.”
But it’s not all about the glory of rising up the BUCS league tables (as great as that is!). We have over 300 Team Surrey Volunteers giving back to the local community, and increasing numbers of students are volunteering not just around Guilford but further afield. Our students help coordinate and deliver coaching sessions to local schools like Boxgrove and George Abbott in a range of sports including American Football, Hockey and Fencing. Other clubs work with the wider community – assisting young people with disabilities gain access to sport, and helping the elderly with gardening. A new bus will help us get more volunteers out into the local community to expand our growing programme.
We’re aiming to raise an enormous £20,000, which will cover the lease and all associated costs (such as tax) for three-years. With a new bus, teams and volunteers will only need to pay a subsidised rate for petrol, rather than the costs of either public transport or external van hire at full rates, which is much more expensive.
We’re offering a fantastic range of rewards to our generous backers, from free Domino’s pizza vouchers to 3-month memberships at Surrey Sports Park.