By Helena Tomlinson

Yesterday the Union was host to the first day of the MMU Freshers’ Fair during welcome week. The day focused on sporting societies, with a wide range of activities for students to sign up to. Alongside the sport was the usual highlights every Freshers’ Fair has to offer, with nightclub promotions and obviously, free Domino’s pizza!

The Fair boasted a full and varied range of sporting activities from the traditional sports of rugby, netball and tennis to more unusual sports like wake boarding, snooker and equestrian sports. In previous years, the gathering has been held at the Sugden Sports Centre across two days with both sports and academic societies pitched together, but after moving to the new union building last year, the event has a new home.

Humanity Hallows caught up with one of the largest sporting societies, MMUFS, who provide snow sports for around 200 students on campus. Jonny, MMUFS Freestyle Captain, said,

“We will be competing at Kings along with SKUM (University of Manchester’s Ski Society) and then at Buds Up in Edinburgh to compete against 72 other universities. Then we’ll be off to compete at Maine in France where there will be around 2500 people attending the event.”

Harriet, MMUFS Trip Organiser, added,

“The Freshers’ Fair is very important to us for recruiting new members into the society. We’re also running two ski trips this year and hope they will be a success.”

Another sport that is fast growing popularity among new students is American football. Chris Jones, Treasurer of the American Football Society, told us,

“American football is one of the fastest growing in the country and its great to encourage people who have never played the sport to join our team. We have great facilities and coach, especially since we have moved to Platt Lane. The sport has a high cost and we do have to contribute £120 a year so that we can get the best equipment and play in our league.”

Harry Crompton, Chair of the American Football Society, added,

“It’s important for us to do events like this as it promotes our sport to people who may never have played before. Me and my friends only started playing in our first year of uni and we love the sport!”

One of the lesser known societies but successful in terms of its sporting achievements is the Water Polo Society. The society began last year and already have five of its members on the MMU Sport Scholarship programme. The women’s team have had great success by coming top in their division,  beating the University of York despite the team only being formed that year.

Lizzie, Water Polo Committee member, said,

“We have training weekly but we still have time to have fun. There are around 20 members and our women’s team is now entering division one. We asked other societies to join as people who are good at swimming, basketball and Rugby usually make great players! The Freshers’ Fair is as good opportunity for us to promote the sport and we are looking for more members.”

Alongside the sports there were stalls from local and national businesses who provided freshers with the usual array of freebies and offer. The first floor also held host to local businesses selling a variety of things from jewellery to chocolate. Lyndon and Mel, third year students, told us,

“We like coming to the Freshers’ Fair as we get lots of free things to start the term off. Free pens are always a help and who can say no to free food!”

The Freshers’ Fair continues for its second day today at The Union where academic societies will be showcasing what they have to offer alongside the the usual extra offers and freebies. Don’t forget to grab that free slice of pizza too!

For more information on the Freshers’ Fair or any of the clubs and societies visit The Union website.

Helena is her second year studying History and Politics. Follow her on Instagram @helenaftomo for fashion and beauty tips.