You are walking through Front Square, immersed in the enthralling buzz of dozens of stalls, all trying to gain your attention, and crowds of fellow Freshers who, just like you, are looking for a place to belong: college is but one week away, and here you stand at the Freshers’ fair, trying to see how much pocket money you have left to join yet another society. After all, or so you’ve heard, societies will be the fun foil to your academic life, the place to be when you close your books.
And there amidst the countless stands are the sports clubs. You’re toying with the idea of trying your hand at one of them, but you’re a little bit scared — you’ve never been much of the sports type. Or perhaps, you’ve been an athlete all your life and are now undecided on whether to continue your sporting journey in college or check out something new. Why not both? If there is something of which Trinity has no lack of its sports clubs, most of them affordable and highly accessible. And joining one (or more!) of them will enrich your college experience like nothing else.
Trinity Sport is currently home to more than 45 active sports clubs, of which there is a truly diverse range; from individual combat sports like judo, to team ones such as basketball or rugby, and much more still — you’re truly spoilt for choice. And there is nothing wrong with not quite knowing where to start or what to pick.
Perhaps the first family of sports that deserves our attention is the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), consisting of men’s and women’s Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and handball. This could be a wonderful opportunity to dabble in one of Ireland’s national sports, especially if you’re an international student. Trinity Sport will run an introductory course to the GAA during Freshers’ Week, where you will be able to see for yourself whether it is for you.
At Trinity you will also be able to try out niche sports, ones you’d hardly have had the chance to encounter elsewhere. Ultimate frisbee, rifle, archery, fencing and squash are just some of them (a full list can be found on the Trinity Sport website!).
Of course, this is not to say that more conventionally popular sports are any less worth checking out. Basketball, volleyball, rugby, football, and hockey are all well-established clubs in our college, often with a long and proud history of high-level representation, as are those dedicated to water sports such as rowing and sailing.
The amazing thing about sport at Trinity is that there truly is something for everyone. And not solely with regard to the wealth of options, but also when it comes to the kind of commitment you are ready to put in, and the experience you want to get out of it. Most clubs are welcoming to beginners and experienced players alike, providing an environment where you are able to relax and let loose, make meaningful friendships and simply enjoy yourself. Clubs such as Basketball and Badminton offer social training sessions for those less keen on the competitive aspect.
Several clubs have teams which compete at the top of their respective leagues, and even internationally: to name a few, Trinity Meteors (the women’s basketball team) are in the Women’s Super League, the Ladies’ Hockey team are in the Leinster League, the Fencing Foil Team have competed at the European Cup of Club Champions, and the boat club takes part in prestigious international regattas. These high-ranking teams usually run alongside other teams of all levels, and beginners who show serious commitment will be able to navigate the ranks as they grow throughout their college life.
While my hope is that some of what I have been telling you about sports at Trinity has been enough to tempt you and convince you to take that leap, to finally go “Okay! Let’s try it!”, there has been one key omission thus far, which is perhaps the most important thing of them all. Sport is what will help give meaning to your college experience, not only because it is an arena where you can try something new, push yourself beyond your boundaries and grow, but also because it is where you will make indelible connections and meet lifelong friends: fellow students from all kinds of backgrounds, united by toil and fun. Whether it’s at one of the many social events which all clubs make sure to offer, or out there on the pitch, a new bright chapter of your life lies awaiting.
