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Uni of Reading Sports

I'm thinking about choosing going to Uni of Reading but was wondering how much ill actually be able to play certain sports i really enjoy.

I'm quite new to badminton but really want to improve since i really enjoy the sport, but since im so bad i'd feel reluctant to tryout for teams/ anything competitive but in uni it seems like the better you are the more chances you have to play, e.g Team training etc,
So how would someone quite bad, get the play time they want, without joining a team. ( im talking more than just weekly sessions for a few hours)

Table Tennis, im quite good at, nothing amazing, but one of the best at my sixth form, so i wouldnt mind trying to sign up for the competitive team, not sure how i scale to people outside my school however.

Basketball, im quite bad at and quite short, so i moreover play for fun and practice a decent amount since its the only sport i like that i can practice without needing a dedicated space/ setup for it as i could just run to a park and hoop. ( no need to set up table tennis tables/badminton nets

Another thing i was wondering is, outside of society times etc, if i wanted to play one of these sports in my own time, how likely is it that i'd be able to bring a friend along and set something up in the gym to play, or are there rules against it.
Also didn't see a basketball court outdoors on campus, would there be any close to campus, that I could practice without the pressure of other people.

Reply 1

Original post
by protruding-rabbi
I'm thinking about choosing going to Uni of Reading but was wondering how much ill actually be able to play certain sports i really enjoy.
I'm quite new to badminton but really want to improve since i really enjoy the sport, but since im so bad i'd feel reluctant to tryout for teams/ anything competitive but in uni it seems like the better you are the more chances you have to play, e.g Team training etc,
So how would someone quite bad, get the play time they want, without joining a team. ( im talking more than just weekly sessions for a few hours)
Table Tennis, im quite good at, nothing amazing, but one of the best at my sixth form, so i wouldnt mind trying to sign up for the competitive team, not sure how i scale to people outside my school however.
Basketball, im quite bad at and quite short, so i moreover play for fun and practice a decent amount since its the only sport i like that i can practice without needing a dedicated space/ setup for it as i could just run to a park and hoop. ( no need to set up table tennis tables/badminton nets
Another thing i was wondering is, outside of society times etc, if i wanted to play one of these sports in my own time, how likely is it that i'd be able to bring a friend along and set something up in the gym to play, or are there rules against it.
Also didn't see a basketball court outdoors on campus, would there be any close to campus, that I could practice without the pressure of other people.

Good afternoon,

It is great to hear you are looking to join the University of Reading.

The university has a large selection of sports available, and there is the sports park, which has lots of facilities. This includes a large sports hall, with 8 badminton courts, these can be hired for a fee. You can see the current Charges on the webpage.

Additionally, two indoor basketball courts can be hired, and there is the Basketball Men's team. The closet outdoor basketball hoop would be at Cintra Park, and you can also view the other close courts here.

The UoR Badminton team have competitions, but they also have practice sessions, where everyone is welcome. This is the same with Table Tennis, as they welcome everyone. The good thing about these societies is everyone is there for fun, and then, as you progress, there is the option to compete.

I hope this information helps, and if you have any more questions please let us know.

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 2

Is there dedicated spaces for martial arts and track running?

Reply 3

Original post
by Megmeg223
Is there dedicated spaces for martial arts and track running?

Good evening,

The University of Reading has a Kickboxing society that meets at least twice a week. There is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu society and Kendo society. However, there are no specific martial arts facilities, but the clubs set up one of the halls for their training, and they attend competitions wherever possible. There are a few martial arts places near the university, such as Lone Wolf Martial Arts, The Martial Arts School, and a new place opening called One Mission MMA, which is quite close to the university. There is also the option for students to start a society of their own, so you could try to start an MMA society.

Similarly, there is an Athletics society, Hit the Road - Girls Run Club, and SportsPark gym. However, there is no running track at the university. However, there is the Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium, which is a 20-minute walk from campus, where there is a running track and great facilities. The Palmer Park Leisure Centre is great as it's always quiet during the day.

I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, please let us know.

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology

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