Varsity 2026
Leeds Varsity 20th Edition
Is Here!
Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 April
April sees the return of the annual inter-university sports tournament between the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.
This one is going to be extra special as Leeds Varsity celebrates its 20th Edition! Get behind your fellow students as they take on their cross-city rivals on the fields, courts, waters, and tracks to raise the trophy.
Since its inaugural edition in 2004, Varsity has been an unmissable staple in the student calendar. It fuels our friendly rivalry and affords students the chance to display their passion and pride for their University every year.
What's On?
Varsity Colour Run
MONDAY 27 APRIL- LUU Precinct
The Leeds Varsity Colour Run is back!
Everyone is welcome to take part. The event is a 3km run, jog, or walk around our beautiful campus at your own pace. En route, pass by our dye stations and get covered in colour as you go!
Programme:
5:30pm-7pm
Hockey
TUESDAY 28 APRIL – Weetwood Sports Park
Next up, get ready for a night night under the lights where our Hockey 1st teams promise to serve up two more thrilling encounters.
Bring your banners, wear your colours, and cheer on your teams as they take on their rivals from Leeds Beckett in two fixtures that will not disappoint!
Programme:
Women’s: 6pm
Men’s: 8pm
Netball, Korfball and Futsal
MONDAY 27 APRIL – Arena 1, Leeds Beckett University Headingley Campus
We. Are. Back! And there’s no better way to kickstart the sports action than with this triple-header at Beckett Arena. Expect unrivalled atmosphere, electrifying dance performances, music and a bar, and three nail-biting clashes between our Netball, Korfball and Futsal first teams!
Programme:
Futsal – 4:30pm
Korfball – 6pm
Netball – 8pm
Basketball
TUESDAY 28 APRIL – Arena 1, Leeds Beckett University Headingley Campus
Over at Headingley Arena 1, our Basketball 1st teams are gearing up for two exciting matches. With the atmosphere buzzing, fans can look forward to fast-paced action, fierce competition, and plenty of drama on the court. Be sure not to miss it!
Programme:
Women’s: 5pm
Men’s: 8pm
Rugby Union Finale
WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL – AMT Headingley Stadium
Wednesday evening brings you the official finale of Varsity 2026 live from the AMT Headingley Stadium, the historic home of Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket, as our Rugby Union 1st teams battle it out on the biggest stage of them all.
During the night, we will also see the presentation of the prestigious Varsity trophy, when it is awarded to this year’s overall winners. This event is a must-see in the student calendar, and we expect that it will sell out! Make sure you get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Programme:
Women’s: 5:15pm
Men’s: 7:15pm
Ice Hockey
FRIDAY 1 MAY – Planet Ice Leeds
And as if that wasn’t enough, sign off the week with Gryphons vs Bears once more. But this time… ON ICE! Head to Planet Ice to show your support for our Ice Hockey club and to be a part of the true spectacle that they have in store for you.
This club-led event never fails to amaze and is a testament to our student’s passion, pride and enthusiasm. If you go just once, you will never want to miss it again!
Programme:
7pm
Hear From Your Student Athletes
Passion, Pride & Friendship: Our Community Impact Pledge
We love Varsity and the friendship, passion and pride that it brings to our student community.
We also believe that everyone in the local area should benefit from these values. That’s why we’re asking our students to make a pledge to ensure that Varsity positively impacts our community.
The majority of Varsity, including the Headingley Finale, takes places on weeknights when our neighbours are likely to be up early for school, lectures, or work.
We will respect our neighbours by not attending or hosting noisy house parties that will affect them, sticking to designated campus celebrations instead.
Litter and public urination have been ongoing issues when travelling to and from the stadium.
Let’s be proactive and plan our journeys, dispose of our litter appropriately (recycling when possible), leave glass bottles at home to avoid injuring others and animals, and we can use facilities before leaving our houses or the stadium.
We represent the University, Leeds University Union, and our clubs and societies. We know that other universities, the council, and the police will be active throughout Varsity to keep the event safe, friendly, and limit disruption to the local community.
We have a responsibility to act and behave appropriately, and encourage others to do the same.
Headline Sponsor for Varsity 2026
Pickard Properties – your experts in student and professional property lettings in Leeds – is our official sponsor for this year’s Varsity for a sixth consecutive year.