ÐÔÊӽ紫ý students compete for the 2026 Varsity Cup

The third University of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and Islands (ÐÔÊӽ紫ý) Varsity tournament brought together students from across the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý partnership for a day of sport and friendly competition.

The annual event, held on Wednesday 1 April, took place for the first time at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing at the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth campus. Organised by Active Campus Coordinators, it welcomed 110 students across 16 teams from ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray and ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth, competing in football, volleyball and basketball.

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth were crowned champions, taking home the Varsity Cup after strong performances across all three sports. They take the title from ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness, who had held it for the previous two years.

Now a highlight of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý sporting calendar, the event plays an important role in encouraging students to get active while strengthening the student community across ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s unique geography. It offers opportunities for students to meet, compete and build connections in a supportive and inclusive environment.

In volleyball, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth Team 1 dominated, winning all their matches and defeating ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth Team 2 in the final. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness secured third place after a narrow win over ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray.

In football, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray and three ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth teams reached the semi-finals, with ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth Team 1 defeating ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth ESOL Team 5 -1 in the final.

In basketball, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness Team 1 took first place, followed by ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness Team 2. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth Team 2 and Team 1 placed third and fourth, with ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray Team 2 and Team 1 finishing fifth and sixth.

Jack Whyte, Active Campus Coordinator at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray said:

“A highlight of basketball was the sportsmanship shown. More experienced players supported beginners both on and off the court, which was fantastic to see and really captured the spirit of the event. We’re also grateful to those who stepped in to help with scoring and refereeing.

“ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Moray students loved the event, particularly getting to use the amazing facilities at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth. It allowed our students to feel part of a wider institution by building cross campus relationships.”

Chloe MacGregor, Active Campus Coordinator at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Inverness said:

“It was amazing to see so many students come together for ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Varsity 2026. To watch them congratulate each other and show great sportsmanship is what this event is all about. All the planning and hard work has been worth it, and I couldn't have asked for better teammates than Jack and Lindsay to run this event with.”

Lindsey Brown, Active Campus Coordinator at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth said:

“It was an honour to host ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Varsity at the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth campus, with 2026 being the biggest event to date. While the event brings heated rivalry across competitive sports, it also brings together our partnership in a unique way. Providing students with opportunities to excel outside the classroom and connect with other students is extremely rewarding, we can't wait to do it all again next year!”

Planning is already underway for next year’s Varsity, for what promises to be an even bigger event with students from all ÐÔÊӽ紫ý campuses invited to take part.

For sponsorship opportunities or to support ÐÔÊӽ紫ý sports teams, please get in touch.

*ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It refers to English language courses designed for non-native speakers living in the area to improve their language skills, build confidence, and integrate into the community. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Perth is the largest ESOL provider in Perth and Kinross.