Sporting success for Manchester Met in Varsity Games

The sporting heritage of Manchester’s universities took centre stage as Manchester Met clinched victory in a thrilling Varsity Games series against the University of Manchester. 

Coinciding with the bicentenary celebrations of both institutions, the Varsity Games saw the universities go head-to-head in basketball, netball, swimming, rugby union and football – with Manchester Met winning the series 4-3. 

The games took place at the Armitage Sports Centre in Fallowfield, the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the Platt Lane Sports Complex – home to Manchester Met’s sports clubs. 

Phil Cook, Head of Development for MMU Sport at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “We have been working for several years to get a Manchester Varsity off the ground as it’s been a long time coming for the students of Manchester.  

“The event saw over 1,500 spectators attend throughout the week and we hope to build on this student experience opportunity for the 2025 event.’’ 

Despite defeat in the men’s basketball, women’s rugby union and women’s football, Manchester Met’s men’s rugby union, men’s football, netball and swimming teams were victorious to see Manchester Met win the overall series. 

While there have been isolated sports fixtures between the two universities in recent years, the Varsity Games marked the first coordinated event of its kind, following in the footsteps of other prominent city Varsity events such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle. 

The event showcased Manchester Met’s state-of-the-art sporting facilities and student teams, which are part of the University’s wider sporting offer including support for elite athletes and range of sport and fitness opportunities available to students and the wider community. 

The University’s Institute of Sport, a sporting and health hub in the heart of Manchester, also provides support and research for elite sporting organisations and the University’s student athletes. In addition, the centre works with health organisations and communities to support wider healthy living and ageing.  

Find out more about MMU Sport and the Institute of Sport, as well as Manchester Met’s 200 year celebrations.