Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
Bournemouth University offers an impressive range of campus football leagues designed to suit players of all skill levels and preferences. The university runs men's 5-a-side, 9-a-side, 11-a-side competitions alongside women's 5-a-side and the popular Freshers 5's Football League specifically for new students. These campus leagues provide excellent opportunities for students to stay active, make friends, and engage in healthy competition throughout the academic year.
Individual players looking to join can sign up for just £22.50, with the university handling team placement for those without an established squad. The 2024-25 season is currently underway with dedicated time slots for different leagues, including afternoon sessions for the Freshers league. This accessible approach ensures that everyone has the chance to participate regardless of their previous football experience.
Campus sports at Bournemouth University extend beyond just casual play, with competitive opportunities also available. For those interested in American football, the BU Bobcats compete in the British Universities American Football League as part of the broader BUCS competition structure. The university's commitment to diverse sporting options reflects its understanding of how important physical activity is to student wellbeing and campus life.
History
Bournemouth University's Campus Football Leagues have a rich tradition dating back several years. The leagues were established to provide students with competitive football opportunities while fostering a sense of community within the university.
Initially starting with just men's 11-a-side competition, the program has expanded significantly over time. Today, the university offers various formats including men's 5-a-side, 9-a-side, 11-a-side, women's 5-a-side, and a dedicated Freshers 5's Football League for new students.
The 2022-2023 season marked an important milestone in the leagues' development, setting the foundation for the current 2024-25 structure. Teams like Expected Toulouse FC, Southgate on Sea, and Wintons Woeful Wanderers have emerged as strong competitors in recent seasons.
Bournemouth University's football program has benefited from the institution's long-standing relationship with AFC Bournemouth. As two prominent organizations in Dorset with international recognition, this partnership has enhanced the quality and profile of university football.
The leagues prioritize inclusivity, offering opportunities for students of all skill levels to participate. From casual players looking for recreational activity to more serious competitors, the diverse league structure accommodates various interests and abilities.
The Campus Football Leagues have become an integral part of student life at Bournemouth University, contributing to the physical wellbeing and social experience of participants throughout their academic journey.
Age Groups and Divisions
Bournemouth University organizes several campus football leagues catering to different age groups and skill levels. These leagues are structured to accommodate various formats of the game, ensuring inclusive participation for all students.
The men's football program offers multiple division options including 5-a-side, 9-a-side, and 11-a-side leagues. These different formats allow for flexibility in team sizes and playing styles.
Women's football at the university features a dedicated 5-a-side league, providing female students with competitive opportunities in a supportive environment.
For new students, the university runs specialized Freshers Football Leagues, including Freshers 5-a-side Division 1 and a general Freshers 5-a-side league. These leagues are particularly beneficial for first-year students looking to integrate into university life.
The 5-a-side leagues are further organized into specific playing days and competitive tiers:
- 5-a-side Sunday Division 1 SPRING
- 5-a-side Sunday Division 2
- 5-a-side Wednesday
This divisional structure ensures teams compete against others of similar skill levels, creating balanced and enjoyable matches throughout the season.
The university football program operates within the broader framework of sports at Bournemouth University, with teams potentially feeding into higher-level competitive leagues depending on performance and player development.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Bournemouth University Campus Football Leagues are managed by a dedicated team who ensure smooth operations throughout the season. For general inquiries about the leagues, students can contact SUBU via email at subu@bournemouth.ac.uk.
For specific football-related questions at Bournemouth University, the TeamBU performance sport football teams have dedicated staff members who can provide guidance and information about competitive opportunities.
Club leadership at Bournemouth Sports FC includes Chairman Steve Main, who can be reached at steve.main@bournemouthsportsfc.co.uk or by phone at 07711 149912. The Club Secretary position is held by Amanda Main, who handles administrative matters and can be contacted at secretary@bournemouthsportsfc.co.uk.
Chapel Gate, which hosts many of the university's football activities across its 65-acre site, has its own management team for facility-related questions. They oversee both indoor and outdoor sports opportunities.
Questions about accessibility for events or special requirements should be directed to the Students' Union at subu@bournemouth.ac.uk. The staff is committed to ensuring all students can participate in the football leagues regardless of ability level.
Teams
Bournemouth University offers an impressive variety of football teams to accommodate students of all skill levels and interests. With approximately 100 football teams reported in the 2022/2023 academic year, the university provides ample opportunities for students to participate in the sport.
The university features both performance and recreational teams. TeamBU Football represents the university's performance sport program with men's and women's teams competing in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and competitions.
For casual players, the Campus Football Leagues offer several formats including:
- 5-a-side
- 7-a-side
- 9-a-side
- 11-a-side
Teams in the Campus Leagues come from various university accommodations and departments. For example, Student Village A competes in one of the campus leagues, representing their residential area.
The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) also participates in the Bournemouth University Campus Football Leagues, competing in League Two for the 2025 season.
Entry fees are affordably priced at £3 per player, making the leagues accessible to most students. This pay-to-play system helps maintain the quality of the leagues while keeping costs reasonable.
Players
Bournemouth University Campus Football Leagues feature a diverse range of players from various academic backgrounds. Students form the core of these leagues, representing different faculties and years of study.
The leagues accommodate players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced footballers. This inclusive approach ensures everyone has an opportunity to participate regardless of previous playing experience.
Team rosters typically consist of 7-12 players for 5-a-side competitions and 15-18 players for the larger 11-a-side format. Many teams maintain consistent lineups throughout the season to develop chemistry and tactical understanding.
Notable teams in the current 2024-2025 season include:
- Expected Toulouse FC (6 points)
- Southgate on Sea (6 points)
- Wintons Woeful Wanderers (6 points)
- Exeter Gently (5 points)
The Freshers 5s League provides first-year students a perfect entry point to university football. These players often progress to the more competitive leagues in subsequent years.
International students bring diverse playing styles to the leagues, enhancing the tactical variety and competitive nature of matches. This cultural exchange creates a rich footballing environment.
Players compete in men's 5-a-side, 9-a-side, 11-a-side, and women's 5-a-side formats. This variety allows participants to choose the competition type that best suits their preferences and schedules.
