The 2025/26 season has been a standout year for University of Manchester Sport, with 44 clubs and 90 teams competing, including 57 within the Team Manchester programme. Across all levels, teams have demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a strong competitive edge, leading to a season defined by promotions, unbeaten performances, and national success. All adding to elevating ourselves up the BUCs points table where we currently sit as the 20th best university within sport competition in the UK.
Fencing: A Benchmark for Excellence
Fencing delivered one of the most outstanding campaigns of the year, going unbeaten in Tier 1 to secure promotion into the Northern League. They crowned their success with a Trophy Cup Final victory, defeating the second-ranked university 134–115, showcasing the programme’s ability to compete and win at the highest level.
Ultimate Frisbee: League and National Success
Ultimate Frisbee achieved an exceptional dual success, securing unbeaten promotion into Tier 1, while the Men’s 1st team claimed the National Shield, beating Bangor 15–5 in a dominant final.
Programme-Wide Promotions
Success was widespread across the programme, with multiple teams progressing through the tiers. Rugby Union Men’s 1’s reached Tier 1, Women’s Football 3‘s were crowned Division 5A champions; Women’s Hockey 5’s progressed from Tier 5, and Women’s Northern Table Tennis 1‘s earned promotion into Tier 1, highlighting strong development across clubs.
Tennis and Badminton: Depth and Progression
Both sports demonstrated depth and sustained growth. Tennis Men’s 3’s won Division 3 unbeaten, while Women’s 2’s secured promotion into Tier 1. In badminton, Women’s 2’s progressed into Tier 1 and Men’s 3’s into Tier 2 with an unbeaten record, while Men’s and Women’s 1’s retained their place in the Premier Division, maintaining a strong presence at the top level.
Unbeaten Excellence
Consistency was a defining feature of the season, with Women’s 1’s Water Polo completing an unbeaten Tier 1 title-winning campaign, alongside unbeaten seasons from Fencing, Ultimate Frisbee, and Tennis 3s. These performances reflect not just talent, but strong preparation and a winning culture across teams.
A Programme on the Rise
This season reflects a sport programme that is both growing and delivering results at every level, from entry leagues to national competition. With multiple teams stepping into higher tiers and achieving notable success, University of Manchester Sport continues to strengthen its position within the university sport landscape.
“This has been one of the most well-rounded and successful seasons we’ve seen across the programme. What stands out most is not just the number of promotions or trophies, but the consistency, commitment, and collective drive shown by our students, coaches and clubs. These results reflect the culture we are continuing to build at Manchester.”
— Kyle Cherry (UoM Sport Representative Club Coordinator)
Looking Ahead
As we build on this momentum, we want to continue recognising and celebrating the achievements of our clubs and athletes. We encourage all students, teams, and committees to keep us informed of their results, successes, and milestones throughout the season, ensuring that every achievement—big or small—is recognised and shared across the University community.