First launched in 2021, the innovative “Find Your Team” campaign funded through Sport Ireland programme funding, encourages students to participate in sport and to join a sports club on their return to campus for the commencement of the new academic year.
The campaign is launched every September, and coincides with International Day of University Sport (20th September) and European Week of Sport (23rd – 30th September).
The theme “Find Your Team” and its creative journey was informed by students who reported that joining a college sports club was a fantastic opportunity to make new lifelong friends, to socialise, boost fitness and was the perfect break from their studies.
The new 2023 look combines vibrant colours with a more youthful, edgier font and was developed and influenced by student sports leaders over the summer!
The campaign features a new video, new look Find Your Team social media branding and merchandise and an Instagram competition whereby students can win €500 for their club.
Throughout the month of September, SSI staff take to the road, working with affiliated HEIs throughout the island on club sign-up days to promote the campaign and to support the great work of both student club leaders and university sports staff.
Unpublished SSI research indicates that of 14 HEIs surveyed in May 2023, over 108 sports were facilitated through HEI sports clubs during the 2022/2023 academic year with the 14 HEIs allocating over €5.9 million to support student sport activity during this period. The survey also indicates that the total current investment in sports club activity across the 14 HEIs during the last 3 academic years amounted to over €22.7 million.
Students, colleges and the public can engage with the campaign on social media using the hashtag #SSIFindYourTeam.
International Day of University Sport has been held annually on 20th September since 2016 to coincide with the beginning of the new academic year. The day, which has been officially proclaimed by the UNESCO, aims to promote, and celebrate university sports and to create a link with local communities to support sport, physical activity, and healthy living initiatives.
