University of Gloucestershire swimmer Laura Tan believes it’s ‘disappointing’ that swimming has been cut from varsity given the hard work they have put in.
With University just starting, students have been looking forward to competing in their favourite sports, but this seems to be an issue for some people with their favourite sports being cut from varsity.
Tan has partaken in swimming for the University since the start of her first year, but now entering the second year, her and her teammates are unable to compete which has become a frustration.
There seems to be very little possibilities for the swimmers with Tan saying, “We can organise friendlies, but that’s pretty much the best that we can do.”
The lack of varsity or competitiveness could even possibly affect the swimmers in terms of ability with there being no reason for them to try.
“We have a competition next month, so we have something to work for. But for the rest of the year, what are we training for?” Tan said.
With the lack of competition after next month, there is nothing that they can do to face other Universities in a competitive way.
“It’s a fun competition that we do every year.
We love the competitive spirit with Worcester, so it’s disappointing that we aren’t able to do that.”
The rivalry with Worcester is something that all sports players take seriously, but this has been taken away from the swimming team and other university sports teams.
Whilst most will admit that swimming isn’t the most popular university sport, it feels like it’s unfairly treated in comparison to the likes of football and rugby.
“I know that it’s difficult right now with funding, but it’s a little disappointing.
“And I know there are bigger societies, but they get a little more help than we do.” Tan said in relation to football and rugby.
There is hope of an unlikely change at some point, with everybody deserving to play their sport competitively at their university, especially those who have been there for a year or even two years.
