UHI students come together for 2025 Varsity event celebrating sport, spirit and community
The Highlands and Islands Students Association (HISA) proudly hosted its second UHI Varsity Tournament — a vibrant celebration of sport, camaraderie, and community. With valuable support from the Active Campus Coordinators, students from across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire united for a day of friendly competition and meaningful connection.
Held on Tuesday 1 April 2025, at Inverness Leisure, the annual UHI Varsity brought together students and staff from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership. The event highlighted the power of sport in building bonds across campuses and fostering a strong sense of belonging throughout the UHI community.
Now in its second year, HISA’s Varsity event saw participation from three UHI partners, including UHI Perth, Moray and Inverness, competing in football, volleyball and basketball.
Lewis McMillan, president of the volleyball club at UHI Perth, praised the event:
“It was great to see so many people enjoying volleyball—we were especially happy to have an opportunity to get both men and women involved in some competition!”
Zeke Ferdinand Balanquit, president of the basketball team at UHI Inverness, added:
“I very much enjoyed the UHI Varsity event, it was a great atmosphere and was a good opportunity for our student basketball team to play against and meet other UHI students. I think these events are very important in getting students active, networking and socialising in a positive environment."
This year, UHI Inverness took home the overall Varsity Cup after strong performances in basketball and football. Highlights included a hard-fought football final against UHI Perth which ended in gripping penalties. UHI Perth won the volleyball trophy with UHI Inverness taking the basketball and football trophies.
“Varsity is more than just a competition — it’s a way of strengthening the UHI community across our unique geography” said Amanda Fleet, Sports Development Coordinator at HISA. “We’re proud to support student wellbeing, connection, and pride across all our academic partner campuses and learning centres”
In February 2024, five passionate sports enthusiasts connected over video conference with a shared goal: to bring students across the UHI partnership together through sport and friendly competition. Representing HISA and various UHI campuses were Amanda Fleet (HISA), Iain Morrison (UHI), Jack Whyte (UHI Moray), Lindsey Brown (UHI Perth) and Jed McKernie (UHI Inverness). The outcome of their collaboration? HISA’s inaugural UHI Varsity tournament — a vibrant celebration of teamwork, community, and athletic spirit.
With over 70 students participating, and strong support from HISA, UHI and the Active Campus Coordinators in Moray, Perth, and Inverness, Varsity has become a standout event. As a university partnership spanning the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire, UHI offers a truly distinctive student experience. Initiatives like Varsity are vital in fostering connection, camaraderie, and pride across these diverse and often remote communities.
Planning is already underway for next year’s Varsity, with Inverness set to welcome students for what promises to be an even bigger event.
If you are interested in sponsoring the event or any of the sports teams, please contact: HISAActivities@uhi.ac.uk