A Guide to Getting Involved in Sports & Rec on Campus
Written by: Emma Zhang, Year 3, Medical Sciences
Photo by: Western Mustangs
Starting university is super exciting! There are so many new things to try and places to explore. One way to get involved, meet new friends, stay active, relieve some of that academic stress, and even pick up new skills is to get involved in Sports & Rec. So let’s explore all that Western has to offer.
Western Campus Recreation
When I first walked into the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC, or Rec Centre for short), I was blown away by the sheer size of the place and the awesome range of top-notch equipment. Starting the school year, I hit the WSRC regularly for drop-in badminton sessions and made friends from all over different faculties and years. Chatting with them, I kept discovering all the fantastic programs that Western Campus Recreation (or Campus Rec) has to offer. Today, I’m here to spill the beans on some membership and program details you might have missed, or to give you the lowdown if you’re new to Western this fall. Let’s dive in!
Membership
Membership to Campus Recreation (and the WSRC) is included for current Western students with a valid Western ONECard. This gives you access to the fitness centre, pool, track and so much more by just bringing your Western ONECard with you to swipe in!
Not sure how to use some of the gym equipment? No problem! Check out the Campus Rec online video tutorials, showing you the ins and outs of using the various fitness equipment.
Grab a friend or head to the WSRC for a solo workout - it’s a great way to stay active and clear your mind during the school year.
If you ever forget your Western ONECard, you are allowed two free “look ups” per term. After that, a small fee is charged for subsequent look ups, so be sure to keep your ONECard on you at all times!
Bringing a non-Western student for a workout? There are Day/Guest Pass options, along with monthly or per term options for non-members.
Programs
Pool Lane Swim / Aquatics
Did you know Western has a 50-metre pool? From fit lanes and recreational swimming to learn-to-swim classes, Campus Rec offers a wide range of programming for those looking to get active in the water. Learn more about the aquatic programs and check out fit lane swim hours.
Drop-in Sports
Drop-in sports offer flexibility week to week. By downloading the Western Rec App or visiting the website, the location and hours of all drop-in sports can be easily accessed. Some of the sports offered include badminton, basketball, futsal, volleyball, and more.
Remember to always bring indoor shoes, as they must be worn inside the facility and gyms! Lockers are available for day use to put bags and outdoor shoes in. Learn more about the locker and towel services here.
Need equipment to join the drop-in sports? The WSRC offers equipment loans, including basketballs, volleyballs, futsal balls, and many more for free! Visit the Equipment Desk on the lower level of the WSRC.
TRAC Jogging / Skating
The Thompson Recreation & Athletic Centre (TRAC) is attached to the WSRC and is home to both an ice rink and a jogging track. Jogging is usually offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at set times and skating is on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check out updated TRAC jogging/skating times here. Note: A TSA helmet is required for skating.
Squash Courts
The WSRC also has several squash courts available to reserve for free throughout the year! Check out Western Campus Recreation for more info.
Women’s only
Western Campus Recreation also offers Women’s Only programming and spaces for female-identifying members. This includes Women’s Only Studio time, Intramurals and Swimming.
Women’s Only Studio time varies but it is advised for members to download the Western Rec App. Under the “Women’s Only” icon, members can easily see the space and hours offered. Women’s Only Swimming hours can also be accessed online.
Group Fitness
Interested in group fitness classes? Campus Rec also offers classes so you can work out with your peers! No experience is needed. There are 25+ weekly group classes offered, such as Cycle, Zumba, Sculpt & Sweat, Cardio Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, ATB, and more!
All group fitness classes require a Group Fitness Membership to attend, which is available to all active Campus Recreation members for a small fee. Learn more about group fitness classes here or by visiting the WSRC Membership Services desk.
These are just some of the great programs offered in the WSRC. Check out the rec centre hours and browse through the orientation page to learn more about everything available to you – including a video tour or self-guided walking tour! Follow @western_rec on social for regular updates on programming throughout the year.
Recreational Sports Clubs
Joining recreational sports clubs is a wonderful way to meet new people with similar interests while having a fun time! Recreational sports clubs open for registration on September 16, follow @WesternMustangs for updates! In the meantime, take a look at the full list of sports available.
Intramurals
Intramurals are another great way to meet new people while having fun and staying active! Intramurals can be categorized into Men’s, Co-ed, or Women’s leagues, where participants can join at the competitive or recreational level. Intramural sign-ups open on September 5, 2024, at 8 a.m. for the fall term and close on September 17 at 11:59 p.m. Some Intramural sports include badminton, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and many more. Check out the full list of sports here! League space is limited, and registration is first come, first served. So mark your calendars for September and keep an eye on the website! If you can’t get into the sport you want, the wait list is a great alternative option as teams occasionally drop out.
WESTERN MUSTANGS
Open Tryouts
Are you an athlete? Tryout schedules for most Mustangs varsity teams for the Fall/Winter 2024-25 season are now available at westernmustangs.ca/tryouts! Connect with the coach and try out to be a part of one of the 46 varsity teams at Western.
Attend Home Games
Western students receive FREE admission to all 46 Mustangs varsity team regular season home games when a valid Western ONECard is presented! From football to hockey to basketball to many more sports – there's something for everyone.
During orientation week, wristbands will also be accepted at selected entrances during the Mustangs Football Orientation Week games.
Embrace the Campus’s purple and proud spirit while having a great time!
Conclusion
There are so many ways to get involved in Sports & Rec, so come out to a Mustangs game, join a team, or work out in the WSRC this fall. Maybe I'll see you there! Sports & Recreation also employs over 500 student staff across various leadership positions, so keep an eye on openings throughout the year!
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