Sports and physical activity
Supported by the Students' Union Sports Office, students at University of Aberdeen can take part in a wide range of sports and physical activities. Whether you are looking to compete, stay active or try something new, there is something for everyone - and you can joi more than one Student Activity.
Our Student Activities cover everything from Archery to Ultimate Frisbee, Dance to Yoga, as well as popular team sports like Football and Rugby.
For a full list of all our affiliated societies, sports clubs, and student groups, check out Clubs, Societies, and Groups (ausa.org.uk)
Student Activity and Sports Union/Societies Union memberships
To access training sessions, fixtures, and other student activities, all members must have purchased:
- An appropriate Student Activity membership, and
- Either a Students’ Union or Sports Union membership.
If a student is a member of multiple clubs, they only need to purchase one Union membership to cover all their activities.
Your membership includes:
Student Activity Fixture and Training Dates
Our sports and physical activity fixtures and training sessions for Aberdeen Sports Village and the UoA Campus Sites at Butchart, Balgownie, Hillhead and Kings are scheduled in line with the UoA academic calendar and BUCS/SSS Appendix 2a. During exam periods, Christmas, and Summer Breaks, a separate training timetable will be in place.
Term Dates for 2025/26
- Term 1: Monday 15th September – Sunday 30th November
- Break for graduations, exams, and winter break
- Term 2: Monday 12th January 2026 – Sunday 29th March
- Break for graduations, exams, and summer break
Student Activity Fixture and Training Programme
We provide a Fixture and Training Programme based on our Facility Allocation policy to ensure a fair system for all activities. For general questions about this policy feel free to get in touch with the Sports Office
The Sports Office prepares this programme each year in August, following confirmation of budgets from the University of Aberdeen. Once budgets are confirmed, a draft programme is issued for review mid-to-late August. Student Activity will have the opportunity to request changes in the draft programme including changing days or times, switching between peak/off-peak sessions, adding extra sessions or rededucing sessions. While extra sessions or changes from peak to off-peak cannot be guaranteed and depend on budget availability, we will do our best to accommodate your requests
Student Activity Funded sessions
There is also the option for “Student Activity Funded” sessions, which we can book on your behalf, and you would be invoiced at the end of each month. If you would like any “Student Activity Funded” sessions, please get in touch with the Sports Office
Competitive Sport - BUCS and SSS Leagues, Knockout competitions or Events
The University of Aberdeen competes in both BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) or SSS (Scottish Universities Sport)leagues, knockout competitions, and events. These fixtures typically run from October to March, with matches often scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Participation is open to all registered students, and entry fees are covered by your Student Activity Fund.
Performance Sport – Sports Bursaries & Scholarships
The University of Aberdeen supports elite student athletes through a range of sports bursaries and scholarships. These schemes are designed to help you combine academic success with sporting excellence during your time at university.
Many of our students have gone on to compete at the Commonwealth Games, the Paralympics, and other national and international competitions.
For more details, visit Sports Bursaries & Scholarships
Sporting friendlies, events or other purposes
If your Student Activity requires a booking outside of regular training or fixture times - for events, sporting friendlies, or other purposes please contact the Sports Office. The Sports Office will help you arrange the booking. As these bookings are outside normal club training/fixture allocations, any additional costs will be invoiced directly to the Student Activity.
Intramural Sport
The Students’ Union organises non-competitive intramural sports (meaning “within the university”) and one-off physical activity events, giving you the chance to play, socialise, and stay active without the pressure of competitive leagues. For details see What's On or contact the Sports Office
Non-competitive Sport and Physical Activity
Not interested in competitive sport? No problem! The Students' Union offers a wide range of non-competitive sports and physical activities so you can play for fun or fitness. Many of our competitive Sports Clubs also offer social memberships, allowing you to train and play socially without entering leagues or knockout competitions.
Local Aberdeen & Shire Leagues
Many of our competitive clubs also compete in local leagues, including Scottish Junior & Amateur Football, Scottish Hockey, and Scottish Rugby, to name a few. For more details about a specific sport or club, please contact your preferred Student Activity directly
Facilities for sports and physical activities
The Students’ Union provides a variety of facilities for our Student Activities. These spaces support training, matches, and general physical activity.
Important:
- Glass and alcohol are not permitted at any UoA or ASV facilities.
- Changing rooms, showers, and toilets are available at most locations.
- All personal belongings must be stored in the provided lockers.
- The Students’ Union is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items
- All Student Activities must have an approved Risk Assessment before using any facility.
Booking & Access to University of Aberdeen Facilities
University of Aberdeen sites (Balgownie, Butchart, Kings, Hillead) cannot be used individually. Bookings must be for affiliated Student Activities only from their @AUSA email to Sports Office
Facilities Available
Balgownie Pavillion and Playing Fields
- Location: Balgownie Rd, Bridge of Don, AB22 8LX
- Football pitches, shinty pitch, American football, baseball, rugby, athletics track
- Pavilion with changing facilities and multipurpose rooms
- Pitch Map
Butchart Recreation Centre
- Location: University Rd, Aberdeen, AB24 3UT
- Sports hall, multipurpose room, dance studio, Strength & Conditioning gym
- Strength & Conditioning Room at Butchart sessions must be run by a qualified coach or UoA Accredited Supervisor. No supervisor = session cannot proceed.
King's Pavilion and Playing Fields
- Location: University Road, AB24 3FX
- Two rugby pitches and Aberdeen’s only dedicated lacrosse pitch
- Synthetic wicket ideal for cricket training
- Three sand-dressed synthetic Tennis courts, open year-round
- Pitch Map
Hillhead Centre (Keith Park)
- Location: 245 Don Street, AB24 1XP
- Grass match pitch, full-size synthetic pitch, treatment rooms, sports pavilion (200+ seating)
- Multipurpose rooms
Aberdeen Boat House
- Serves University rowing club
Alt-Na-Giubhsaich Climbing Bothy
- Near Loch Muick, Royal Deeside
- Available Nov–Aug for staff and selected student clubs
- Book via Estates Office.
Booking & Access to Aberdeen Sports Village and Aquatics Centre (ASV)
Location: Linksfield Rd, Aberdeen AB24 5RU
Aberdeen Sports Village is the premier sports facility in the North East of Scotland. It is open to students, staff and the public Full details in the ASV Facility Guide.
Opening Times
- Monday to Friday 6.30am - 10.30pm
- Saturday to Sunday 8.30am - 5.00pm
Please note, final entry to the facility is 30 minutes before closing time
Facilities Available
- Sports hall, indoor/outdoor athletics, hockey, football, squash, 4 x multipurpose studios
- Gym and Strength & Conditioning areas
- Indoor and outdoor athletics areas
- Hockey pitch (water-based)
- Indoor football pitches, squash courts, multipurpose studios
- Aquatics Centre: 50m Olympic pool and 25m diving pool with moveable floor
Rules & Membership
- Personal use outside training/fixtures requires an ASV membership.
- Respectful behaviour is expected. Serious or repeated misconduct may result in removal or a ban.
Linking your Student Membership for access to ASV for Training/Fixtures
To use ASV facilities for training or fixtures, it is important that you link your Student ID card to an ASV Passport. This ensures you can access the facilities during your booked times.
- Go to ASV Memberships
- Click Memberships → Join Now → UoA Students
- Sign in with your university credentials
- Select ASV Student Passport (UoA)
- Upload your Sports Union membership payment confirmation
Cancelling a Session
- Contact the Sports Office at least 48 hours before your booking.
- Missed sessions may result in penalties.
- If ASV cancels, the Sports Office will notify your Student Activity
Out of Hours Bookings & Cancellations for all sites
- For ASV call ASV Duty Manager – 07494 264047 | 07494 263887
- For all Sites email: info@aberdeensportsvillage.com (CC su-sport@abdn.ac.uk)
Non-ASV or Non-AU Premises
- Bookings at other venues (e.g., SportAberdeen) are not included in Sports Union facilities.
- The Students’ Union can assist, but clubs cover the cost, unless needed for a fixture ASV cannot host.
Still Have Questions? We are here to help!
For all queries, please contact the Sports Office:
Aberdeen Sports Village | Linksfield Rd | Aberdeen | AB24 5RU | Tel: 01224 438975 | Email: su-sport@abdn.ac.uk
If the Sports Office is unavailable, you can also contact the Students' Union Activities Team:
Students’ Union Building | Elphinstone Rd | Aberdeen | AB24 3TU | Tel: 01224 272965 | Email: activities@abdn.ac.uk