91ÊÓÆµÍø students come together for 2025 Varsity event celebrating sport, spirit and community

The Highlands and Islands Students Association (HISA) proudly hosted its second 91ÊÓÆµÍø 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.

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A group shot of all the teams and staff taking part in 91ÊÓÆµÍø Varsity 2025. Photo credit: 91ÊÓÆµÍø and Tim Winterburn.

Held on Tuesday 1 April 2025, at Inverness Leisure, the annual 91ÊÓÆµÍø Varsity brought together students and staff from across the 91ÊÓÆµÍø (91ÊÓÆµÍø) partnership. The event highlighted the power of sport in building bonds across campuses and fostering a strong sense of belonging throughout the 91ÊÓÆµÍø community.

Now in its second year, HISA’s Varsity event saw participation from three 91ÊÓÆµÍø partners, including 91ÊÓÆµÍø Perth, Moray and Inverness, competing in football, volleyball and basketball.

Lewis McMillan, president of the volleyball club at 91ÊÓÆµÍø Perth, mid-action during a game.

Lewis McMillan, president of the volleyball club at 91ÊÓÆµÍø 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 (right), president of the basketball team at 91ÊÓÆµÍø Inverness, shaking hands with Stuart Fraser (left), Active Campus Coordinator at Inverness Campus, and Amanda Fleet (middle), Sports Development Coordinator at HISA.

Zeke Ferdinand Balanquit, president of the basketball team at 91ÊÓÆµÍø Inverness, added:

“I very much enjoyed the 91ÊÓÆµÍø Varsity event, it was a great atmosphere and was a good opportunity for our student basketball team to play against and meet other 91ÊÓÆµÍø students. I think these events are very important in getting students active, networking and socialising in a positive environment."

This year, 91ÊÓÆµÍø Inverness took home the overall Varsity Cup after strong performances in basketball and football. Highlights included a hard-fought football final against 91ÊÓÆµÍø Perth which ended in gripping penalties. 91ÊÓÆµÍø Perth won the volleyball trophy with 91ÊÓÆµÍø Inverness taking the basketball and football trophies.

“Varsity is more than just a competition — it’s a way of strengthening the 91ÊÓÆµÍø 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 91ÊÓÆµÍø partnership together through sport and friendly competition. Representing HISA and various 91ÊÓÆµÍø campuses were Amanda Fleet (HISA), Iain Morrison (91ÊÓÆµÍø), Jack Whyte (91ÊÓÆµÍø Moray), Lindsey Brown (91ÊÓÆµÍø Perth) and Jed McKernie (91ÊÓÆµÍø Inverness). The outcome of their collaboration? HISA’s inaugural 91ÊÓÆµÍø Varsity tournament — a vibrant celebration of teamwork, community, and athletic spirit.

With over 70 students participating, and strong support from HISA, 91ÊÓÆµÍø 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, 91ÊÓÆµÍø 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