University College Dublin may be ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, known as Ireland’s global university with over 160 years of pioneering research — but it also knows better than anyone that learning beyond the classroom is just as important as within. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your background is, the opportunity to take a step into the real world through UCD isn’t just a slogan, but a promise.
With over 11,500 members across 46 clubs, UCD Sport offers a wide range of activities, from team sports to water sports; from fencing to taekwondo. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an amateur or a pro. You have access to world-class facilities on the Belfield campus, and with UCD’s 90-million-euro investment, you’ll be getting even more. You can train on the Athletics Track with the club or test your agility on a squash court. Soon, you’ll see a brand-new indoor arena and tennis centre, as UCD aims to enhance the breadth of activities that students can enjoy.
Sports clubs at UCD are run by students, for students. Source: University College Dublin
A winning sports culture
UCD’s sports facilities produce winners within and beyond lecture halls.
Daire Cregg is one of them. His love for football started with his father — a former player at UCD. His father often reminisced about his time representing the UCD Gaelic Athletic Association Club, sharing them with his son long after those field days were done. Those stories instilled an ambition in a young Cregg, a passion to represent the UCD GAA club long before his university days even began — like father, like son.
Luckily for him, a GAA Sports Scholarship would allow his dreams to come true.
“The highlight of my time in UCD was representing the university in the Sigerson final, an honour for myself and my family,” says Cregg, referring to the premier Gaelic football championship among higher education institutions in the country.
“With the support of the university financially, I was able to balance my time and resources to attain a degree in agricultural science while achieving my sporting goals,” he adds.
To help students like Cregg develop their sporting career, the UCD Sports Scholarship offers not only financial support, but also the highest standards in coaching, training, nutrition, strength, and conditioning advice. Beyond football, various sports where scholarships have been awarded to date include athletics, basketball, cycling, swimming, and more. Scholars are privy to benefits like access to the UCD High Performance Centre, as well as academic flexibility.
You don’t have to compete at a high level to partake in UCD sports, however. Many of these clubs are managed by students for the students, allowing members to develop a sense of leadership, collaboration, and community. Just ask Luke Hodkinson — the captain of the Canoe Club.
“Being a part of the Canoe Club and on the committee for the past four years has been such a massive part of my college experience, I am unsure how the rest of my time in UCD will look without it,” says Hodkinson. “I have loved watching the club grow and improve during my captaincy.”
The club offers introductory training for beginners, equipment provided, at the 50-metre swimming pool on campus. River trips and weekends away are a common occurrence, and you’ll be able to participate in various kayak disciplines like racing, canoe polo, kayak-surfing and more.
“The Canoe Club has helped me throughout my undergrad and master’s and transformed my college experience with its inclusive, friendly and relaxed environment,” Hodkinson adds. “[It] has led to me wanting to improve my own instructing ability so that I can continue to help the club and its brilliant members.”
Lilac Ferraro, Badminton Club captain from the EU, feels the same way. The club is pivotal to her experience here. “I play badminton multiple times a week and it is a great way of blowing off steam,” she says. “All my friends are also in badminton, more than in my course so it’s where I get to meet everyone. Every week, I get to see my friends which is really great.”
UCD clubs compete in provincial, national, and international competitions. Source: University College Dublin
Community and connection
Many students choose to take their sports pursuits to the competition level. The clubs participate in intramural and varsity matches and further exercise their talents at provincial, national, and international competitions. Just last year, 30 students and alumni represented Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The Men’s Basketball Team plays in the Super League, the nation’s top division, while the rowers have graced many global competitions.
Even so, there’s much to take away from sports than a competitive spirit. You’re shaping a fun and healthy lifestyle, meeting people with similar interests, and taking a break from coursework demands. Studies have shown that sports nourish the mind as much as they do the body, which, in turn, allows you to tackle the rigours of university better.
“I think it is a really good place to come, you know, if I’ve had a long day at the hospital shadowing and doing my rotations, it is really nice to have a breath of fresh air and come to practise,” says Mila Uzelac, a volleyball player.
As an international student, Uzelac found herself limited to making friends with those in her programme. She wanted to explore different aspects of her identity rather than being confined to the role of a medical student, and thankfully, she didn’t have to look far — not when UCD is Ireland’s most international university.
“Sometimes, you need something more refreshing, and it’s really nice to come to a place where everyone has diverse backgrounds, and just kind of explore the other areas of your personality,” she says. “We try to do as many things outside of volleyball as possible together, so that’s also really nice.”
Looking for a university to kickstart your sporting dreams? Check out University College Dublin today.
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