What Has Happened So Far This Year in our Recreational Sport Clubs?
Western has 18 Recreational Sport Clubs, and they have had a very busy year so far.
We asked some of them to tell us a bit about what Fall 2022 looked like for them, in terms of the programming they offered and competitions they participated in.
Clubs are open to all Western students. The deadline to register for Recreational Sport Clubs for Winter 2023 is Sunday, February 26th. To get involved, sign up here: Search Programs - UWO Sports & Recreation Services (westernmustangs.ca), and for more information about each one of our Clubs, visit our website: List of Recreation Sport Clubs - Sport and Recreation Services - Western University (uwo.ca)
Artistic Swimming Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
Artistic Swimming Club is a newly ratified sports club this year and has already fostered amazing leadership skills and everlasting friendships between members. Artistic Swimming is a sport that blends both the athleticism of swimming with the dynamics of gymnastics and the elegance of dance. Artistic Swimmers perform their skills to a choreographed routine in the water as a team, duet, or solo which showcases their strength, flexibility, and synchronization. Our club focuses on building our member’s endurance, power, speed, and flexibility in and outside the swimming pool. We aim to include athletes and artists from all genders and backgrounds to participate and contribute to the success of the club, as individuals and as team members, even if it's your first time trying the sport. Our club offers recreational, novice, and experienced programming so that members are training in teams of swimmers who are of similar skill levels. Non-swimming members contribute to our club by coaching, choreographing routines, coordinating social media, event management, and promotion.
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
Performing our routines at the London Artistic Swimming Club Water show in December. Members got the opportunity to present their newly choreographed routines in front of an audience and interacted with the London Community. Our members became mentors for the younger swimmers who were also presenting their routines by offering feedback, cheering them on, and being great leaders of the Artistic Swimming community.
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
We didn’t compete in any competitions this past Fall semester since our sport’s competitive season takes place from January to April. We do however plan to compete at Eastern Canada Divisional Championship on March 5th at the University of Toronto and the Canadian National Championships on March 26th in Markham, On.
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
During our land practices, we offered various types of training to our members, such as contemporary dance workshops, strength workshops, and flexibility workshops. Our team also enjoyed having a media day so that swimmers can have team pictures, headshots, and action shots so that they can hold on to memories of their time with the club.
How many members are in your Club?
22 members and 2 coaches
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Participating in a Recreational Sports Club is a great way to stay active while in school, make new friends, and feed your inner competitive drive. The transition to university is nerve-wracking and unfamiliar but sports clubs help introduce students to others with common interests. Students who continue to participate in sports through a safe, supportive, team-based environment benefit from strong mental health and excellent academic performance. More importantly, increased levels of participation in sports correlate positively with emotional and behavioral health, especially in improving self-esteem. Clubs such as the Artistic Swimming Club, get students involved in leadership, provide an outlet for physical development, and allow athletes to express their creativity.
Is there anything else you'd like to include/tell us about?
It’s never too late to join! Whether you're new to the sport, haven’t used your nose clips in a while, or are fresh off a national team, our club is an amazing place to meet new people and get some exercise. Our in-water practices consist of drills, choreography, and swim endurance training. If you're up for the challenge, some members plan to compete at provincial and national competitions throughout the school year against other university teams. Please reach out if you have any additional questions, and make sure to follow us on our socials to stay connected about practices and events!
Quote from Club Member:
“After retiring from the sport as a swimmer five years ago, I was uncertain if I wanted to swim again. However, joining the Western Artistic Swimming Club allowed me to find the love I once had as an athlete. Not only do I have the opportunity to swim with old teammates and competitors, but I also get to share this passion with new members who never participated in artistic swimming. Whether you are looking for a fun way to stay active or want to dig out your old nose clips from years ago, the Western Artistic Swimming Club is here for you!” - Ioanna Hopper, club member
Equestrian Club
Tell us a bit about your club and sport
The Equestrian Club is a group that gathers to share a love and passion for horses and equestrian sports and meet like-minded people. The executive running the club always tries to make it an inclusive space with something for everyone. This fall our OCEA competitive team trained very hard and competed in two collegiate competitions with many of our riders winning ribbons. We also host a lesson program, horsemanship program, and club events (both with and without the horses). The club is a place where many of us meet some of our best friends.
What would you say was the highlight for your club in Fall 2022?
We ran a very successful lesson program, organized by our VP of lessons Lauren Barr, where over 50 students were able to learn to ride or further their riding education. We want to give a special shout out to all of the farms, coaches and horse donors that made this a possibility for us. We also had an awesome pizza night. We had a great turn out, with lots of pizza and lots of laughs!
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
This fall our OCEA competitive team attended two shows. We had some amazing results, and we are very proud of all our riders. Our team will be competing in two more shows in January and February, as well. At the end of the season, qualifying riders will move on to the provincial level finals and we are very excited to see our riders competing in the provincial ring in the spring!
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
This fall we offered our usual lesson program which had one of the biggest participation rates we’ve ever seen. We also were able to offer a new program this fall, our horsemanship program, for those who were new to horses or simply wanted to just spend more time with them. We also had a few social nights so that those who were new to the club had the opportunity to meet the other members of the club and vice versa.
How many members are in your Club?
We currently have 76 members!
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Participating in recreational sports clubs is so important and such a great opportunity. University can be such a stressful transition. The club makes it easier to meet people while at the same time allowing yourself to be in a comfortable and familiar environment. Our club is very unique in that we run a formal lesson program and almost everything is done through local facilities. It allows riders, whether recreational or competitive to continue riding during the school year. It also allows new members who are interested in learning to do so at a cost that in often reduced from what you would find in the equestrian community outside of a collegiate program. As an executive team, we take huge pride in the opportunities we are able to create and provide for club members. We encourage everyone to find a club they enjoy and feel comfortable in! It was definitely a highlight of the fall for many of our members.
Fencing Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
Step into a world of excitement, strategy, and skill development at our fencing club! Our focus is to create a safe and inclusive environment where members can be themselves, and build meaningful relationships with each other. Not only will you make lifelong friends here, but you'll also see a noticeable improvement in your fencing knowledge, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. Experience the thrill of fencing – a sport that will challenge both your mind and body. With three thrilling disciplines to choose from – épee, foil, and sabre – you'll be able to put your skills to the test. From mastering different rules and blades, to sharpening your strategic thinking, fencing is a workout like no other. So, if you're ready to take your athletic and mental abilities to the next level, join us at Fencing Club next year!
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
The Fall 2022 semester at Fencing Club reached its climax with our electrifying end-of-semester tournament! Our members, who had honed their skills in their preferred disciplines, put their abilities to the test, with prizes going to the top 3 fencers in each discipline (épee, foil, and sabre). The tournament was a thrilling experience, and everyone had a blast! After 4 hours of intense fencing, the club came together for a well-deserved lunch to bond and celebrate a successful semester. It was the perfect way to cap off a memorable and productive period at Fencing Club.
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
We did not participate in any competitions, however, we are open to doing so should interest arise.
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
We offered 2 practices per week, one on Saturday mornings and the other Monday evenings, 2 hours each. We also had an in-house tournament at the end of the semester.
How many members are in your Club?
Our club has 40 members (45 with the execs).
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Joining a Recreational Sport Club is a must for students, offering a multitude of benefits for both their physical and mental wellbeing. From participating in physical activity, to making new friends with similar interests, the experiences you'll gain from a sports club are truly invaluable. Not only is being a part of a sports club important for maintaining a healthy body, it also provides an exciting outlet to relieve stress and play the sport you love. With so many opportunities to engage and have fun, participating in a Recreational Sport Club is a decision that you won't regret.
Karate Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
The Western Karate Club is a recreational martial arts club that promotes the practice of Shorin Ryu Karate. The Shorin Ryu style of Karate is a traditional martial art that was developed on the island of Okinawa (today part of Japan). Our training sessions emphasize physical conditioning and practicing kicks, strikes, blocks, as well as kata. You will also spar with partners, learn various techniques for self-defence, and train with traditional Okinawan weapons.
The Karate Club offers a friendly, helpful, and safe environment to practice Karate under the guidance of highly experienced instructors. The Club welcomes undergraduates and grad students alike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced Karateka.
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
The highlight for our Club in Fall 2022 was the sparring and competition seminar held by guest sensei Jose Aulenti. He is an international competitive karate coach and taught an amazing and interactive class to our members, guiding them through many of the foundational Kumite techniques, sports drills, and talk a little about competition Karate.
Our members were extremely interested in learning more about competition karate and equipped themselves with protective sparring gear and mouthguards and overall had a great time!
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
We did not participate in any competitions this past Fall as a club, however our VP Events: Erika Senne competed at the Ontario Karate Federation Regional GTA tournament in Toronto, Ontario and won a Gold medal in her kumite (sparring) category.
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
This fall semester we offered:
- A karate uniform (gi) giveaway to some of our most dedicated full-time members, where they were able to enter their names in a random draw and win their own size white lightweight karate uniform valued at around $35.00
- A combined women’s self-defense workshop with the Women in Engineering club that spanned across two days, where we taught a number of real-life applicable drills, some karate basics, bag/punching pad work as well as partner drills.
- A sparring and competition combat seminar with guest Sensei Jose Aulenti focusing around the competition side of karate as well as teaching our members a number of sparring and stamina drills.
How many members are in your Club?
We currently have 29 wonderful members enrolled in our Club.
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
University life is stressful and can be very overwhelming. Recreational Sports Clubs provide a unique space not only to destress and explore new interests but also to meet new friends and make connections. Our recreational sports clubs are an inclusive space for learning, moving, and participating in team activities. These clubs create many social opportunities, including team outings, tournaments, workshops, and more.
Is there anything else you'd like to include/tell us about?
Every karate class is a positive experience. All instructors know members on a first-name basis and create a very open space for participants to have an interactive learning experience. The club execs always have the best in mind for their members and bring new and creative ideas on how to make the club an improved space for their peers and instructors. Many friendships are made within the club and sustained outside of it.
Squash Club
Tell us a bit about your club and sport
The Western Squash Club prides itself on the level of exercise that is required and the collaborative nature of the sport. They have a variety of players in their undergraduate and graduate studies who attend regularly making it a very social environment to make new friends and finding people with similar interests. Squash is a very demanding game on your muscles and joints, so it's key to take breaks between points, drinking lots of water, and stretching before each match.
What would you say was the highlight for your club in Fall 2022?
For Fall 2022, the main highlight was our tournament we host each semester! Undergraduate and graduate students of all levels are able to come together to play competitive matches, able to get physical activity in as well as bring out their competitive side. We make a big draw for everyone who wishes to participate, and cheer on our friends as they compete.
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
Besides our competitive tournament we host at the end of each semester, this is the only competition we participate in. This was a great success and we offer great prizes for the members each semester. We hope to host an open tournament at the end of the year, but this is still a work-in-progress.
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
With our home being the WSRC squash courts, members are able to get three hours of squash time in two days a week for the length of the academic year. Members are encouraged to play squash games and matches with those that are a similar skill-level, and are encouraged to ask for help from executives or other members when needed.
How many members are in your Club?
Considering both semester memberships and year-long memberships, we have over 75 members in squash club! This is amazing as there is a lot of diversity within our club population, and you could even play a different person each time if you would wish to.
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Participating in a Recreational Sport Club is a fantastic way to get physically active as well as positively contributing to our wonderful Western U community. Students are offered a wide range of sports and activities each year, which they should definitely take advantage of. Whether it's an activity you've been involved in ever since grade-school or you've never played this sport in your life, it's great to get out of your comfort zone and get involved. There are an endless list of benefits.
Taekwondo Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
Taekwondo is a martial art originally from Korea but has now spread all over the world with over 30 million practitioners throughout many countries. At Western, we strive to create a fun and exciting atmosphere while continuing to teach both the physical techniques as well as the philosophies of Taekwondo. As one of the largest martial arts sports clubs at Western, the Taekwondo Club welcomes anyone, both beginners and enthusiasts, who are interested in training in taekwondo and forming memorable experiences with amazing people.
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
The highlights for the Taekwondo Club in Fall 2022 were the Toronto Open TKD Championship tournament and end-of-term Belt Test Promotions. For many of our members, it was their first time competing in Taekwondo and even their first time learning Taekwondo, so they worked extremely hard to prepare for the 2 events. It was also our first time participating in an external event as a club since the pandemic, so these have been very memorable moments worth highlighting.
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
The Taekwondo Club participated in Toronto Open TKD Championship in November. 12 members and head instructors competed in sparring and Poomsae and won a total of 15 medals (3 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze)
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
- Social events (blind dinner, escape room) – Toronto Open Tournament – Belt promotion tests
How many members are in your Club?
Fall semester: 85 members
Winter semester: 91 members
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Participating in a Recreational Sport Club is a great way to exercise regularly in a friendly and encouraging environment. It also offers an opportunity to build strong bonds with peers in various fields of study by physically interacting and engaging in training.
Tennis Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
The Tennis Club is a recreational sports club that meets twice a week at the University Tennis Centre on campus. These practices are open to students of any skill level, and they are open in the sense that members get autonomy in how they choose to spend their practice time. Whether it be casual rallying or intense matches, we encourage you to play at your own pace and advance your skills as you see fit. At the Tennis Club, we provide you with the opportunity to play tennis with other members and friends, hone your abilities, mingle at socials, and test your skills in club tournaments.
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
Our highlight came very early on when we opened up member registration in the fall. Within two hours, all of our membership slots filled up. We were ecstatic that so many people were interested in joining our club! Another highlight was the five club tournaments we held, namely Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. These tournaments were open to anybody who wished to participate and we are happy to report a large turnout.
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
Our club primarily offered weekly practices – this year they took place on Saturdays and Sundays and cumulated to three hours. In these practices, we ran activities such as casual singles play, doubles mixers, round robins, and optional drills that were open to everybody regardless of skill level. We also scheduled the aforementioned tournaments during these practice sessions so no extra time commitment was required from our members if they wished to participate.
How many members are in your Club?
We currently have 85 members.
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
We believe that participation in a Recreational Sports Club is important because it gives students the opportunity to take a break from their studies and get active! Being students ourselves, we understand how hard it is to schedule non-academic activities during busy periods, so having sessions scheduled by an outside organization helps to relieve some of that stress. Moreover, if you are looking to try a new sport, Recreational Sports Clubs make it easy to do so as it gives you the instruction and equipment necessary to participate. There will also be other students there who can help you learn the game and hone your skills. On this note, it is also a great place to meet people since you are guaranteed to share a common interest – many of our Executives can attest that they found some of their closest friends in the Tennis Club. Finally, it is simply fun to be part of an organization such as the Tennis Club, and we find ourselves looking forward to our practices for this exact reason. Is there anything else you'd like to include/tell us about? If you are interested in joining the Tennis Club for the 2023/2024 school year, registration will open in Fall 2023. Hope to see you all there!
Quote from Club Members:
“Western Tennis Club has allowed me to hone my tennis skills while also meeting some of my closest friends at Western.” -Justin Bodouro
Triathlon Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
The Western Triathlon Club is truly for students of all athletic abilities and competitive drives. Our coaches design workouts with various levels in mind, and any practice can be adapted to best suit you where you are! We will progress together throughout the year, so just be ready to come out, have fun, and get stronger —you don't have to be an expert to join. We have several coached workouts throughout the week, including swimming, running, indoor cycling and strength training! You can attend as many or as few practices as you'd like each week. For those wanting the competition, we participate in the University Multisport Series, with three races in Spring 2023! Our sport of Triathlon is growing, and we’d love for you to be a part of that growth.
What would you say was the highlight for your club in Fall 2022?
Being the first year fully back after many COVID restrictions, we have been so happy to see how committed so many of our members have been this fall. Our goal is to make this club as big and well-run as possible to grow the sport, so to see so many members stay so active and consistent with the team throughout all the busy times of the semester has been amazing
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
The University Multisport Series races occur in the spring of each year. The Toronto Triathlon Festival (TTF) will also host the first ever Ontario University Provincial Championships this summer. We cannot be more excited for this opportunity to race together as a team against other schools across the province and show that WESTERN TRI SPIRIT from those early morning sessions, hard workouts and many fun socials along the way. This race is perfect for everyone, whether new or experienced in triathlon. Mark your calendars for July and become hooked on the atmosphere that the Triathlon Club fosters!
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
We offer 10 different coached practices throughout the week for all the disciplines of triathlon — swimming, running, indoor cycling, and strength training. We also hold many socials outside of practice to foster a team atmosphere. Sunday's are long run days, so the team has finished the long run down at BackRoads Brews + Shoes for a warm drink and social. We had coffee and donuts with Triathlon Coach Mark Cullen and Jessica Cullen, Ironman Canada 2022 Champion. Race suits from Jakroo were specifically designed for our club, and many more spirit wear items were designed and ordered!
How many members are in your Club?
There are 94 members in the Triathlon Club. Members can register either with a full-year or one term membership, whichever best fits their schedule.
Women’s Football Club
Tell us a bit about your Club and sport.
Western Women's Football Club is a competitive flag football program that develops football skills for any female-identifying student at Western University. Our intention is to increase athletes' football knowledge and strategy, along with building physical strength and agility required to enhance performance. Additionally, the program aims to foster a supportive community that encourages leadership, development, allyship, teamwork, and friendship.
What would you say was the highlight for your Club in Fall 2022?
Besides winning games, definitely growing our family was a big highlight of our team. With the addition of a recreation team, our team has grown so much this year. We have also had the opportunity to host more socials to get to know our teammates such as board game nights and holiday parties.
What sort of competitions did you participate in, if any, this past Fall? And how did you do?
Our season comprises of 5V5 and 11v11 competitions. In the fall season we played in 5V5 tournaments, the Canadian Collegiate Women’s Football Showcase and the Sheridan 5V5 tournament.
- Canadian Collegiate Women’s Football (CCWF) Showcase at Western
o We placed 3rd
o You could see how practice was paying off but also how everyone whether on the field or off the field was supporting each other. This is definitely the best part of being on the team, the fact that we are always one big family.
- Sheridan 5v5 tournament on Nov 19
o We sent two teams, one of them placed first and the other placed fourth
What programming/activities did you offer this past Fall semester?
- Team lifts
- CCWF showcase at Western
- Sheridan College tournament
- Chalk Talks
- Socials: Welcome party, board games night, holiday party
How many members are in your Club?
We have 50 girls on our competitive team and 8 girls on our practice roster. These groups of girls travel to tournaments and compete against other universities and colleges. We also have a recreation team comprised of 25 athletes. These girls come to practice and participate in our team lifts. The goal of this group is to develop their football knowledge and skills to eventually move up to the competitive team.
Why do you think participating in a Recreational Sport Club is important and something other students should consider?
Western Women’s Football club is one of a kind because of the energetic, supportive, and competitive environment the coaches and athletes have created. We are a big family that loves football and is committed to everyone’s success. We are advocates for women in sport and football across the country and have developed one of the best recreational and high-performance programs in Canada.
Is there anything else you'd like to include/tell us about?
We start practicing in September and keep practicing until the end of April; therefor, since we play outdoors, we play in every weather (i.e. snow, rain etc.). The athletes on our team have outstanding work ethic, grit, and dedication, not anyone can handle 6:45 am, -15 degree practices.
Quotes from Club Members
“This team has some of the most relentless individuals I have ever met. 6:45am practices in the dead of winter not only becomes bearable with this team but I honestly hate missing them now. The support we have for each other is unlike any sport team I have been on before, and having over 60 players means you get to meet a ton of new people every year. At tournaments, it feels as though we are all playing for each other. Giving it everything we have for the person beside us and I think that’s what makes this team so special to me.” – Emma Valentine, Quarterback
“Growing up playing competitive hockey I knew I wanted to be part of a team in university, which lead me to women’s football. It has been a great way to stay active and competing at a high level with some of my best friends!” – Leah Mar, Runningback
