DMUactive is a daily programme of recreational sports for students and staff at De Montfort University, run by DMUsport.
The programme aims to encourage students and staff to get involved, volunteer, learn new skills and to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. You can attend one DMUactive session or all of them, and there is no commitment required. It is a great way to try new sports and keep healthy while completing your studies.
DMUactive sessions are led by 27 student volunteers called Activators. They can support you in many different ways, from showing you how to play a sport to making sure that the session is a fun and inclusive environment.
Indrajeet Popat, who studies a Master’s in Business Management in Sports and Futsal Activator said: “We treat everyone the same, including those who know football and those who don’t. We teach from the basics so you don’t have to know sports already.”
Indrajeet won October’s FA University Grassroots Hub Volunteer of the Month for his involvement in DMUactive.
He went on to add “I think everyone should get involved in DMUactive. There is no cost so people don’t need to worry about spending money or buying any equipment as it is provided.”
“I love playing football, it doesn’t matter if I’m playing or coaching. I enjoy that many people come every day and they are enjoying the sport”
Most sessions take place at the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre or at The Watershed and all activities are free to attend with your student or staff ID card.
Registration is not required before attending a session and all equipment is provided, so you don’t need to worry if you haven’t played a sport before.
Emilie Førrisdal, second year Audio Recording Technology student and Volleyball Activator, said “Volleyball is one of the most social sports I’ve ever played. Even more so than football.”
“Back in Norway where I’m from, we start learning volleyball in school in fourth grade, so that’s where I started. I haven’t really played much on teams before I came here.”
DMU Activators are recognisable from their bright yellow kit
“There’s a lot of things I learn from doing this, the communication and leadership skills.”
On giving advice to students who are thinking of attending a DMUactive session, Emilie said: “Come along and try it. It’s really not anything to be nervous about. I’ve been to other DMUactive sessions as well and it’s a good environment to be in.”
Emilie Fairnington, Sport Project Coordinator at DMUsport, said: “The DMUactive programme provides both DMU staff and students with the opportunity to participate in fun and inclusive sport and fitness sessions for free.”
“It allows staff and students to look after both their physical and mental health, which is increasingly important as daily life gets busier and more stressful.”
“I would like to take this time to thank the DMUactive activators who volunteer their time week in week out to run the various sessions and make sure that they are fun for all who attend.”
You can follow DMUactive on Twitter and Instagram for updates. If you have any questions, please email dmuactive@dmu.ac.uk.
You can view the current timetable here or see below:
Posted on Monday 27 January 2020