The University of Bath despite having a rich international student community sees low levels of participation from the group in the SU's recreational sports offering, with the student body aiming to turn this around.
The University of Bath is home to approximately 250 international professional athletes* and boasts the prestigious Sports Training Village (STV).
This exceptional facility features an Olympic legacy swimming pool, world-class gyms, an athletic track, multiple pitches and courts, alongside high-performance sports programs that have consistently produced Olympic and Paralympic athletes across various disciplines.
The University further enhances its sporting culture through an array of scholarships, establishing itself as a vibrant hub for athletes and sport enthusiasts alike.
Yet, despite this rich environment and a diverse student body, of which 27% are international students representing 152 countries**, the participation of international students seems comparatively limited.
According to Angus Gueterbock, SU Sport Officer, “The SU is aware that participation numbers, in SU sports, of postgrads and international students are disproportionately smaller than that of undergrads and home students. We are working at great lengths to understand why this is and how we can provide an offer to these students that both suits and benefits them."
"With reference to the high proportion of international students amongst postgrad cohorts, a big contributor to this under-representation is expected to be the demanding academic schedules of postgraduate students, which could limit availability for training and matches, especially on a Wednesday afternoon."
The SU's Sport Officer added, "It is also possible that the typical age disparity, between postgraduate and undergraduate cohorts, could be creating a sense of disconnect."
Angus Gutterbock added that the SU is currently working to develop it's sport offering to enable increased student participation.
He said: "Currently the SU is working to develop and promote a variety of offers to all students, especially those who may struggle to take part in the core club offer. The recent launch of the Daily Mile is giving students an opportunity to get active as part of the Bath community, regardless of schedule, location and commitment. Team Bath’s Sports pass also presents a great opportunity for students who want more freedom and flexibility.
"The SU’s continued development of sports will continue to enable more students to participate and foster a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment for all.”
The British sporting culture is notably different from the sporting traditions many international students are accustomed to. As a result, students frequently experience a degree of cultural shock when navigating this unfamiliar sporting landscape.
Feelings of unfamiliarity with social dynamics, and stepping beyond comfort zones often hinder their active participation. However, cultural societies frequently organize recreational sports sessions that garner substantial attendance, clearly showing the active interest present in international students towards sports.
As an Indian student, I find these observations resonate with my personal experience. Growing up, my friends and I engaged in a variety of sports recreationally and competitively, including football, basketball, golf, and shooting, benefiting from supportive and cosmopolitan family environments.
However, even with these advantages, our participation in formal university sports clubs remains minimal. Academic responsibilities inevitably take precedence, with most of us resorting to casual, informal play when time permits. This pattern reflects broader cultural attitudes and practical constraints impacting engagement in university sports.
The emphasis Indian students place on academics over sports stems from deep-rooted cultural ideologies. Early in life, many Indian children are encouraged to prioritize educational attainment over physical activity, with sports often dismissed as a non-viable career path or an unproductive distraction.
This cultural stance is supported by recent analysis, such as the LinkedIn article “Why Sports Thrive in European Families but Struggle in India,” which highlights how Indian families typically do not regard sports as serious pursuits. Unlike European households, which integrate sports into everyday life, Indian families face challenges including limited access to quality sporting infrastructure and a lack of a robust family sports culture.
These formative experiences shape enduring perceptions and attitudes, which help explain why Indian students may be hesitant to fully embrace competitive sports, even within the resource-rich context provided by the University of Bath.
Ultimately, increasing international student participation in competitive university sports will require a collaborative and empathetic approach. Initiatives led by the Students’ Union must be accompanied by proactive engagement from students.
Data retrieved from:
*University of Bath. (n.d.). Performance – Team Bath. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.teambath.com/sport/performance
**University of Bath. (n.d.). Facts and figures. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/facts-and-figures/
Image: Author - Angelo Romano (https://tinyurl.com/2p9z95wr)