The universities may have an unprecedented alliance - but students from Monash University and the University of Warwick will go head-to-head in the sporting arena for the first time this month.

While the Monash and Warwick Alliance, established in 2012, focuses on research collaboration and the sharing of academic experiences, the Warwick Student Union suggested a cultural exchange in the form of a student-based sporting challenge.

From this, the idea of the ‘Alliance Sports Challenge 2013 Down Under Tour’ was born, with 30 students from Warwick University to land in Melbourne in mid-March for the inaugural two-week event.

The Warwick and Monash students will be competing for the Alliance Trophy in four short versions of traditional sports; Fast Net Netball, Soccer Fives, Hockey Sevens and Water Polo Fives.

Academic Vice-President and Director of the Monash Warwick Alliance Professor Andrew Coats said healthy competition was good for any relationship.

He said: "British/Australian relations in the sporting arena have always between fiercely competitive yet friendly. This challenge allows students from both universities to pitch their best against each other in friendly battle.

“I'm sure it will be the beginning of a rivalry that will grow and I cannot wait for the games to begin."

Nastasha Cabral, University of Warwick Students' Union Sports Officer, said: “This has been such an exciting project to create, and after eight months of planning I cannot believe it’s only two weeks away.

“The 30 students flying to Melbourne deserve a huge amount of recognition as the selection process included presentations, applications and interviews with the focus on employability and personal development.

“As a result, every member of ‘Team Warwick’ is very much looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is incredibly passionate about a ‘Pom’ domination on the astro, field, court and water!”

Director of Monash Sport Martin Doulton said the challenge would also provide Warwick students the opportunity to gain an insight into Australian culture.

He said: “With sport acting as the social connect between our two universities, we hope that this tour will provide our student guests from Warwick with an appreciation of Monash University and Australian experiences.

“While the events will be keenly fought, I am sure that with the might of Monash sporting traditions behind us and home ground advantage with us I am not anticipating that Warwick will be going home with the Sporting Challenge trophy any time soon.”

The Alliance Sporting Challenge has provided a great opportunity for the two universities’ respective sport departments to work together to learn more about each other’s organisation and the various ways of delivering sport and recreational activities to the benefit of both campus communities.

ENDS

---

Further Information

For further information please contact University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or a dot blackaby at warwick dot ac dot uk

Further Information

For further information please contact University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or a dot blackaby at warwick dot ac dot uk