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Varsity 2009
 
 Sunday 22nd Febrauary 2009
 
 
Portsmouth 50-60 Southampton
 
 
 
 
Ever wondered why the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton are rivals? Ever thought the rivalry is always a lot more fierce than others? Ever wondered why Southampton citizens are known as scummers? Below is a brief history that attempts to answers these questions.

Southampton and Portsmouth are separated by hundreds of years of inter-city conflict, from the twelfth century onwards until 1835, Southampton officially owned the port of Portsmouth, which led to constant disputes over who controlled trade in the docks. Therefore the animosity between the two cities is one that stretches back for almost 800 years.

The term ‘Scummer’ originates in history within the Portsmouth and Southampton docks. There was a strike and Portsmouth agreed with Southampton to close both ports to improve conditions and pay for the workers. However, the Southampton port secretly opened whilst Portsmouth was striking, and took all the trade. Portsmouth workers then referred to the workers as 'Scum', which soon evolved to 'Scummer'.

The choice of the word 'Scum' is specific, as it is an acronym of the Southampton Port workers Union at the time, 'Southampton Community Union Members'

The University has always adopted a friendly rivalry with the University of Southampton but we have had no real opportunity to adopt the city rivalry to the level it should be as most of our sports clubs do not play against each other as they are in different regional leagues – UNTIL NOW
 

 

We at the UoP Tchoukball Club are pleased to announce that we have been choosen to be selected to compete as part of Varsity 2009 against the University of Southampton. This is a great hounour for us as this is our first year as a club as part of the Athletics Union.

 

 

 

The event is to take place on Sunday 22nd February with Southampton hosting. It will be the largest of its kind in the South of England and amongst the top 5 in the UK!

 

Facts and figures;
- Over 1000 participants
- Over 45 events/fixtures
- Over 24 different sports
- Multiple venues across Southampton


 

For one day and one day only we will become ‘Team Portsmouth’ in an effort to try and defeat the Southampton resistance. It will be tough though as the ‘scummers’ have a good reputation for sport and are ranked highly.

Sports Clubs Involved;

 

American Football, Badminton*, Basketball*, Indoor Rowing, Cricket (indoor)*, fencing*, football*, Golf, Hockey*, roller hockey, taekwondo, lacrosse*, netball, rugby*, squash*, swimming, snooker, tchoukball, tenpin bowling, tennis*, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball*, sailing, ski & Snowboard and wakeboard. (*Denotes both sexes)

 

Come and support! Whether your club is involved or not come and be part of ‘Team Portsmouth’ and get involved in the rivalry that is shaping up to be one of the fiercest University rivalries in the country. Check out www.upsu.net/varsity for travel details, a small charge will be attached to cover costs.

Cheap drinks and food will be available as well as loud music and entertainments; really will be a fun day out for all!

I hope this is an event everyone can get behind and support as it will be the largest sports event in the Athletic Unions History and I hope, one of the most memorable!

Please check out www.upsu.net/varsity for more details on transport and costs!

 

Players 

Every player will have a place on a coach. Every player will pay £7 - this includes £3.50 match fees and a 'Team Portsmouth’ varsity t-shirt worth £5. Every player will need to pay their £7 on the morning of the event to their captain who will in turn take the fees to the cash office where the t- Shirts will be available for collection. 


 

Captains 

Please ensure your players are aware of the event as it takes place on a Sunday, players may need to postpone home trips or take the day off work.  Please make sure you send a list of the shirt sizes you need for your team to simon.leach@port.ac.uk by February the 1st at the latest.  


 

Supporters  

Spectators will be asked to pay £9 - this includes transport and a 'Team Portsmouth’ varsity t-shirt worth £5. (Or £5 for transport only). Spectators need to pay their money into the Varsity account at the cash office in the Students Union by 12.pm on Friday the 6th Feb. (Strict deadline for the ordering of t – shirts)