With the semester on its way and schedules (hopefully) settled, it’s time to take a look around for what else is on campus. What can you do between classes? What activities and communities lay within and beyond the campus’ boundaries, and how can you get involved? The answer may be to get involved with UFV’s sports and physical activities. Regardless of if you’re someone who is “into sports,” cheering for a team or getting active can be a good way to get out and make connections in the community. So, here’s a guide to help you get involved within the UFV sports scape.
What teams are there?
There are four different varsity sports played at UFV: basketball, soccer, volleyball, and golf. All but golf have separate men’s and women’s teams, giving us seven varsity teams. There are two club sports teams, rowing and men’s baseball.
When are the next home games?
On Friday, Oct. 2 the women’s and men’s soccer teams will be playing the University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Calgary at Abbotsford Rotary Stadium, followed by an afternoon men’s soccer game against the University of Alberta on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The weekend of Oct. 23–25 is packed with Cascades sports. The afternoon of Friday, Oct. 23 will see both soccer teams go up against Trinity Western University at Abbotsford Rotary Stadium, and the evening will see the volleyball teams face off against the University of Saskatchewan here in the Athletic Centre which is Building E. If you can’t catch the Friday evening games, the same pair will go again on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 24. Finally, Sunday Oct. 25 will see the soccer teams play against the University of Victoria in the afternoon.
How can we watch and support them?
If you’re looking to catch some home games, UFV students get into basketball and volleyball games at the Athletic Centre for free if you bring your student card, and everyone gets in free for soccer games at Rotary Stadium.
If you want to watch any game from the comfort of your own home, you can stream all games on Canada West TV, where there are options for single events, season passes, and all access.
What can the average student participate in?
There are drop-in sports and open gym time freely available for UFV community members. You can head over to the athletic centre for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, and futsal (indoor soccer) at the Athletic Centre. If you are looking for something more structured, check out intramural sports leagues. These programs run for about eight weeks each semester. While registration is closed for the fall 2026 semester, be on the lookout for future semesters. The Summit Fitness Centre is also available if you’re looking for a gym environment. To participate in these you need to purchase a Campus Recreation Membership or grab a day pass at the front desk.
If you’re looking for some free off-campus options, you can head to Abbotsford Recreation Centre, Mission Leisure Centre, or Matsqui Recreation Centre where your U-Pass, which was paid for in your student fees, gives you access to use of the pool, rinks, and weight rooms.
Why should you go out and cheer for them?
As a commuter campus it can be harder to build a real sense of community and belonging within the student body. Going out, cheering for our athletes, and taking advantage of the extra programs offered can help you get to know more people in school, be a fun night out, and help you truly feel part of the Cascades. So maybe it’s time to get out and rally for the valley.
