The University of York Octopush Club saw growth over the past year, with membership up 38% and midweek session attendance rising 53%. The club fulfilled Sportivate funding requirements exceeding goals and had its best results in five years at the national competition. Members enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and social aspect of the sport. The club aims to continue attracting new members and providing development opportunities through additional training sessions and competitions.

1. University ofYork Octopush Club

2.  The most fun you can have at the bottom of a
pool
 Six-a-side
 Anaerobic
 Mixed teams
 Non-contact
 Few injuries
 Invented in the UK in the 50’s

4.  Most recently re-founded in 2006
 Have been told of clubs at the university as
early as the 1990’s
 Helped set up the current junior club
 Close co-operation with the juniors

6.  33 members – up by 38% yoy
 New, own-financed fitness session
 Midweek session attendance up 53%
 Saturday attendance down 14%
 Fulfilled Sportivate requirements by 180%
 First time at national Nautilus competition –
won the hearts
 Best results at student nationals in five years

8.  89% find us welcoming or very welcoming
 100% of new members found the experience
good or very good
 100% of those going to the student nationals
found it a very good experience

9.  30-40% of our student membership are EU or
international students
 The two most important factors for those
buying membership were the sport itself and
the atmosphere of the club
 The £15 package that Sportivate allowed us
to offer new members was important or very
important to 82%

11. ‘Very friendly, welcoming and supportive committee.
Made to feel welcome despite not playing before.
Encouraged to improve and have fun at all times’
‘I think the 15 pounds for t-shirt, membership and
five sessions gives a nice attraction for many people
as it doesn’t sound expensive and those worried
about money will most likely try it. After five
sessions all people probably get into the octopush
and cant leave it because its too fun :D’

12. ‘Have absolutely loved my experience this year
and never expected a casual search through
YUSU sports to finish up like this. Octopush was
the only sport I felt would be welcoming enough
to turn up to alone. It has also got me through a
very stressful year at university as it was the only
place I could escape ongoing problems at home
and university.Thank you so much for all of your
support and I can't wait until the end of the
Easter holidays to play again!’

13.  Members would prefer a longer, more
meaningful Saturday session
 Another session
 More competitions
 More focus on skills and strategy

15.  We help previously less active students
become involved in sports
 Why students decide to play Octopush at
York:
- the laid-back atmosphere of the club.
- the nature of the sport.
- catering for all levels of ability.

16.  Sportivate played a key role in attracting new
members.
 Curiosity and the free sessions are the main
reasons for people to try Octopush for the
first time.
 The two main reasons why new members
decide to buy membership is because of the
sport itself and the atmosphere of the club.

18.  Improving performance in the past year:
- Introduction of fitness sessions
- Collaboration with external clubs and
players
- Competition

19.  Many top class Octopush players play every
day by attending sessions in different clubs.
Students often do not have the time or
money to do so.
 The introduction of an extra fitness session
played a key role in achieving the results we
obtained at Nationals.

20.  Midweek session attendance has increased
by 53% in the last year.
 Saturday attendance has decreased by 14%
in the past academic year.
 Main reasons why people do not go to
Saturday sessions:
- the session is too short
- session is hard to get to

22.  Our aims:
- increase membership within the club and
the sport
- provide more opportunities for members to
improve.
- continue to make Octopush a fun and
enjoyable experience.

24.  Focus on:
1. Sport development
2. Club development
3. Individual development

25.  Our aims to develop the sport as a whole:
- to better integrate student clubs in the
BOA.
- BUCS.
- Encourage and help alumni join or set up
local/student clubs where they work or
continue their studies

26.  What can be done to help the University of
York Octopush Club develop:
- Outreach within the student community.
- Involvement with local junior club.
- Outreach through Roses and/or other
varsity events.
- Investigate the possibility of setting up an
alumni fund.
- Continue Sportivate involvement.
- More BOA referee and coaching courses.

27.  How to help individual players to improve and
develop new skills:
- longer and/or additional sessions.
- providing a coach on Saturday sessions.
- more competitions with external clubs.