University welcomes residents, students, staff and alumni for inaugural YSJ Community Festival 

York St John University has proudly hosted its first ever YSJ Community Festival, which took place this June at our Sports Park on Haxby Road in York. Around 250 people joined University teams and partner providers for a day packed full of free activities for all ages.    

The University partnered with community activity organisers from across the city to offer a full programme, all for free. Active fun was at the heart of the day with a wide range of sports taster sessions including archery, wheelchair rugby, football and tennis, plus a climbing wall and assault course. More relaxed activities were on offer too, including Tai Chi tasters, open sessions with Rowntree Bowls and older people’s fitness with Move It or Lose It.     

York St John student ambassadors offered a chance to learn more about university life with Let’s do Uni sessions. Alongside this our academics showcased of some of the world-class sports science research that takes place at the University’s Sports Park.    

The day also included live music and arts and crafts, plus face painting to keep younger guests entertained.    

Sally Hicks from the Fundraising and Alumni team came up with the idea for the festival. She said “We launched the YSJ Community Festival as a new way of connecting with people and giving something back. We were delighted to be able to welcome lots of new faces to the Sports Park and see them enjoying the range of activities from our inclusive programme. My thanks to all our community partners who made the day possible.”     

Dave Shaw from York Archers said: “The YSJ Community Festival was fantastic. We were busy all day giving people a go with a bow and arrow and were super impressed with the facilities available at the University. We engaged with some enthusiastic parents and children and hope to have given a few people a new hobby.”  

Marc Potter, Kixx Operations Director, said: “We had an excellent experience at the event and it was great to be a part of it. Thanks to everyone involved, it was wonderful to see the positive impact we made on the children and families who attended. The event was very well received, and we are proud to have been a part of such a meaningful day.”   

Ryan Innes from YRFLC Wheelchair Rugby League said: "Seeing people try something new, having fun and enjoying themselves, is key to keeping people active and engaged in sport. Give it a go, you never know you might enjoy it."   

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