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YSJActive

YSJActive in London

Discover our range of sports and activities close to the York St John London Campus.

A man runs on a treadmill in a gym. Photo by William Choquette on Pexels.

Regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, improving both physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

Taking part in sport helps reduce stress, increase concentration, and boost overall energy levels, all of which can support your academic performance and daily motivation. It’s also a great way to connect with others, make new friends, and build confidence through teamwork and shared experiences. Making time for movement, even a few times a week, can have a big impact on your mood and long-term health.

Find out more about sport opportunities near our London Campus by jumping to a section of this page:

Sport opportunities

Explore opportunities to take part in sport near you.

Close up of a hand placing a badminton shuttlecock on a racquet. Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.

Badminton

Poplar Baths Leisure Centre, 170 East India Dock Road, E14 0ED (15 minutes from campus)
£3 per person

Enjoy a fun and active badminton session at Poplar Baths Leisure Centre. Whether you're a beginner or a regular player, it's a great way to stay fit, unwind after classes, and socialise with friends. The sessions are pre-booked, so all you need to do is turn up, grab a racquet, and enjoy a friendly game in a relaxed setting.

Dates and times:

  • 10 December, 8.00pm to 9.00pm
  • 17 December, 8.00pm to 9.00pm

Book a session

A person holding a football in place with their shoe. Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels.

In2Sports Football Sessions

40 Harbord Square, E14 9QH (10 minutes from campus)
£3 per person

Join the football sessions for an exciting way to stay active and meet new people. These sessions are open to all - perfect for anyone who wants to have fun, improve their skills, and enjoy the teamwork and energy of the game. Just bring your trainers, friends, and enthusiasm for a great kick-off!

Dates and times:

  • 10 December, 6.00pm to 7.00pm
  • 17 December, 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Book a session

A row of free weights

Nearby facilities

Students have access to a wide range of facilities and activities close to campus. 

These facilities include:

Close-up of a person walking down a path in a park. Photo by Daniel Reche on Pexels.

Campaign: Step Counter Streak Challenge

Get moving and join our Step Counter Streak Challenge!

Track your daily steps and compete with fellow students for a chance to win prizes. The challenge runs until Wednesday 17 December, and the top 3  students with the highest step counts will win an exciting prize. To take part, simply record your steps, upload your screenshots using the online form by the end of Wednesday 17 December, and keep stepping your way to the top. Every step counts — so get walking!

Submit your steps

Winners will be announced on Thursday 18 December on our YSJActive Instagram.

Meet the team

Jinal S Mehta

Sport and Wellbeing Coordinator

My role is to help you make the most of your university experience by creating opportunities to stay active, connect with others, and look after your wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Being an international student last year, I know what it's like to navigate a new city, meet new people, and balance academic life with self-care/physical activity (that's when I discovered my love for the gym!). As a Sport and Exercise Psychologist (iT) I understand students' needs from different perspectives and design programmes that truly support their growth beyond the classroom. I'm always keen to hear your ideas for activities, sports sessions, or wellbeing events you'd like to see on campus. You can book time with me for a quick meeting to share your suggestions or discuss how to get involved in sports.

York Campus staff

Our YSJActive services are run by a team of fitness professionals with various qualifications and backgrounds. Find out more about the staff who run YSJActive at our York campus.

A student and staff member talking together.

Wellness team

London Learning and Wellness offers personalised 1 to 1 Wellness Appointments where you can talk about any concerns or worries you may have. These appointments provide a space to discuss issues that are affecting you or challenges you are facing.

After understanding your situation, the team can offer support directly or refer you to specialised services such as Mental Health Practitioners or Welfare Advisers. We can also inform you of other teams that may be able to assist you.

Wellness team

Guneet Chhabra

Academic Student Education Tutor

My role supports holistic wellness for students through a combination of 1 to 1 and group coaching sessions that focus on both academic development and personal wellbeing. These sessions create space for students to build confidence, manage challenges, and stay engaged in their studies. In addition, my involvement in staff coaching initiatives helps promote a supportive and reflective culture across the wider academic community, aligning student success with overall wellbeing.

Annie Harvey

Learning and Wellness Coordinator

My role in the Learning and Wellness team is to look after students both pastorally and academically. Students can book a 1 to 1 session with us to talk through any issues they may have, and we can signpost them to appropriate further support or just provide a listening ear. Another key function of my job is to deliver Academic Skills lectures to students to enable them to get to grips with UK academic conventions and to approach their assignments with confidence. We also organise various other initiatives, whether that be in drop-ins, communicating with confidence sessions or our regular wellness brunches to help them feel supported during their time here. 

Joy Itegboje

Academic Student Education Tutor

My role supports both academic progress and student wellbeing. I create a calm, open space where students can talk about confidence, adjustment to university life and any challenges that affect their wellness. Through coaching, seminars and 1 to 1 sessions, I help students build resilience, manage stress and develop practical skills to feel more in control. Students can reach out to me for support with both their academic journey and their overall wellbeing.

Folasade Oyetayo

Academic Student Education Tutor

My role involves providing in-seminar support, which contributes to students' overall wellness by helping them manage academic activities with confidence. I also offer 1 to 1 sessions that create a calm, supportive space for students to explore their learning needs. When wellness concerns arise, I escalate these to the Learning and Wellness team through the Student Hub to ensure students receive the appropriate support.

Zara Skelton

Learning and Wellness Manager

I design and implement initiatives that promote a culture of 'living well' on the York St John London Campus. My work helps staff and students explore what wellness means to them and identify ways to support their daily health. I'm passionate about preventative wellness and enjoy empowering people to proactively care for themselves physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.

Suwin Undugoda

Learning and Wellness Coordinator

I support students by promoting effective learning strategies and holistic wellbeing. My role involves developing programmes and resources that enhance academic success while nurturing mental health and resilience. I'm passionate about creating a positive environment where everyone can flourish in learning and life.

Talk to us

Got a question, suggestion, or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in trying a new sport, joining an activity, or just want more information, reach out and we'll be happy to help. You can send us a message on Instagram, or fill out our quick form! Stay connected and be part of our active student community.

Contact form