Monash and Warwick to engage in (friendly) battle

While their universities may have an unprecedented alliance, students from Monash and Warwick (UK) universities will go head-to-head in the sporting arena for the first time this month.

Although the alliance between Monash and Warwick, established in 2012, focused on research collaboration and the sharing of academic experiences, the Warwick Student Union suggested a cultural exchange in the form of a student-based sporting challenge.

From this, the idea for the ‘Alliance Sports Challenge 2013 Down Under Tour’ was born, with 30 students from Warwick University to land in Melbourne mid-March for the inaugural two-week event.

The Warwick and Monash students will be competing for the Alliance Trophy in four short versions of traditional sports; Fast Net Netball, Soccer Fives, Hockey Sevens and Water Polo Fives.

Academic Vice-President and Director of the Monash Warwick Alliance, Professor Andrew Coats, said healthy competition was good for any relationship.

"British/Australian relations in the sporting arena have always between fiercely competitive yet friendly. This challenge allows students from both universities to pitch their best against each other in friendly battle,” Professor Coats said.

“I'm sure it will be the beginning of a rivalry that will grow and I cannot wait for the games to begin."

Director of Monash Sport, Martin Doulton, said the challenge would also provide Warwick students the opportunity to gain an insight into Australian culture.

“With sport acting as the social connect between our two universities, we hope that this tour will provide our student guests from Warwick with an appreciation of Monash University and Australian experiences,” Mr Doulton said.

“While the events will be keenly fought, I am sure that with the might of Monash sporting traditions behind us and home ground advantage with us I am not anticipating that Warwick will be going home with the Sporting Challenge trophy any time soon.”

The Alliance Sporting Challenge has provided a great opportunity for the two universities’ respective sport departments to work together to learn more about each other’s organisation and the various ways of delivering sport and recreational activities to the benefit of both campus communities.

The ‘Alliance Sports Challenge 2013 Down Under Tour’ will be held from 17-29 March 2013 at Monash University’s Clayton campus.