Our club offers skilled players the chance to represent the University in British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)— the UK’s national governing body for university-level sport.
We currently have 2 men’s teams and 3 women’s teams competing in BUCS leagues.
Who Can Join?
Our BUCS teams are made up of some of the top players in the club and offer a high standard of competition. That said, with several players graduating last season, there’s been significant movement within the teams – so if you’re looking to play competitive squash, this is a great year to get involved.
Teams are selected based on club trials held in September (Dates will be released on the Instagram soon), where players are ranked by the team captains and placed into squads accordingly. Previous match or tournament experience is strongly recommended.
Women’s Teams
- Women’s 1s: Compete in the BUCS National Championship League – the top BUCS league, taking on the best universities across the UK. Last season (2024/25) they secured an impressive 3rd place finish.
- Women’s 2s: Play in the BUCS National Trophy League, facing strong universities from across the UK. They also secured a fantastic 3rd place finish in the 2024/25 season.
- Women’s 3s: Also compete in the BUCS National Trophy League, continuing to develop their game at a high level and retaining their place in the league
Men’s Teams
- Men’s 1s: Currently competing in the BUCS Scottish Tier 1 League, finishing 2nd overall. The team previously played in the prestigious BUCS National Championship (Premier) League. Following the graduation of several top players, they were demoted, but with new talent coming through, the squad is focused on rebuilding and aiming to return to the top.
- Men’s 2nd Team: Also competing in the BUCS Scottish Tier 1 League, our Men’s 2s gain valuable competitive experience against other top Scottish universities. They’re developing quickly and provide crucial squad depth for the club.
🤔 Explaining BUCS Squash Leagues
BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) runs the national university squash competitions in the UK. The leagues are tiered, giving players of all levels the chance to compete:
- National Championship League (Premier Tier): The top division in BUCS squash, where the best university teams face off for the national title.
- National Trophy League: The second tier of competition, still highly competitive, with teams battling for promotion to the Championship level.
- Regional / Tiered Leagues (e.g. Scottish Divisions): Local divisions where developing and emerging squads gain competitive match experience and can work their way up the system.
Teams can be promoted or relegated each season, and the best progress to the BUCS Big Wednesday Finals, the showcase event for university sport in the UK.
Matches & Training
BUCS matches sometimes involve weekends away as well as some matches on Wednesdays during term time these can be a mixture of home at the Pleasance Sports Complex or away at other universities around Scotland and the UK.
BUCS players receive access to structured team coaching led by Jamie Henderson, a former professional squash player. Sessions focus on match play, fitness, and tactics, with weekly training tailored to your group. To learn more visit the Team Coaching page.
👉 Follow us on Instagram @uoesquashclub or check the WhatsApp group for trial announcements, times, and sign-up links.