University of Edinburgh becomes first in UK to adopt 'American-inspired' multi-sport team model with Edinburgh Wildcats
The new team will bring together 10,000 student athletes from across 200 sports under the same name
The University of Edinburgh has announced the launch of the country’s biggest multi-sports club as the ‘Edinburgh Wildcats’ have been unveiled.
Becoming the first UK university to adopt an American-style collegiate sporting model, the university has revealed that the new umbrella team name will be used over 70 sporting disciplines within the institution.
Edinburgh Wildcats will bring together 10,000 students across 200 sports, from rugby to archery to weightlifting and many more.
The newly-formed entity has been launched to encourage the Edinburgh community to get behind the university’s athletes.
Scottish double Olympian and University of Edinburgh alum Eilidh Doyle said: “The facilities and support that young and emerging athletes receive from the university is second to none.
“Through Edinburgh Wildcats this feeling and belief in the achievements that can be created through hard work, dedication and perseverance has been captured.
“It brings all of the athletes together, allowing them to share in one passion and one journey for greatness, while also allowing the local community to get behind them and show their support.”
The first rollout for the Edinburgh Wildcats will take place on Friday, September 18, when the men’s rugby varsity match between Edinburgh and St Andrews University takes place at the Hive Stadium at Murrayfield.
The new launch of the Edinburgh Wildcats comes after success at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow for Edinburgh University student athletes. Around 20 athletes represented Team Scotland across sports such as swimming and athletics.
Mark Munro, University of Edinburgh’s director of sport and active health, said: “At the University of Edinburgh Sport we have been able to support a phenomenal number of athletes to perform on a global stage across so many disciplines.
“Through Edinburgh Wildcats our aim is to bring these athletes together and create a space in which to champion the incredible talent that lies within current students and alumni who have come through our doors.
“The facilities here at the university are second to none, something that can be seen from the volume of international teams choosing to train here while visiting Scotland, and this, paired with the fantastic support of our staff, comes together to create an environment that pushes athletes to greatness.
“Our hope is that through Edinburgh Wildcats we’ll be able to welcome even more students and spectators to discover the sporting expertise we are known for.”