Pickard Properties is continuing its long-standing support for university sport in Leeds as official headline sponsor of Leeds Varsity 2025, the annual sporting clash between Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds.
Now in its fifth year of sponsorship, the partnership reflects Pickard Properties’ ongoing commitment to the city’s student community and its close relationship with both universities.
As a specialist in student lettings, with a large portfolio of high-quality student homes across Leeds, including the 604-bed Carlton Hill development opened last year, Pickard has become a trusted name among student renters in the city.
This year’s Varsity takes place from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 April, bringing together thousands of students to compete in 68 fixtures across 24 sports, from netball, ice hockey and rowing to netball, fustal and rugby league.
The event will culminate with the traditional finale on the Wednesday night at Headingley Stadium, where the universities’ Rugby Union 1st teams will go head-to-head in front of a sell-out crowd for the Varsity Trophy.
Since its launch in 2004, Leeds Varsity has become a key fixture in the city’s student calendar, combining friendly rivalry with serious sporting commitment.
The support of sponsors such as Pickard Properties helps ensure the event continues to thrive, showcasing not only the talent of student athletes, but the strength of the university partnership across Leeds.
Miles Pickard, director of Pickard Properties, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring Varsity 2025, and we’re excited to continue our support of student sports in Leeds. It’s always an event that brings the whole student community together, and we are proud to play a part in that.
“The atmosphere throughout Varsity is nothing short of electrifying, with students from all backgrounds coming together to compete at an incredibly high level. The standard of play across all the disciplines is impressive, and we expect nothing less this year. Varsity 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling and competitive three days of sport, filled with passionate performances and unforgettable moments for everyone involved.
“Beyond the excitement of the competition itself, sport offers an important outlet for students, particularly when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing. It’s a fantastic way for them to stay active, form connections, and take a break from academic pressures. We firmly believe in the power of sport to positively impact students’ lives, and we are incredibly proud to be supporting an event that provides such a valuable experience for all participants.”
Josephine Mannion, Student Sport Manager at Leeds Beckett University, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pickard Properties back as headline sponsor. It’s continued support allows us to put on a truly unforgettable event each year, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Varsity is such a special part of the student experience in Leeds, and we’re grateful to have a partner that shares our enthusiasm for what it represents.”
Lydia Shale, Activities and Opportunities Officer at Leeds University Union said: “Varsity is one of the biggest dates in the student calendar and is a great opportunity for students to show pride for their University and Leeds. This year we are hoping to engage more students than ever, thank you to Pickard for helping us to put on another great event.”
