For the Fun of the Game

From the PBL Area in the Law and Sociology Building to the Piazza where law students convene for seminars and plenaries, there is seldom a moment that isn’t tense. As text books and laptops are arranged like cards and chips, wagers are put forth as bids for 2:1s and first classes are made to secure much coveted vacation schemes, mini-pulillages and training contracts. With the formidability of such stakes, law students at York often find it hard to make time to enjoy for themselves, or in the company of friends and fellow classmates. Nevertheless, that is exactly what Nnamdi Nduka-Eze and Oliver Saffet-Cole seek to accomplish as Sports Secretaries of the University of York Law Society through their weekly football and netball sessions.

“… we try… to make it as fun as possible. Give people a chance to have a break from their studies.” Saffet-Cole remarked.

“Law is a heavy degree. So it’s nice to have a chill time one evening a week.” Nduka-Eze stated in concurrence.

As regular football players themselves, the duo of Sport Secretaries understand the importance for levity from what can sometimes be maddening competition defined by clashes of opinion and egos. Ones that occur within and between classrooms and libraries while writing legal skills reflections, carrying out PBL research, listening to Sean Thomas pontificate, and being hypnotized while staring at Jed Meers’s colourful slides. In order to accomplish this, Nduka-Eze and Saffet-Cole decided from the start that it was essential to adopt an approach contrary to those employed by teams affiliated with the colleges at York.

“Some of the other options to play sports at the Uni can require a bit of commitment… I think it’s good to get to play without weekly training sessions before matches every week. You can just come when you feel like it; when you want to play. That’s the big thing we wanted when we started.” said Saffet-Cole.

The removal of practices and the pressure to refine one’s talent for a sport has not only proven fruitful by increasing turnout, but has also bolstered the likelihood of participants returning.

“Every week, about 12 to 16 people turn up. Sometimes, I have to sit out, or Oli has to.” Nduka-Eze chuckled, “It’s made things more fun; people have come and stayed because of it. It’s nice to see them come and try it[netball and football] out, and see them come back next week and the weeks after.”

With increased and sustained turnout, this has allowed Nduka-Eze and Saffet-Cole to expand the scope of their events beyond the weekly sessions. This has taken the form of friendly rivalry matches against MedSoc, a matinee showdown against EconSoc (which saw LawSoc fall short by a single goal in tightly contested game), and a Charity Tournament to advance University initiatives.

“For the Charity Tournament, the proceeds go to the York Opportunities Scholarship which is run by OPPA [Office of Philanthropic Partnerships & Alumni], which funds university students at York who do not have enough finances to handle their expenses.” said Nduka-Eze.

Despite being able to assist students at York with overcoming monetary hurdles, the duo were not exempt from obstacles of their own. Even as a dynamic athlete who played football, handball, rugby and tennis prior to his tenure at York Law School, Nduka-Eze, much like Saffet-Cole, had never played a shift of netball.

“Part of the challenge with that was not only did we have newcomers, but we had a lot of netball regulars, so it was about bridging the gap, and making sure we came across, and were fully engaged. We may have only played football in the past, but we want to see equal force given to each sport.” Saffet-Cole stated.

Even with this strategy, the Sports Secretaries knew they weren’t going to impress everyone.

“Some people stopped coming, but overall, numbers have risen. So you weigh your pros and your cons, and there’s a net gain.” said Nduka-Eze.

A gain Saffet-Cole and Nduku-Eze credit through the early guidance of former Sports Secretary Ase Anifowose, who was instrumental in the duo’s seamless transition into managing the sporting sessions for the York Law Society.

“We went to Ase… who took the lead with us observing. We also killed two birds with one stone — the sessions were more fun for the casual players when we weren’t hot for the rules, and it’s helped in terms of areas we don’t know about net ball.” remarked Saffet-Cole, “It’s allowed us to simplify it… which makes it easier for people to have fun and easier to adapt.”

An adaption the pair appears to have had little trouble executing. An execution which has helped bridge social chasms between law students from different years. A fostered cohesion Nduka-Eze attributes to one particular element of his approach:

“Know their names. It’s so important.” Nduka-Eze stressed, “We talk about bridging the gap between first years and third years. When a first year shows up to a match and they know you know their name, it keeps them in the loop, and allows them to keep enjoying the session.”

A sense of endearment Nduka-Eze picked up from another past Sports Secretary — Tega Palmer-Ikuku.

“He always stopped and had chats with different sorts of people in attendance. Small things like that allow you to build and maintain some sort of connection with LawSoc.” Nduka-Eze said whilst  fondly recalling his former mentor.

A connection Saffet-Cole and Nduka-Eze hope, and are confident they will leave behind along with some advice as they endeavour to pave careers along the solicitor-route with the former of the two looking to eventually work in Commercial Sports Law even though much remains to be set in stone:

“… in terms of being informed by this experience [as Sports Secretary], it would be to make sure you make time for activities outside of your academics. Even just planning and organizing sessions is a nice break the day-to-day rigours of a degree. I think when you are transitioning into a career, it’s making sure you are taking a break and coming back fresh.” contemplated Saffet-Cole.

“… it’s about making time for other things and finding balance.” Nduka-Eze emphasized in concurrence with his co-secretary.

Balance. The result of fair play regardless of the game and the stakes. Whether it is football, netball, or something that is played through a wager of textbooks and laptops. Regardless of the 2:1’s, the first classes, and all the scores settled between the tense moments in plenaries and seminars. From the PBL Area in the Law and Sociology Building to the Piazza and beyond.