THE Universities of Worcester and Gloucestershire have joined forces to support campaigns of tolerance and inclusiveness as they look forward to their annual sporting derby.

Sports teams from both universities have signed a pledge to uphold the values of the British Universities and Colleges’ (BUCS) #TakeAStand campaign throughout the Varsity series, which will see the two institutions go head to head across 24 sports.

The #TakeAStand campaign aims to make the university sport experience as inclusive and accessible as possible, avoiding anti-social behaviour and discrimination.

The pledge was signed by captains of each sport, who were also given rainbow coloured shoelaces for all their players to wear at their Varsity fixtures. The laces are part of a national campaign, supported by the Football Association and other national governing bodies across the UK, to raise awareness and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender players and fans.

Organised by the two universities’ Students’ Unions, Varsity, which started yesterday, will see teams from Worcester and Gloucestershire compete in a variety of sports, with everything from hockey and netball, to American football and volleyball.

The trophy goes to the University who, overall, wins most fixtures.

The University of Worcester has won for the last two years.

University of Worcester Students’ Union’s Vice President for Student Activities, Hemaka Pathiranage, said: “The Varsity series showcases the high level of athleticism and sportsmanship with which Worcester and Gloucestershire play and the passion of spectators on both sides.

"The enduring Worcester-Gloucestershire rivalry and appetite to bring home a win remains strong for 2017, with Worcester aiming to retain the Varsity trophy for the third consecutive year.

“This year we are actively supporting the BUCS’ campaign with the University of Gloucestershire. It is very important to all of us that sport is inclusive and that our competitors lead by example.”