Mandy Walker Alumni Weekend (01 June and 02 June 2024)
What is the Mandy Walker Alumni Weekend?
The Mandy Walker Weekend is an annual sporting tradition in which TeamUCL sporting alumni return to UCL for games, training sessions, and socials with current club members. The Mandy Walker Games were created in honour of a former student, hockey player and sports officer (1985-1986) who tragically passed away shortly after her graduation.
Her friends created the games in her memory. The event, open to all TeamUCL alumni, is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends, and for current club members to get to know the previous custodians of their club.
Have you already got plans for the event? Let us know here!
Do you need help with funding an event? Reach out to us at [email protected]
The Mandy Walker Games were created in honour of a former student, hockey player and sports officer (1985-1986) who tragically passed away shortly after her graduation. Her friends created the games in her memory and the event is a charitable fundraiser for Meningitis Now.
What is the format of the weekend?
The sport can take whatever format works best for your club. Hockey usually hold two/three full size matches, football run a mixed 5 a side tournament open to all, women’s rugby usually play a touch rugby competition - it’s all about reconnecting with your alumni and having fun.
Everyone then reconvenes in The Phineas for post-match drinks and a chance to socialise (and remind the old boys and girls what a sports night is all about).
Why run this event?
Celebrate your Club and its history!
Score development points to win funding for next year. More information can be found in our development criteria
Celebrate the life of Mandy Walker, and consider raising money for Meningitis Now through tickets or donations during the event.
Remember that one day you will be part of this 'alumni' network, and wouldn't you like to come back to a great sporting event?
How can I get involved?
We realise that for some clubs, having a ‘fixture’ between the alumni and current members is impossible. Be innovative, even if you invite your alumni members for a drink at Phineas and a meal somewhere near campus! Some ideas from recent years include:
Small-sided games in a tournament style (e.g. 5-aside Football, Rugby 7s, Kwik Cricket, Rounders)
An open training session to include Alumni guests.
A full fixture against an Alumni team, captained by a recently graduated member who could oversee coordinating the team.
A fixture that includes your graduating players together across your Club, competing against a team of Alumni or members who only joined your Club this year!