The University Shinty League gets underway this weekend and for the first time, a team from the University of the Highlands and Islands will participate in what will now be an 8 team league.

There will also be a ladies team from UHI and club member Roddie MacLennan has made a plea for players - both male and female - in this week's West Highland Free Press.

Any male or female players who are reigistered students at any of the UHI partners - Inverness College, Lochaber College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Lewis Castle, North Highland, Argyll College, Perth College, SAMS, SDRC, HTC - can contact Roddie on 01463 24 11 44 or e-mail roddie.maclennan@inverness.uhi.ac.uk to register their interest. Eligibility includes part-time or block release students involved in the trades.

"Potentially, UHI has the best university shinty team in Scotland." says Roddie, "How good the team becomes, understandably, depends entirely on the response from players."  

The varsity league is a great way for players to maintain their fitness over the close season and playing in the league does not affect  players' status with their home club.