While the University of Melbourne is best known for its quality education, additionally it boasts a community of student-athletes. Attracting attention globally, it is a multicultural university, thus meaning there is variety in the sports students are interested in and play. The university offers more than 40 sporting clubs for its students. From Aussie Rules Football to Sword Dance, there is something for everyone, the clubs have varied levels, aiming to be accessible to all skill levels and ages.
The next club that debuted in 2025, is the Figure Skating Club. While this may seem like a unique choice, it welcomes a variety of different sport affiliated people.
While the University isn’t currently home to an ice rink, that hasn’t stopped Shanice Foo and Emily Gaffy from starting an ice-skating club – which they run out of O'Brien IceHouse Docklands.
“I took this opportunity to help create the club so that others who took a break from skating like I did, could find their passion again,” says Gaffy.
Figure skating for me is such a freeing feeling. As someone who juggled between interests in sports, figure skating has been the longest one I have done and it truly makes me the happiest.”
As Gaffy mentions, she has tried multiple sports, but the beauty of figure skating is that it takes aspects from different sports, so for those who haven’t done it before, it is still something they can try.
Speaking as the Club Vice-President, she wants to ensure potential members that they will be supported,
“We all understand how daunting skating can be at first. We offer a safe space to help others learn the basics of skating like going forward and falling safely.”
Speaking on a personal note, however,
“Although it can be extremely challenging at times, the feeling of nailing a skill for the first time overwhelms me with a sense of satisfaction and encourages me to continue trying my best.”
Alternatively, if you do have some experience under your belt, it’s still a club that can benefit you,
“For those who have been skating for a long time, our club offers a space for all skating enthusiasts to learn from each other. Skating is still a growing sport in Australia so by joining our club, not only do members meet fellow skaters but also feel motivated to train weekly with us,” says Gaffy.
With enough traction, the club will be able to hold more events during the holidays and semester breaks, like their recent ‘Christmas Social Skate’ and other performances.
“We would also like to, one day, hold a performance for skaters to show off their skills or even their artistic side through ice-theatre.”
For those uneasy about their ability to stay upright on the ice, the club also offers weekly walk/runs for those to keep up their general fitness and to socialise with other people who share an interest in ice skating.