Athletics & Sports Programs
Building Character Through Sports
Universal School's athletics program develops physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. Whether competitive or recreational, our sports offerings help students discover the joy of movement and the power of collaboration.
More Than a Game — A Way of Life
Every sport we offer is guided by four core principles that shape how our students grow both on and off the field.
Competitive & Recreational Sports for Every Student
From inter-school leagues to casual after-school activity, Universal School offers a wide range of sports so every student finds their passion — regardless of skill level or experience.
Competitive
Our flagship sport with dedicated teams across all secondary grades. Students train with certified coaches and compete in regional inter-school leagues, developing strategy, endurance, and elite teamwork. Universal School's football program has a proud tradition of regional championships.
Competitive & Rec
Indoor courts, structured drills, and tournament play. Both boys and girls teams compete in seasonal leagues.
Competitive
Indoor and beach variants offered. Separate teams for middle and secondary school with active tournament participation.
Competitive & Rec
Structured swim programs from beginner water safety to competitive stroke training for all K–12 levels.
Competitive
Sprints, long jump, high jump, relay races and throws. Students train for annual sports day and inter-school athletics meets.
Fast reflexes, focus, and fun. Available as a recreational club activity with optional inter-class tournaments throughout the year.
Discipline, self-confidence, and respect. Our karate program is perfect for building focus and inner strength from an early age.
Recreational
Creative movement, balance, and artistic expression. Available for KG through Grade 6 with annual performances showcasing student talent.
Speed, agility, and sharp reflexes. Singles and doubles play with inter-school competition opportunities for secondary students.
How Our Programs Are Structured
Every athletic program is tailored to the developmental stage of students, ensuring safe, progressive, and engaging participation across all grade levels.
Program Structure by Level
KG to Grade 12Our athletics program is divided into four tiers, each with age-appropriate goals, coaching intensity, and competitive exposure. All students participate in core PE classes, with optional extracurricular teams available from Grade 4 onwards.
Weekly PE Schedule
Our Facilities
Our Athletic Achievements
Over 68 years, Universal School athletes have competed with distinction across Lebanon and internationally — building a proud legacy of champions.
What Students Learn in PE
Beyond sport skills, our curriculum teaches lifelong habits of health, fitness literacy, and personal leadership.
Building strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination through progressive fitness routines adapted per age group.
- Cardiovascular endurance training
- Strength & muscle development
- Flexibility & mobility work
- Fitness testing & goal setting
Sports teach collaboration, conflict resolution, leadership, and empathy — essential life skills practised through every session.
- Teamwork & communication
- Fair play & sportsmanship rules
- Leadership & captaincy roles
- Handling win & loss gracefully
Understanding the body, nutrition, recovery, and mental wellness so students become informed, lifelong advocates for their own health.
- Nutrition & hydration basics
- Injury prevention & safe play
- Rest, recovery & sleep health
- Mental wellness through sport
Sport at Universal School is not about producing champions — it is about building the character of every student. When a child learns to push through fatigue, support a struggling teammate, and celebrate a rival's achievement, they are learning lessons that carry far beyond the playing field.
— Universal School Athletics Department
Ready to Join a Team? We'd Love to Have You
Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just discovering sport for the first time, Universal School has a place for them. Contact us to learn about team tryouts, PE classes, and extracurricular sport sign-ups.
Our Athletic Philosophy
Four guiding principles that shape every practice, every game, and every student-athlete at Universal School — rooted in 68 years of educational excellence.
Participation
Over Perfection
We encourage all students to try sports, regardless of skill level. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of movement, the thrill of competition, and the bonds of a team. At Universal School, everyone plays — everyone contributes.
- Open tryouts — no student turned away for lack of experience
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks within each sport
- Guaranteed playing time for all registered team members
Inclusion is our default. The bench is not a punishment — it's a promise that your turn is coming, and your presence on the team already matters.
Development
Focus
Age-appropriate skill building, not just winning. Our coaches measure success through personal progress, not trophy counts. We celebrate effort, meaningful improvement, and the sportsmanship shown in both victory and defeat.
- Certified coaches trained in youth athletic development
- Periodic progress reviews and personal goal-setting sessions
- Annual "Most Improved Athlete" award across all disciplines
Progress is personal. A student who runs faster than last month has achieved more than one who wins without effort. We measure each child against themselves.
Character
First
"We build athletes who are also good people — because long after the final whistle, it is your character that defines your legacy."
Respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials is non-negotiable. Our student-athletes are held to the same standard of conduct on the field as in the classroom — and we celebrate character as loudly as we celebrate talent.
Sportsmanship counts. Students are coached to acknowledge a great play — even from the opposing team. Grace in competition is a hallmark of a Universal athlete.
Balance &
Harmony
Sports complement academics — they don't replace them. Student-athletes at Universal School learn to manage both responsibilities with equal commitment and integrity. Sport teaches the discipline that makes better students, and academics build the minds that make better athletes.
- Academic eligibility standards maintained for all team sports
- Study halls and tutoring sessions scheduled around practices
- Exam-period training adjusted to prioritize academic performance
Both fields matter. Our university acceptance rate of 100% includes student-athletes who excelled in sport without sacrificing academic ambition.
Sport is the laboratory where character is tested and built. At Universal School, we have believed this for 68 years — and every athlete who has worn our colours carries that belief forward long after graduation.
— Universal School Athletics Department, Aramoun Campus
What We Offer
From competitive team leagues to recreational wellbeing activities, Universal School provides a rich and diverse range of sports across all grade levels. There is something here for every student.
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Basketball
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Football (Soccer)
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Volleyball
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Handball
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Athletics (Track & Field)
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Swimming
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Table Tennis
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Badminton
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Tennis
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Yoga & Fitness
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Dance
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Martial Arts
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Ultimate Frisbee
Team · Flagship Sport
Football (Soccer)
Our most celebrated team sport. Students compete in regional inter-school leagues under certified coaches. Multiple school championships won across 68 years of competition.
Individual · Annual Event
Athletics — Track & Field
Sprints, relay races, long jump, high jump and throws. Every student participates in our annual Sports Day — one of the most anticipated events of the school year.
A Note on Availability
Specific sports vary by season, student interest, and facility availability. Some offerings — such as Swimming and Martial Arts — are dependent on access to specialist facilities or coaching staff. Our sports calendar is confirmed at the start of each academic year.
All Sports at a Glance
Every offering across all three categories — one complete view.
Whether your child dreams of a regional football championship or simply wants to find their rhythm in a dance class, Universal School has a sport or activity shaped for them — because movement is the language every student deserves to speak.
— Universal School Athletics Department
Physical Education
Classes
A structured, age-appropriate PE programme that runs across every grade level at Universal School — because movement, fitness, and health are foundational to a complete education.
All Students
What Every PE Class Delivers
Each PE session is purposefully designed to build on previous learning. Our programme spans five core pillars — ensuring that every student leaves Universal School with a healthy body, an active mindset, and lifelong movement habits.
Weekly PE Sessions
Assessment Criteria
- Participation & effort in all sessions
- Skill progression across the term
- Fitness benchmarks & personal bests
- Sportsmanship & teamwork attitude
- Health knowledge written component
Facilities Used
- Main indoor gymnasium (multi-sport)
- Outdoor football pitch & athletics track
- Heated 25m swimming pool
- Dance & yoga studio
- Covered outdoor courts (tennis, badminton)
PE Uniform Requirements
All students are required to wear the official Universal School PE uniform during Physical Education classes. The uniform ensures safety, promotes school identity, and creates an equitable environment where every student can participate comfortably and freely.
Need exact uniform specs? Contact the school administration or visit the front office. Uniform lists are distributed at the start of each academic year.
Physical Education at Universal School is not simply about fitness — it is about teaching students how to inhabit their bodies with confidence, discipline, and joy. Every class is an investment in the whole person.
— Universal School Physical Education Department
Competitive
Teams
Universal School teams compete against other schools in the region when opportunities arise — representing our school with pride, discipline, and the values of sportsmanship that define who we are as an institution.
Requirements for Team Participation
All students wishing to join a competitive team must meet the following criteria before they can be selected. These requirements ensure every team member is ready — academically, physically, and in character — to represent Universal School.
The Commitment We Expect
Being part of a Universal School competitive team is a privilege that comes with real responsibility. Team members are expected to honour these four commitments throughout the season — to their sport, their teammates, and their studies.
A Team Season — Week at a Glance
Academic First
Passing grades in all subjects are a prerequisite for team membership. If academic performance drops during the season, the student will be placed on a probationary period before any competition restriction is applied.
Monitored Each TermMedical Clearance
A physician-signed annual physical examination is required before the start of each competitive season. This protects every student-athlete and ensures we meet our duty of care as an institution.
Annual · Before SeasonParent Partnership
A signed parent permission form is required for all competitive participation — especially for away fixtures and tournaments. We keep parents informed of schedules, results, and any changes throughout the season.
Signed Consent RequiredWearing the Universal School jersey is not just an athletic distinction — it is a declaration of who you are. Our competitors leave every match knowing they faced students of character, commitment, and class.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Est. 1958
Intramural Programs
Not every student wants to compete at the highest level — and that is perfectly celebrated here. Intramural programs offer a welcoming, pressure-free space where sport is about joy, friendship, and moving your body.
No tryouts, no pressure, no rankings. Intramural sport is about showing up, playing, and having a great time — regardless of whether you win or lose.
InclusiveLearn new skills, try new sports, and improve at your own pace. Mistakes are part of the game — and here, no one keeps score of those.
Low StakesSport is better with friends. Intramural games build bonds, create memories, and give students a reason to look forward to lunchtime and after school.
SocialShorter season commitments, lunchtime slots, and open sign-ups mean students can join when they want without disrupting their studies or other activities.
FlexibleProgramme Format
Intramural programmes are structured to maximise access, fun, and fairness. Every format is built around one simple idea: the more students who can join, the better the programme becomes for everyone.
Quick Facts
How to Join
- Sign up at the school office or PE notice board
- No prior experience or skill level required
- Spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis
- New seasons announced each term
Intramural vs Competitive
- No tryouts — all students welcome to join
- No academic eligibility requirements
- Shorter time commitment per week
- Within-school only — no away fixtures
- Guaranteed equal playing time for all
The Everyone Plays Philosophy
At Universal School, intramural sport is governed by a single unbreakable rule: every student who shows up plays. There are no benches, no selections, no hierarchies. Whether it is your first time holding a basketball or you have played for years, the moment you step on the court — you belong, and you play.
Intramural sport is not a consolation prize — it is its own kind of victory. Every student who laces up their shoes, steps onto the court, and chooses to participate has already won something that trophies cannot measure.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Aramoun Campus
Sports Days
& Events
Beyond the regular season, Universal School marks the athletic calendar with landmark events that bring the entire school community together — students, staff, and families — in shared celebration of sport and achievement.
Five Events That Define Our Year
Each event has its own character, its own energy, and its own place in the hearts of Universal School students. Together they form the athletic heartbeat of our school year.
⭐ Flagship Event
01
Sports Day
The most anticipated event of the athletic calendar. Universal School's Sports Day brings together every student in a full day of track and field competitions — sprints, relay races, long jump, high jump, and field events. Parents line the track, teachers cheer alongside students, and the school becomes one unified community.
68-year tradition. Sports Day has been a cornerstone of Universal School life since our founding — from Burj Hamoud to Aramoun, the spirit remains unchanged.
House Competitions
Students represent their school house in a series of head-to-head competitions across multiple sports. House points accumulate across the year — building a season-long narrative of friendly rivalry and school pride.
Skills Challenges
Precision, speed, agility, and technique. Skills challenges test what students have learned in PE — from free-throw accuracy to sprint reaction times. Everyone from KG to Grade 12 has their moment to shine.
Assessment
Fitness Testing
Annual benchmarking of personal fitness across endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility. Students track their own improvement year-on-year — growth is celebrated above rank.
Year-end
End-of-Season Celebrations
Awards, recognition, and community. Every athlete — competitive or recreational — is honoured for their commitment and contribution across the school year. A fitting close to the athletic calendar.
Parents, Come
Cheer Them On
Universal School welcomes parents and family members to attend competitions and cheer for their students. Your presence transforms a sports day into a memory that lasts a lifetime — for your child and for ours.
The Athletic Year at a Glance
Five moments — one unforgettable school year
Every Student Participates
Sports Day and major school events are designed so that every enrolled student takes part — there are no spectators among the students. From KG1 to Grade 12, everyone has an event, a race, or a role.
Families Are Part of It
Parents are not just welcome — they are warmly invited. We believe the energy of a cheering family turns a school sports day into a memory that lasts a lifetime. Dates are shared well in advance each term.
Effort Is Celebrated
At Universal School events, we celebrate participation as loudly as victory. End-of-season awards recognise sportsmanship, most improved athletes, and team spirit — not just podium finishes.
When a parent stands at the edge of the track and watches their child cross the finish line — whether first or last — that is the moment Universal School has worked all year to create. That look on a child's face is our greatest achievement.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Est. 1958, Aramoun
Sports
Facilities
Universal School's Aramoun campus is equipped with purpose-built sports facilities that give every student the space, the surface, and the equipment they need to train, compete, and enjoy physical activity at every level.
Built for Sport — Ready for Every Student
Every space on our campus has been thoughtfully developed to support the full breadth of our athletics programme — from daily PE classes to inter-school competitions and annual sports days.
Multi-Sport
Outdoor Courts
Our outdoor courts are the pulse of daily athletic life at Universal School. Multi-purpose surfaces support basketball, volleyball, badminton, and handball — all within a single, well-maintained complex that serves the entire student body from KG to Grade 12.
Outdoor
Playing Fields
Full-size playing fields used for football, athletics, and large-group PE sessions. The primary venue for Universal School's annual Sports Day and inter-school competitions.
Gymnasium
Our indoor gymnasium provides a controlled environment for PE classes, team training, and indoor sports — ensuring continuity of activity regardless of weather conditions.
Fitness & Dance Studio
A dedicated studio space for yoga, fitness conditioning, dance, and martial arts — giving students a quieter, more focused environment for individual and small-group movement activities.
Other Facilities
Universal School continues to develop its sports infrastructure on the Aramoun campus. Contact the school office for the most current list of available facilities and any new additions to our athletic spaces.
Equipment — What We Provide & What You Can Bring
Universal School ensures that no student is disadvantaged by a lack of personal equipment. All essential gear for PE classes and team sports is provided — and personal equipment is always welcome for recreational use.
School-Provided Equipment
The school supplies all equipment required for core PE classes and competitive team sport training. Students never need to purchase specialist gear to participate fully in the athletics programme. Personal sports equipment is warmly welcomed for recreational use and informal practice.
What the School Provides
- Footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, handballs
- Rackets for badminton & table tennis
- Training cones, bibs, and markers
- Nets for volleyball & badminton
- Team competition jerseys & match balls
- Athletics & track equipment for Sports Day
Personal Equipment Guidelines
No student is ever required to purchase equipment to participate in PE or intramural sport. If a student needs specific gear for a competitive team, the school will advise families well in advance.
Great facilities do not make great athletes — but they give every student the conditions in which greatness becomes possible. At Universal School, our spaces are built around one simple belief: every child deserves a proper place to move.
— Universal School Campus Development · Aramoun, Mount Lebanon
Sportsmanship
& Values
At Universal School, sport is never just about winning. It is a classroom without walls — where students learn who they are under pressure, how to treat others with grace, and what it truly means to compete with honour.
Seven Lessons Sport Teaches Best
These are not rules we enforce — they are habits we cultivate. Every practice session, every match, every handshake after the final whistle is an opportunity to embody these values.
Win with Humility
Victory is most powerful when carried with quiet dignity. We teach our athletes to celebrate achievement without diminishing those they competed against.
CharacterLose with Grace
How a student handles defeat reveals far more about their character than any trophy could. At Universal School, a graceful loss is a mark of a champion in the making.
ResilienceRespect Officials' Decisions
Officials are essential to the integrity of every sport. Respecting their authority — even in disagreement — is a discipline that builds emotional maturity and social responsibility.
RespectSupport Teammates
A team is only as strong as its culture. Students learn to lift each other — with encouragement on the good days and solidarity on the hard ones. Nobody plays alone here.
TeamworkCongratulate Opponents
Acknowledging a great performance — even from the opposing team — is one of the highest forms of sportsmanship. We coach our students to mean it, not just say it.
IntegrityTry Their Best — Always
Regardless of the scoreline, regardless of the audience, regardless of how tired they are — Universal School athletes give full effort in every moment of every match. No excuses.
CommitmentHandle Pressure Positively
High-stakes moments are inevitable in sport and in life. We prepare students to meet pressure with composure — breathing through it, trusting their training, and staying present under fire.
ComposureCode of Conduct
Our code of conduct applies equally to student-athletes, parents, and spectators. The atmosphere in our sporting venues is a reflection of our community — and we hold everyone to the same standard of dignity and respect.
Who the Code Applies To
What Happens if Breached
- Verbal warning issued by coach or official
- Temporary removal from the game or venue
- Meeting with athletics director & parents
- Suspension from team activities if repeated
Your child watches how you respond to referees, outcomes, and opposing teams. Your sideline behaviour is one of the most powerful lessons in sportsmanship they will ever receive.
More Than Athletes —
Good People First
Universal School has believed for 68 years that the true measure of an athletics programme is not the trophies it collects — it is the character of the people it produces. Our athletes leave us ready for life, not just sport.
The handshake after the final whistle — that moment when two competitors look each other in the eye and acknowledge a shared battle fought with honour — is the most important moment in any game we play at Universal School.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Est. 1958, Aramoun
Athletic Honors
& Recognition
At Universal School, every student who steps onto a court, a field, or a track deserves to be seen. Our recognition programme honours effort, growth, and the values that define what a true athlete looks like — not just the victories.
Sportsmanship
Recognition
Awarded to the student-athlete who best demonstrates integrity, respect, and grace throughout the season — on and off the field.
Team Awards
& Certificates
The cornerstone of our recognition programme. Teams who demonstrate exceptional performance, unity, and commitment receive formal awards and school-wide acknowledgement at the end-of-season ceremony.
Most Improved
Player
Recognising the student who has shown the greatest growth across the season — in skill, fitness, attitude, and contribution to their team.
Five Ways We Celebrate Our Athletes
Recognition at Universal School goes far beyond trophies. We celebrate the full spectrum of athletic achievement — from the quiet growth of a beginner to the season-defining performance of a team captain.
End-of-Season Celebrations
The crown jewel of our recognition calendar. At the end of each athletic season, Universal School gathers the entire school community — students, coaches, parents, and staff — to celebrate every athlete who committed their time, energy, and heart to sport this year.
Awards are presented, achievements announced, and every student who participated — from the varsity captain to the intramural first-timer — is acknowledged and honoured.
Team Awards & Certificates
Formal certificates and trophies awarded to teams demonstrating outstanding performance, teamwork, and commitment across the competitive season.
Sportsmanship Recognition
One of our most valued honours — awarded to the athlete who best embodies respect, integrity, and grace throughout the season, both on and off the field.
Most Improved Player
Presented to the athlete who has shown the most meaningful personal growth — in skill, fitness, attitude, and team contribution — from first session to final game.
School Communications
Athletic achievements are highlighted across school newsletters, social media, assembly announcements, and the school website — so the whole community shares in every success.
How Achievement Gets Celebrated
School Newsletter
Results, player spotlights, and team achievements are featured regularly in our school newsletter — ensuring families across the community stay connected to athletic life at Universal School.
Social Media & Website
Match results, award winners, and sporting highlights are shared across Universal School's official social media channels and website — giving athletes and families recognition publicly and proudly.
School Assemblies
Outstanding athletic performances and award winners are announced at school-wide assemblies — giving every student the chance to applaud their peers and building a culture where achievement is celebrated by everyone.
Every certificate we hand to a student, every name we announce at assembly, every achievement we share with the community — these are not just celebrations of sport. They are declarations that this student matters, their effort was seen, and their contribution to Universal School will not be forgotten.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Est. 1958, Aramoun
Parent
Involvement
At Universal School, parents are not spectators in their child's athletic journey — they are active, valued members of the team. Your presence, encouragement, and conduct shape the culture of our entire athletics programme.
Six Ways to Make a Difference
Your involvement as a parent shapes the experience your child has in sport at Universal School. These six roles — simple, powerful, and open to every family — are how you become part of the team.
Attend Games & Events
Show up. Your presence in the stands is the single most powerful signal you can send your child about the value of their commitment to sport. Whether it is a Tuesday afternoon training match or the annual Sports Day, being there matters more than you know.
Proven impact. Students whose parents attend games consistently report higher motivation and greater enjoyment of sport.
Volunteer as Team Supporters
From setting up equipment before a match to managing the refreshment table at Sports Day — volunteer roles keep our athletics programme running smoothly. No prior experience needed, just willingness to help and a positive attitude.
Get involved. Contact the school office to register your interest in volunteering at events throughout the year.
Provide Transportation
For away fixtures and off-campus events where applicable, parent drivers make participation possible. All transport arrangements are coordinated through the school with full communication to ensure safety and reliability.
When applicable. Transport arrangements are school-coordinated — all details communicated in advance through official channels.
Encourage Balance
Sport should complement academics, not dominate them. Encourage your child to manage both with equal commitment and to see sport as one enriching part of a full school life — not the only measure of their worth or success.
The whole child. Our 100% university acceptance rate proves that the most committed athletes are also excellent students.
Model Positive Sportsmanship
Your child is watching you in the stands. How you respond to a referee's call, how you react to a loss, how you speak about the opposing team — all of this teaches sportsmanship louder than any coach's words ever could.
You are the example. The sideline behaviour of parents is one of the most powerful lessons in sportsmanship a child receives.
Communicate Respectfully
Coaches welcome open communication from parents. Questions about selection, training loads, or team dynamics are best raised calmly — via email or a scheduled meeting, not during or immediately after a match when emotions are high.
24-hour rule. Coaches appreciate parents who wait at least 24 hours after a match before raising concerns — it always leads to better conversations.
When You Join
Our Sidelines
Every parent who attends a Universal School athletic event becomes part of the experience — not just an observer. We ask all families to embrace these simple commitments that make our sporting culture one our students are proud of.
Cheer encouragingly for all players, including opponents
Accept the referee's decisions without public protest
Congratulate both teams sincerely after every match
Trust the coach's decisions on team selection and tactics
Raise concerns calmly via email or scheduled meeting
Celebrate your child's effort, growth, and character
Shouting instructions that contradict the coach's guidance
Confronting officials, opposing coaches, or parents
Criticising players — including your own child — publicly
Approaching coaches during or immediately after a match
Placing excessive pressure on performance and results
Negative commentary about other students or teams
Communicating with Coaches
Universal School coaches welcome honest, respectful communication from parents. We ask that all contact follows the channels below — this ensures coaches can give your concerns the proper time and attention they deserve.
The 24-Hour Rule
- After any match, wait 24 hours before contacting a coach
- Emotions settle — conversations become more productive
- This protects your child, the coach, and the relationship
- Almost always, concerns feel different after a night's rest
What Coaches Appreciate
Coaches are professionals committed to your child's growth. A partnership built on mutual respect produces the best outcomes for every student-athlete.
The parent who sits quietly in the stands, cheers honestly, and says "I loved watching you play today" — regardless of the result — is doing something more powerful for their child than any training session ever could.
— Universal School Athletics Department · Est. 1958, Aramoun
Contact Athletics
Reach out to our Athletics Coordinator for everything sports-related — from team tryouts to facility bookings. We're here to keep Universal School moving, competing, and thriving.
We Can Help With
For Information About
- Team tryouts and schedules
- Intramural programs
- Sports facilities use
- Athletic events calendar
- Joining sports programs
Athletics at Universal School is not just about competition — it is about building character, fostering teamwork, and celebrating the resilience that has defined our community for 68 years.
Universal School Athletics Department
Start Your Athletic Journey
at Universal School
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning, Universal School's athletics programs welcome all students. Reach out today and become part of a winning tradition built on heart, hustle, and excellence.