Around 500 student athletes and spectators from Bucks New University will be attending a major sporting clash with another university in an event aiming to help battle the problem of homophopia in sports.

They will clash with the University of Roehampton on March 25, marking the third Varsity sports event between the two institutions.

More than 270 students from BNU will compete in 23 fixtures including football, basketball, hockey, rowing, badminton, tennis, netball and rugby and – new for this year – men’s and women’s volleyball. Both students’ unions are also supporting Stonewall’s campaign to tackle homophobia in sport by donating £600 to provide all athletes with ‘Rainbow Laces’ to wear during Varsity 2015’s fixtures.

Mark Sweeney, Vice President of Bucks Students’ Union, said: "Everyone should be expecting an exciting day that includes big battles and tight fixtures. We’re fielding strong teams this year and are particularly hopeful about wins for our women’s football and men’s basketball teams.

"Roehampton has won the last two Varsity matches so we’re hoping that 2015 is going to be our year. We’re also proud to have formed a partnership with Stonewall to tackle homophobia in and around sport and we support the charity’s ongoing campaign for equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals and their new work with the transgender community."

James Taylor, head of campaigns at the charity Stonewall said: "We’re thrilled to have the support of Bucks New University and the University of Roehampton for the Rainbow Laces campaign. Events like Varsity 2015 send a powerful message that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have no place in sport. We wish both teams the best of luck."

The annual Varsity meeting is the biggest sporting event on the University’s calendar. Both sets of sports teams will battle for the most points and the Roebuck Trophy, which combines the names of both universities and recognises the deer population of Richmond Park and Bucks’ mascot, Rusty Buck.

The Sam Woods Shield and Natalie Tucker Shield will be awarded to the best male and female players of the day respectively, in honour of the winners at the first Varsity meeting in 2013.

Most fixtures will be played at the Bank of England’s Sports Ground. Rosslyn Park will host the rugby matches for the first tie and rowing will start from the Barn Elms Boat House.