The Sports Stripped Calendar is back—one of St Andrews’ most anticipated and unique traditions. Organized by the netball team, the annual calendar features 12 sports teams, dressed down to nearly nothing but their sports equipment, all for a good cause. To get some insider details, I spoke to Alice Nicholson, Netball's Events and Fundraising Officer, who took the project from start to finish.
“The biggest part of the role is Sports Stripped,” Alice explains. Because it’s gone on for ages, the pressure is on to create a professional and enticing product that students want to buy. Beyond the risqué photoshoots, it’s a logistical juggling act— coordinating 12 sports teams, liaising with charities, and managing the printing process.
Despite the early mornings and tight schedules, Alice looked back on the process with pride. “I did 2 sports every day” which made for very early mornings, beginning her work with the photographer at 7am for 9 consecutive days. She reflected that it has been a very rewarding process as she knows how keen everyone is for the calendar’s distribution.
This year embraces a new theme: Bras and Boxers. While the traditional fully-naked concept— with strategic equipment placement and careful angles— was iconic, Alice explained the necessary shift. “With the rise of social media, it was getting increasingly controversial having naked students [on the calendar].” To this day, previous models in the calendar have requested for it to be taken down as employers have found it.
The new approach still balances the playful vibe of the project while keeping it more discreet. And for the first time, the photos will be in vibrant colour rather than the traditional black and white—a bold change for 2025.
Beyond the fun tradition at St Andrews, the calendar supports 2 meaningful causes. This year, the proceeds from the calendar will be split between two charities:
Orchid: the UK’s leading men’s cancer charity, which supports those affected by penile, testicular, and prostate cancer.
Pink Ribbon Foundation: which provides funding to a variety of breast cancer charities.
Alice shared her enthusiasm for the selected causes, noting that they are “amazing charities, and we’re so happy to support them.”
The calendar’s release will be celebrated with a much-anticipated launch party at the Union on the last Wednesday before revision week. Alice describes it as a night to “go big or go home.” The theme is Kit Swap, so pair up with your friends and swap your sports attire—think rugby players rocking tennis skirts and swimmers suited in hockey gear.
The evening promises great DJs, dancing, and special Pink Pablos with proceeds going to charity. Early bird release has already sold out, but tickets will be available on the day.
Despite the name, Sports Stripped is about far more than students shedding their kits. It’s an amazing cause and celebration of teamwork— a testament to the dedication of Alice, the Netball team, and all of the sports clubs who come together to make it happen each year.
So, mark your calendars for the launch party and put aside £10 to purchase your copy of Sports Stripped, because it’s guaranteed to be a night and a tradition you don’t want to miss out on!
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