It has been announced that Vanbrugh College will continue to offer free sport to its members following last week's referendum.

Of the 207 students who voted, 84 per cent elected to keep the policy whilst 15 per cent said they did not think college sport training in Vanbrugh should be free. Just two students opted to abstain from voting.

Vanbrugh is currently the only the college at the University of York which does not charge students for participating in college sports.

This policy is estimated to cost around £4,200 a year to implement, although it has been argued more people participate in college sport as a result, which in turn leads to other sources of income such as sponsorship. In contrast, £1,000 is spent on welfare and £2,500 is spent on events each year.

Students were also given the opportunity to vote on the Vanbrugh JCRC's constitution. Over half of voted in favour of the proposed constitutional changes, while 18 per cent voted against the motion and 31 per cent abstained from voting.

Michael Duncan, Chair of Vanbrugh College, told Nouse: "I am really pleased that so many people took the opportunity to express their views; to have over 200 votes in a referendum is unheard of.

"Yet again it shows that people are engaging in what's happening in Vanbrugh and, with JCRC elections coming up, I hope as many Vanbrites as possible choose to get involved.

"And with this ringing endorsement for free college sport training, I hope the recent success of Vanbrugh's teams will continue in the months and years to come too."

Cass Brown, York Sport President, said she was "pleased about the referendum result for the Vanbrugh students who take part in Vanbrugh sport". However, she added it would be "great" to see more members of the College taking advantage of the opportunities offered as part of YUSU's Get Into Sport initiative as well.