Chemistry has often proved a vital component of sporting success.

Like any two-way relationship, one partner often isn’t complete without the other.

Would 7-time Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton have won as much as he did at Mercedes without the calm, reassuring presence of his friend and Race Engineer Peter Bonnington? Would tennis aces Serena and Venus Williams have achieved 14 unbeaten doubles Grand Slams without the other? Would Cambridge United have retained their League One status in the 2022/23 season without Harrison Dunk popping up in the box following a Conor McGrandles corner? Maybe that’s not such a good example… sorry Cambridge fans.

To find out a little bit more about the need for these connections, I caught up with three UEA 6-a-side players from ‘Gravel FC’. Aside from “putting it into the mixer”, Owen, Ben and Fred outlined meeting new people and playing with friends as the reasons for their passion for playing football. Ben and Fred have played together for two years, but living together as housemates has also been a big part of building their understanding on and off the pitch.

“Now we have a back two of me and Ben. We know each other pretty well and I’d like to think we’ve got each other’s back,” said Fred.

However, living together does bring some drawbacks. Ben says he has spent a lot of his time recently “watching West Ham”, which he feels is “unfortunate”.

Even Hammers fan Fred says watching his side play “teaches him what not to do”.

“When we’ve been to the bar and the LCR, it’s definitely helped with team bonding”, noted Owen. “I feel I play better at 6-a-side because I feel more confident.”

Gravel FC currently sit fifth in the ‘UEA Wednesday Championship’, with hopes of building on the team spirit built up over last semester.

But it isn’t just team sports that require collaboration for success. Bradley Pawson has been training with UEA Boxing 2 or 3 times a week, since September.

“I feel a lot fitter, and a lot more confident in myself,” the second year said.

“Feedback from coaches really helps me work on my own technique and myself. Being at a hall with like-minded people, there’s a unity there. You’re in a room full of people learning the same things as you and they all want the same outcome. It’s very social. At the end of the day, you’re still a team and part of a big group.”

Bradley stands out amongst other members of the club, being the second tallest at 6’5”. He notes how coming up against different types of opposition helps to enhance his ability.

“Having to move to someone else’s rhythm helps with the mental game. Everyone says that boxing is a mental game and that’s definitely true. Especially if you’re competing against people of different heights and builds, you think more methodically about how you’re able to beat your opponent.”

So, there we have it – in sport both your team and competitors can push you forward, improve your skillset and ultimately lead to triumph.

Of course, though, it is the taking part that counts.

“Exercise makes me quite happy,” said Bradley. “Having that outlook to train with a big group of people has made me a lot more positive.”

Image credit: Jamie Mann