Sports at Oxford

(Jonny Looms)

Sports at Oxford are a little bit different to most universities, and this is a great opportunity for you to further your interest in a sport you enjoy, or take up something completely new. As a medic, there are three different ways you can play a sport; at college or university levels, or for Medsoc.

Most colleges will have several teams for the popular sports (football, rugby, rowing, cricket, netball etc.), and cater for all abilities from those used to playing at county or national level right down to those who are trying the sport for their first time. Each sport will have intercollegiate league matches and will culminate in cuppers, a knockout tournament that is highly competitive, steeped in history (the football cuppers were first contested in the 1882/83 season) and in many sports take place over a single day, making them a lot of fun.

At the other end of the scale is University level sport, which varies a lot depending on the sport. For the more popular sports, competition for places is fierce and only the best will be taking part. For less popular sports, such as Korfball, they represent a great opportunity to try something new. Every university sport organises a varsity match against Cambridge, and players taking part in these can earn blues or half-blues.

Finally there are Medsoc sports. These are relatively new teams, and will allow medics to train and socialise with each other and compete against other medical schools. There are plans to play varsity matches against Cambridge medics and have sports tours to London, as well as plenty of socialising in the pub for those of a less competitive nature. Some informal training sessions will be held over the first couple of weeks, so if you’re interested in playing at all then come along and get involved!