Sport at Churchill College
I honestly don’t know of any other colleges that have as well-equipped a gym as Churchill, and the fields are amazing in the summer!
Lily, Modern & Medieval Languages Student
Churchill College’s grounds offer space to walk and clear your head, as well as having a huge range of on-site sport and fitness facilities.
Churchill College has one of the most active student bodies with around 15 College sports teams playing in the College leagues; students can also play for the University teams
From our fields and sports pitches, to our gyms and tennis courts, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy being active.
Sports Pitches
Sports clubs and societies make up a large part of the College’s recreational and social activity – and with on-site sports pitches, it’s easy to practice and compete throughout the academic year. With highly active College cricket, rugby, football, frisbee and lacrosse clubs, Churchill’s pitches are well used and at the centre of College’s many sporting pursuits.
All College members may use the fields for informal games – but please keep away from buildings and the library. The sports pitches need to be booked first: email to make a booking, call 01223 746860 or visit the groundsmen’s office beyond the Sheppard Flats to book.
Organised teams or use involving large numbers of guests must book the facilities in advance via email.
Gym
The College gym is available for Staff, Fellows and Students and includes a range of equipment such as (but not limited to):
- Rowing Machines
- Treadmill
- Exercise Bikes
- Free weights
- Squat racks
You’ll need to book an induction before you can use the gym.
Tennis & squash courts
Tennis is popular at Churchill, and for good reason — the College has three outdoor hard courts that are open throughout the year, as well as three grass courts that are used in the Easter term. The Churchill Tennis Club is an active sports club, with regular practice and competitive events throughout the term.
All resident members of the College and their families are welcome to use the courts. Bookings may be made via the Booking form.
Sports equipment (such as Tennis racquets) can be hired through the JCR Equipment Officers and MCR Equipment Officers.
Dance studios
Churchill College has two dance studios, which are nestled beside the squash courts, in the Boston ivy-covered block near the entrance. The spaces are well-used for everything from ballet to yoga!
Basketball & netball courts
The Tennis courts are marked out for netball matches and one has basketball hoops and markings. The College has active netball and basketball teams for those who play seriously or want to learn, but all members of the College and their families can book the courts for use.
Rowing
Churchill College Boat Club is the largest club in college, and rowing is a popular sport at the University. Many people have never tried rowing before starting university, but find it a great hobby and enjoy the social side too! Whatever your level of experience, we will have a boat to suit your abilities. If rowing and physical activity is not your scene, then coxing is another great way of getting involved.
Churchill College’s boat house is a short walk from campus, by the riverside.
For more information and to join the mailing list visit the Churchill College Boat Club website.
Clubs & Activities
Our active student body run over 20 clubs and societies, catering for a well-rounded mix of interests, from sports to arts and so much more.
Some of our sporty clubs include badminton, boat club, climbing, football, rugby, tennis, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, netball and squash. Find out more about our clubs and societies – don’t worry if sport’s not your thing, there’s plenty to do!
Financial support
Financial support for sporting activities is available through Churchill College’s University Sports & Arts Representation Grants.
Grants up to a maximum of £350 are usually made for sports or similar expenses where the student is representing the University or playing at national level, or for specific events or travel which are related in some way to the student’s University activities.
Applications should detail the team you are playing for, and expenses you are incurring. The Senior Treasurer will be asked to verify the amount claimed after you submit an application.
A student may only be awarded one grant in each academic year. The grant can cover club subs and specific University match kit, but cannot cover non-match kit or basic expenses such as football boots or a tennis racquet.
Other support is available from the University. This includes the Hawks Charitable Trust and Osprey Bursaries. Applications to the Hawks Charitable Trust and to the Ospreys need to be made by the end of the Michaelmas term. You can find further information about sports bursaries on the University website.
