College sport at York

One of the beauties of sport at York is the college system, which allows individuals of all abilities to play competitively in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Indeed York boasts one of the most successful college sports systems in the country, rivalling heavyweights such as Oxford, Cambridge and Durham. In fact a recent survey showed that roughly 30% of York students regularly compete in college sports, and nearly 50% have been involved in the system at some time. These figures place York second in the country, bettered only by Durham, a phenomenal achievement for a University which is not ranked amongst the sporting elites.

These figures may well increase even further with the improved facilities, which bode well for the future of college sport. The eight colleges compete in an array of different sports, from the highly popular football to the more obscure badminton and rounders, many of which are played on Sundays. In fact one of the highlights of the year is the college cup football, which attracts greater interest than nearly all university sporting events. The four main college sports are football, rugby, hockey and netball, and we’ll have a look at them in more depth.

FOOTBALL- The standard of college football is outstanding, with some of the teams more than capable of competing with the university teams. Most colleges run two, three or even more teams, so there are ample places for everyone to get involved. Throughout the winter and spring terms college leagues are held on the grass pitches of 22 Acres, before the main spectacle kicks off in the summer term with the college cup. This year saw 24 teams enter the college cup, and after some fantastic matches on the JLD Astro, Vanbrugh 1sts eventually ran out winners, prevailing over Halifax 1sts on penalties in the final of an enthralling competition.
The whole university seemed to get involved with the competition, whether it be in a playing, spectating or reporting capacity, as large crowds would regularly line the astro to cheer on their college every day. Some people even choose not to play university football, and instead focus on college football due to the enjoyment factor and more relaxed environment.

 

RUGBY- College rugby was dominated by Derwent last year, as they brushed aside all of their opponents, and even defeated the University 3rd XV. Especially memorable was their annihilation of Alcuin in a sublime display. That shows the standard of college rugby, and indeed there are some fantastic players involved. Again many play primarily for the pleasure rather than the competitive essence, with all the teams possessing great camaraderie and a thriving social side.
College rugby is played during the first two terms, and near the end of the year a weekend tournament was successfully introduced for the first time last year, won by Goodricke. The system will also feel the benefit of being able to play their matches on 22 Acres from October, rather than off campus.

HOCKEY- College hockey has greatly increased its profile and competetiveness over the past years, and has turned into an excellent competition. The matches which are played on the JLD Astro, are mixed gender, allowing everyone to get involved in an enjoyable atmosphere. Halifax and James proved to be the two strongest colleges last year, especially in the main league which was contested throughout the two terms, with matches played every Sunday morning.
In the summer a new cup competition was implemented, played on a six a side basis to allow the sport to be played throughout the whole year. This was a resounding success, in which Halifax 2nds eventually ran out overall winners. Many university players are also involved, as well as a blend of players with different hockey experience, making for a fascinating spectacle which everyone enjoys.

 

NETBALL- One of the primary college sports for girls is unsurprisingly netball, which like the other main sports is contested by people of all abilities and varying degrees of experience. Last year Alcuin ran out victorious in the college league, overcoming the threat of their two closest rivals James and Halifax. The matches, played throughout the first two terms, are of a high standard and the winning college have the privilege of representing the university in the Roses tournament, where they were pipped to victory by Lancaster’s finest college players.

 

That is by no means the end of the college sports at York, as a series of other sports are played throughout the year. One of the primary college sports in the summer term is cricket, however this is sometimes affected by the busy exam period and wet English weather. Tennis and badminton are both popular college sports which are played weekly, whilst other sports including rounders and volleyball are also contested over the course of the year.

The simplest way to put it is that the college system gives everyone, regardless of their ability and previous experience, a chance to get involved in a sport of their choice. College sport is a fantastic way to meet new people, make new friends, keep fit and most of all have good fun. I’d definitely recommend that you seize the opportunity and get involved with some sort of college sport.