College sport is one of the things that makes York special. Almost all universities around the UK offer sporting opportunities against other institutions, but few allow you to compete against your fellow university students. Whereas university sport is typically reserved for the very best sporting stars, college sport is for you and me; ideal for everyone.
College sport means you represent your college in a league against everyone else to see who reigns supreme. Games take place each week, and are not just limited to first teams – some colleges even have fourth and fifth teams for football. The atmosphere over on the astroturf, in the Sports Hall and beyond at the grass pitches on 22 Acres can at times can be as loud as at university games, such is the culture of rivalry within college sport.
There are the usual sports such as football, hockey and rugby, but new sports are being added every year. Badminton has made excellent progress recently, whilst squash and basketball, amongst others, are beginning to see an exciting programme develop as membership levels increase.
During the summer term, cricket, rounders and tennis take place as well as College Cup competitions for football, hockey and rugby. Also, look out for the one-day events which take place across the year in a range of sports.
College Sports Day takes place in June including a whole host of athletic competitions from the 100m to tug-of-war. York Sport President, Charlotte Winter, told Vision: “I think college sport is one of the best things about the York Sport Union. With over 15 sports included it’s a great way for people to just play for fun. If someone hasn’t played a sport before then College Sport is a great way for them to learn the rules in a really sociable environment.”
In the overall college sport standings last year, Derwent claimed the overall title by just 5 points ahead of James, Halifax and Alcuin. Here, Vision previews four of the most popular college sports.
Football
The most popular of all college sports, football is open to virtually all abilities. Each college has multiple teams which compete in a number of leagues which take place on 22 Acres throughout the autumn and spring terms. Last year in the top division, Derwent, captained by Joe Boughtflower, blew away everyone else with a string of stunning performances before James College won a weather-hit spring term programme under the leadership of Richard Baxter.
But what the entire campus looks forward to is the prestigious College Cup in the summer term. A total of 32 teams take part in a group and knockout format, similar to the World Cup. Last year,Vanbrugh 1sts claimed the title on penalties against Halifax 1sts in an enthralling contest. Huge crowds line the astroturf cheering on their friends and housemates, trying to get them over the line, creating sporting scenes seen unlike in any other university.
This season, Derwent may begin as favourites as they possess a very strong squad, bolstered by the arrival of new fresher talent. But Vanbrugh will always pose a threat, as seen in the College Cup.
Quite simply, this year is one not to miss for college football action. So don’t miss the opportunity!
Hockey
Hockey is one of the most popular college sports, with matches played every Sunday morning. The beauty of college hockey is that it is played in a relaxed environment, in which everyone of all abilities can thrive. You have guys and girls of ranging abilities from university level to complete beginners, all enjoying themselves.
Last year Halifax and James dominated the college hockey scene, proving themselves to be by far the two strongest teams. Their strength lay not only in the standard of player, but their key advantage was the ability to regularly put out a full side. That is one of the flaws, since teams struggle to consistently field full sides. The reason why is incomprehensible, since for enjoyment there are few sports that can rival it. Add to that the fitness benefits, and the opportunity to make new friends and it’s hard to work out why not to get involved.
The atmosphere generated on the JLD pitch rivals that of any other sporting occasion on campus. Looking ahead to this year, it’s hard to look past Halifax and James once more, but if other colleges such as Alcuin and Derwent build on their progression, they could force their way into contention. In addition, a six-a-side College Cup competition was successfully introduced last year, and is planned to run again in the summer term this year.
Rugby
For the first time ever college rugby is an official college sport this year, after being run by the team captains in the past. On top of this, games will now be played on 22 Acres rather than all the way across town at York RI, meaning this year is an exciting and progressive one for the sport.
College Rugby is played to a very high standard – a good number of college players would not look out of place in University colours, but choose the more relaxed environment to huge commitment of playing for uni. Indeed, college champions Derwent twice beat UYRUFC sides in friendly games last year.
The competition is set out in a league format, with the top four sides at the end of the season then entering into a play-off much like in the Aviva Premiership. Derwent claimed the college title with victory over Alcuin in the final last year, and both sides look to be strong contenders for the crown again this time around.
Derwent have lost several third-year players but can rely on a typically strong intake of freshers, whilst Alcuin have kept the base of their squad and will be keen to avenge last year’s defeat. James are a traditionally strong rugby college, whilst Halifax, Vanbrugh and Goodricke are all improving. With Langwith making the move over to Heslington East there are hopes they may also be able to field a side this season.
One of the highlights of the College Rugby season is the one-day 10s tournament in the spring term – a gruelling yet festival-esque day of rugby which often springs a few surprises, whilst hopes are that last Summer’s 13s tournament, in which University players were able to turn out for their respective colleges, will return for a second year.
Netball
College netball at York is a great opportunity to continue the much-loved school time sport in a social and relaxed atmosphere. Alcuin, led by York Sport President Charlotte Winter, were champions last year, smashing their fiercest rivals, James and Halifax, in an end-of-season finale. They beat James 20-9 and Halifax 17-12.
However, it is James and Halifax who are the ones to watch this year. Both looked strong in the autumn term last year and are sure to start well again. They will also want to continue this good start and ultimately beat the champions. Yet they need new blood in the side to continue their momentum. Freshers will be important to the outcome of this season and it really is all to play for. Langwith moving to Heslington East, and ultimately close to the new sports centre could kickstart a renaissance in netballing strength for the college. Last year, of course, Langwith were competitive if unspectacular. The same cannot, however, be said for Goodricke, who were often on the end of heavy defeats.
The very best college netball games are blood-and-thunder affairs, despite the fact the sport is non-contact, and points are scored within the blink of an eye. It is not just a three horse race; freshers this year will make the league more open. It is up to the new girls to really make a difference for their newcolleges and bring home the trophy for their respective sides. Who said college spirit is a thing of the past?