Sporting life at Oriel

fun and games

“I am part of Oriel netball and I love being able to make friends from different year groups.”

“At Oriel, I am a part of The Poor Print, the football team and the chapel choir. “

“I play badminton – there is also cricket, netball, football, basketball and anything else you can think of.”

“I joined as a complete rowing novice and I have loved learning to row as part of the Oriel Boat Club.”

Many of our students choose to get involved with one or more sports during their time here. There is something on offer for everyone at either college or university level, from archery to badminton, rowing to cheerleading and it is a great way to meet new people. In recent years, Oriel students have captained the joint men’s and women’s Oxford University Association Football Club (OUAFC) and the Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) men’s squad.

In terms of college sports, there are plenty of chances to get involved and many of those who don’t play sports themselves find themselves becoming enthusiastic supporters of Oriel’s teams as they face off against other colleges.

Some of the sports that are popular at Oriel at the moment include:

A non-contact, lighter version of ice hockey that provides a good introduction to ‘real’ ice hockey, this sport is played at Oxford’s ice rink and there is an inter-collegiate competition (known as ‘cuppers’) that takes place each year. The Oriel ALTS team is friendly, inclusive and open to all.

A friendly group with players of all levels, Oriel’s mixed badminton team reached the quarter-finals of the intercollegiate ‘cuppers’ competition in the 2020-21 academic year.

Oriel’s basketball team have had some great successes in recent years and is open to players of all levels of experience and ability.

In Trinity term the beautiful sports ground at Bartlemas becomes a cricket pitch. Again, the cricket team welcomes members of all levels of experience, from novice to expert.

Oriel has men’s and women’s football teams, with the women often combining with Christ Church to make up a full squad. During Hilary term football matches take place at the Bartlemas sports ground, and sometimes in Trinity term there is a match against Oriel alumni.

Oriel’s lacrosse team is a mixed one, made up of players from Oriel and New College – so a great chance to meet people from other colleges!

Oriel’s mixed netball team has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and finished the 2020-21 academic year top of their league. A friendly and welcoming team for players of all levels!

Oriel has a long history of rowing success, in both the men’s and women’s boats. The only college to have ever won a ‘Double Headship’ in the university’s intercollegiate ‘Torpids’ competition (twice), Oriel is a force to be reckoned with on the water. Rowers of all levels are welcome to have a go, and you can find out more via the Oriel College Boat Club website: https://www.orielrowing.org/.

Each year, Oriel College Boat Club awards the Elis White Memorial Trophy to the most improved rower.

Oriel’s rugby team play their matches at the Bartlemas sports ground and welcome players of all levels who want to get involved.

Find out more about the Oriel Rugby Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orielrfc/.

Oriel has a squash court located at James Mellon Hall on Rectory Road, a 10 minute walk from the main college site. The squash club welcomes players of all levels of experience.

Sporting life at Oriel

fun and games

further information

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Living at Oriel