Britain's largest student participation programme!
College teams compete across 60+ leagues and 20+ knockout cup competitions during Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms, with 2,500+ matches played annually. All Durham colleges participate, alongside the International Study Centre at Stockton and university staff, creating an inclusive sporting community.
Our largest sports by participation:
Further league and cup competitions are available in Badminton, Basketball, Cricket (Indoor & Outdoor), Women's Football, Futsal, Mixed Netball, Rugby, Running & Relays, Squash, Table Tennis, and Ultimate Frisbee.
Explore our colleges to find out more about their facilities and sporting activities.
Durham also hosts one of the UK’s largest university cheerleading competitions, attracting more than 600 attendees each year. College teams compete across multiple categories, including Poms, Main Routine and All-Stunt.
Rowing is another integral part of the College Sport programme. Results from regattas and head races contribute to the College Sport points table, and Durham boasts one of the country’s largest Learn-to-Row programmes, with opportunities available across almost every college.
College Sport extends beyond Durham through annual varsity competitions. Durham competes with Loughborough University IMS and the University of York College Sport programme. The Loughborough Varsity takes place in Michaelmas Term across 13 sports, while the York Varsity is held in Epiphany Term, with around 30 teams competing in 15 sports. Every Durham college also hosts an annual inter-college varsity during Easter Term, featuring some of the year's most fiercely contested fixtures!
Easter Term brings Festival of Sport, Durham's largest sporting event. Over 300 teams compete across 18 sports in a single day at Maiden Castle, producing 1,000+ fixtures. All entry fees support Sport in Action Zambia, combining sport with charitable fundraising.
College Sport plays a central role in the student experience, helping students build friendships, develop confidence, and become part of supportive college communities.
There are also opportunities for performance athletes to contribute through coaching college teams or officiating fixtures each week, allowing students to gain valuable leadership and sporting experience alongside their studies.
The academic year concludes with the Dinner of Champions, an annual celebration recognising the individuals and teams who have made an outstanding contribution to College Sport. Hosted by a different college each year, the event celebrates achievement, commitment and the spirit of competition that defines sport at Durham.
Every Durham college offers its own sporting culture, level of competition and participation opportunities. Whether you are looking for high-level competition, recreational activity, or a chance to try something new, there is a place for everyone within College Sport.
Students are encouraged to explore individual college pages to learn more about the opportunities available. If your college does not currently offer the sport you are interested in, support may still be available to help you participate through another college team.
/filters:quality(70)/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/wider-student-experience-/team-durham/86040-hero.jpg)