Sports at Magdalen
Rowing
Rowing at Magdalen is great fun and caters for all levels: from absolute beginners to considerably experienced. Magdalen is in the top division for rowing across the colleges so training is taken seriously and can be quite tough (particularly for those in the top group for men and women) but despite the blisters and the early mornings it’s an incredibly, if not the most, rewarding experience. Unlike other sports, there is a whole cult around rowing: competitions (torpids in Hilary and Summer VIIIs in Trinity term) attract thousands of spectators and free Pimms flows like rivers.
Rugby
Rugby at Magdalen College Rugby Football Club (MCRFC, also known simply as “The Club”) is one of the most social sports within college. Training occurs at least once a week and usually have weekly games, with cuppers starting in Michaelmas term, playing in the league during Hilary term, and the cuppers finals in Trinity term. In Trinity there is also the chance to join part of our 7s team, for some good summer rugby. Individuals of all abilities are welcome, though you will need a mouthguard for any contact work!!
And remember to always say “I love the club” and you will be sure to make fast friends.
Football
Anyone can play football at Magdalen, whether it’s for the 1s or the highly successful 2s. In Michaelmas and Hilary we have 11-a-side games, and we play futsal in Trinity. We’ve been on the very brink of promotion for two years now in the 1s, but our team this year (provided the Freshers come and play) will be really strong and we’re bullish about our chances. The 2s are the best 2s team in Oxford, having won their first division last year. It’s a great blend of competitiveness and a good laugh, so make sure not to forget your boots and shin pads for our training session in Freshers’ week.
Women’s football is a brilliant team sport to get involved with, especially if you’re not sure where to start with extracurricular activities. The girls on the team are so friendly and welcoming, regardless of your previous experience with football. If you’re looking for a relaxed environment to make friends college-wide and fit some exercise into your schedule, football is ideal. In Michaelmas and Hilary, we play matches once a fortnight with the occasional training session to work on technique. Our main goal is to get as many girls on the pitch as possible – every moment on the ball counts.
Lacrosse
Widely considered to be the most fun college sport at Magdalen, Mixed Lacrosse has an excellent social: training ratio, a very friendly team, and is really welcoming. Traditionally lots of freshers sign up for this one, and almost everyone starts as an absolute beginner- I promise! The only requirements are trainers and not enough to do on Sunday afternoons. We play a league match every week, plus tournaments (Magdalen v Magdalen in Hilary Term and cuppers in Trinity term). Sign up for a super fun sport, great crew dates, and a chill way to meet new people. Join our Facebook group!
Hockey
We play mixed matches against other colleges on Sundays. All abilities are welcome. Our one and only practice session will be during Freshers Week so please do come along. We can provide sticks if you don’t have one, but you’ll need to bring your own shin pads and mouthguard. Hockey at Magdalen is really good fun, very relaxed, and a great way to run off those post-Bop hangovers! Join our facebook group!