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7.7 Sports Facilities

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7.7.1 Sports

Sport at Cambridge is played at three levels: fun and participation, inter-college competitions and University level competitions. Colleges field one or more teams, sometimes shared, in popular sports that usually compete in a league in the Michaelmas Term and in a cup competition, Cuppers, in the Lent Term. Talented players or people who play individual or less common sports (e.g. boxing or cycling) can play at University level. The more popular sports usually have a number of teams at University level: the ‘Blues’ who are the 1st team, a 2nd team who play under various names depending on the sport, and in some cases further age group or other teams.

The College generally fields men’s and/or women’s teams in several sports. Some of these teams are run jointly with another College. Whatever sport you are interested in playing, and whatever your ability, you will be able to do so either for Selwyn or for the University. Even if you have never played a sport before or haven’t played for several years, there will be opportunities to learn. Equally, more experienced sports men and women have won Blues or Half Blues (that is, they played in the Varsity Match against Oxford) in their first year at Cambridge.

During Freshers’ Week there will be events where you can meet Selwyn sports club captains and secretaries who will tell you about the Selwyn teams or point you in the direction of University trials, which will take place during the first two weeks of term. There is a Freshers’ Fair at the Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre in the city centre where all the University Clubs and Societies will have representatives.

If you have any questions or queries do not hesitate to get in touch with the secretary or captain of one of the College clubs. Playing sport for Selwyn or the University is a good way to take your mind off academic work and make many new friends.

7.7.2 Sportsground

Selwyn has a sports ground and tennis courts, including hard courts, at Fulbrooke Road shared with King’s, Queens’, Clare and Robinson Colleges (see map: www.cam.ac.uk/map/college-am.html). The Groundsman can be contacted at sportsground@sel.cam.ac.uk, or Tel: (7)41270. The pavilion on the sports ground was built by King’s in 1957 as a war memorial.

7.7.3 College Gym

The gym (Cripps Court) can be accessed with your Room or Late Key. Bookings can be made via the website: /current-members/room-bookings. Users should refer to the Gym Usage Policy, and is also available in the Gym.

7.7.4 Boathouse

Selwyn shares its Boathouse with King’s and Churchill Colleges and the Leys School. The Boat Club welcomes beginners and experienced rowers, male and female; most Selwyn rowers learn to row after coming up to Cambridge. The boathouse is relatively new, having been rebuilt in 2015- 16 and the Colleges believe that their facilities are amongst the best on the river.

Races are held at the end of each term. The May races (held in June) are the best known. The College enters several crews; the first three also enter Head of River races and regattas. There are also facilities for sculling and rowing in fours.

7.7.5 University Facilities

The University provides various sports facilities open to all students and has a Sports Strategy. The facilities are not just for elite competitors. Participation at all levels is encouraged. See the Student Sport web pages for details. The University football and rugby ground is next door to Cripps Court. Both the University Sports Centre and the Wilberforce Sports Ground are within five minutes of the College by bike.