Sports and societies
Welcome from Evie wollacott, your sports and societies officer
South College’s JCR hosts 28 active sports clubs and societies, which are listed below. Any levy-paying JCR member may start their own club or society, with the full support of the JCR. If you have any questions regarding sports and societies, please contact the relevant email: south.jcrsports@durham.ac.uk or south.jcrsocieties@durham.ac.uk. You can also engage through Instagram, @southsportsandsocs.
Useful links and info
We’ve included some useful links for Captains, Presidents and those considering starting their own organisation:
For those needing reimbursement, please complete this form and email this to our JCR Treasurer Oliver Short at south.jcrtreasurer@durham.ac.uk.
For those considering starting their own organisation, look at the Sports and Societies Ratification Form before getting in touch with the Sports or Society officers.
To take part in our sports and societies you will need to opt into the JCR Levy, this allows you to play as part of the College’s team, compete Collegiately and run for positions such as Society Captain, Sports President and other executive roles. You can opt-into the JCR Levy here.
N.B. Some Sports Clubs and Societies charge a subs fee. Each one which does has a link in its description to pay their subs. You must still pay your JCR Levy to join and participate in societies or clubs which do not charge a subs fee, however.
South JCr Sports Clubs
South College Badminton Club has something for everyone; it’s the perfect place for competition and fun. Our social sessions run every week where all members can come down and play with friends, meet new people, and play informal matches. It’s a fun, welcoming place for players of every skill level.
Our Men’s A and B teams, Women’s team, and Mixed team also have a training session every week, alongside intercollegiate tournament matches. All members are encouraged to trial for a team if they wish to engage with the competitive side of the sport, where all of our teams have seen great success in their divisions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
South College Basketball Club is an inclusive club which encourages players from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to come and play basketball. We train/play recreationally once a week, which is ideal for all newcomers to attend and try out basketball regardless of your current skill level!
For those with prior experience, you’ll be glad to know that South College are the reigning Men’s College Premiership Champions from last season, with an undefeated season in the league. We have league and cup matches on the weekends during the season, and there are loads of other small tournaments and opportunities to play and compete at a good level.
South College Basketball are also striving to make a big impact on women’s college basketball this year, to truly cement our place as the best college basketball club in the university. Our women’s captain (Joey) is excited to welcome any new members to the squad and prepare for a successful season!
South College Boat Club is an exciting and active society that provides both competitive and recreational opportunities for all ranges of rowing ability - from complete beginners to experienced rowers. Rowing is excellent fitness as well as an exciting and social sport. We aim to keep subs low compared to other college boat clubs and get as many students out on the water as possible. We have a committed exec and run frequent socials, priding ourselves on being friendly, competitive and accessible!
Cheerleading at South College is a welcoming and inclusive team that supports members of all experience levels. Across the year we work together to create both pom and stunt routines to showcase at a number of events and at the annual Inter-Collegiate Cheer Competition, providing our members opportunity to perform, gain confidence and build friendships across the college.
South Cricket Club aims to balance competitive and social cricket so that experienced and new players to the game can enjoy the sport at their level. We have nets at Maiden Castle during Michaelmas term, play indoor cricket during Epiphany (with two teams) and play outdoor cricket in Easter term. We hold socials frequently throughout the year to build a good team spirit when we play cricket. We have already seen great success with both our A and B teams for indoor and outdoor cricket, and hope to build on this in the future.
South College Cue Sports prides itself on striking a brilliant balance between competitive and social pool, offering something for every prospective member - beginners and experts alike.
This year, SCCS has registered seven teams in the Durham University Pool League (DUPL), making us the largest cue sports club in the University. Our A-team capped off an undefeated season by winning the Durham University Premier League, before being chosen to represent the University in pool - going on to beat York in a varsity fixture.
If competition isn't quite your scene, we've got you covered too. Our home in the College Bar makes for the perfect setting for weekly pool nights, alongside frequent open socials for anyone who fancies joining our welcoming and fun community.
At South Darts we aim to grow into a club that caters for everyone, whether you love darts or just the social aspect. We offer opportunities for members to get out and visit the college bars, meeting new people and spending time with your fellow Southies. Whatever your skill level, we are excited to welcome you into the club.
South College Dodgeball Club caters to all types of players, serving as both a strong introductory point for people who want to enter the sport, while providing the opportunity for growth for people who’ve already trained. With social and beginner competitive play at our focus, we want to help players grow within the sport and South College’s community, while also helping to grow collegiate dodgeball. We hope to see you there, and remember the 5 D’s of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge!
South College Golf Club (est. 2025) aims to connect members of our community who share an interest in golf. We hold regular range sessions, club socials, and summer tournaments for more confident players. Alongside competitive play, the club aims to provide a place for those new to the sport. Incoming freshers interested in golf should look out for our stall in the Freshers’ Fair!
South College Hockey Club is for hockey enthusiasts of all skill levels. We train once a week and compete in both men’s and women’s matches on weekends. Alongside training we run social events which are great ways to get to know other club members. Our aim is to get more people into hockey as well as create strong teams for the upcoming season.
We pride ourselves in being one of the most successful and active clubs in South College, with 6 teams, ranging from the 2025 Floodlit finalists and Premier Division squad of the A’s to the more social squad of the D’s and our newly formed F team.
We train as a whole club once a week on the 3G at Maiden Castle and play each weekend against other college teams in the league and floodlit cup during the first two terms, and the college cup in the summer term. Our frequent whole club socials are an excellent way to meet new people and forge closer relationships off the football field and are certainly a highlight for many members. Whether you want to play competitively or just join us for training and socials, we’re a fantastic community to be a part of during your time at South and encourage anyone to join SCMFC!
SCRFC is a warm and welcoming club, open to people of all levels of experience and skill. The club has seen exponential growth and success since its foundation, which we hope to build on. The club has regular season fixtures and training sessions, including competing in the Floodlit competition, and having weekly team s&c slots in the gym. Additionally, we regularly hold socials, including those with other college sports teams, making for a great opportunity to get to know your peers and strengthen the college spirit!
SCNC aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all. As a club, we aim to provide an opportunity for all abilities, from those who have never picked up a netball before to those who have played at a highly competitive level, to play in a friendly, safe, and fun environment. We strive to create a fun and social environment both on and off the courts. We train once a week with chilled and fun sessions on the MUGA at South.
Established in 2023, South College Running Club is an inclusive running community for absolutely everyone – from complete beginners to regular runners.
We typically host a few runs per week split by pace – you’re always training alongside people of a similar ability whether it’s you’re very first run/walk or you’re chasing new personal bests. Nobody is left behind, so whatever baseline you’re starting from, we’ll help you to build your strength and endurance. That being said, we’re as much about community as we are about performance, and so we host regular socials to bring the club together off the track too.
Our committee are determined to continue our regular inter-college parkrun and relay competition involvement, for which we have always had a consistent engagement, and hope next year will be no different.
And best of all, it’s completely free to join! Come find your pace with us. WeRun.
South Spikeball is all about good vibes, meeting friends, and spending time outdoors. There’s zero pressure or commitment – just show up whenever you feel like it. The intensity of our sessions is always up to the group, so it stays fun for everyone. We play all around Durham: near South College, at Maiden Castle and by the racecourse. In summer, we also organise beach trips to play spikeball.
Alongside our training, we organise weekly socials that help to build amazing friendships and community. It’s the perfect way to de-stress during exams and meet new people. South Spikeball welcomes players from all levels, regardless of if you’ve played before or not. We would love to see you join South Spikeball this year!
South Squash is a club for everyone, from beginners to more experienced players. If you are brand new to squash don’t worry, we have all the equipment so the only thing you need to bring is yourself to have some fun trying out a new sport. We have training every week for you to give it a go and improve your skills, with regular games every few weeks.
South Tennis Club has a growing membership and presence in both competitive and social aspects. With multiple training sessions per week, our club is welcome to all abilities and gives lots of time to play socially and develop. Last year, our team was made up of all skill levels and performed well in regular inter-collegiate matches, coming first in our league and getting promoted.
Our club also holds lots of socials and is a great way to meet other players and be a part of one of the most social sports teams in South. With plenty of opportunities to get involved, from exec positions, to representing South in matches, or just coming along for socials and training sessions, it’s a great time to join South Tennis!
South College Table Tennis Club welcomes everyone, regardless of experience and ability. The club meets every week and sessions involve friendly games and competitive tournaments between members. Sessions are relaxed and entertaining but will also include skill-based training for those looking to improve. For members wanting to play competitively against other colleges we will also be entering into the Durham College Sport Table Tennis League this year! The club provides a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends and represent South College so come and try it out! All equipment is provided.
South College Ultimate Frisbee Team (SCUFT) is a lively and friendly community both on and off the pitch, growing alongside the popularity of the sport. SCUFT is dedicated to promoting both the competitive and social aspects of Ultimate Frisbee, offering a welcoming environment for everyone to participate, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s never held a frisbee or a seasoned player with professional experience, SCUFT is the perfect place to have fun, improve your skills, and engage with college life.
Join us for regular training sessions where you can learn the game, develop your technique, and enjoy friendly competition. Beyond the field, we also organise social events to help you connect with fellow members and build lasting friendships. This is a fantastic opportunity to try a new sport, stay active, and become a part of the South College community. All abilities are welcome, so come and be a part of SCUFT!
South College Volleyball Club is a community of players of all abilities. Whether you’ve never played the sport before, or have been playing for years, our club is a place where all Southies are welcome to join in.
We train twice a week on the MUGA at South College, with additional sessions organised by Team Durham free for all college members to participate in. During Epiphany term, we have league games, where all 17 colleges have the opportunity to play against one another.
From our D team, where a more relaxed game is played, to our A team who have been seen in the premiership finals for the last four years, these matches are a perfect place for our society to come together and support one another (and head off to the pub after a win!). We look forward to seeing you all on the court!
South College Ladies’ Football Club is a great opportunity for players of all abilities. Whether you have played football competitively before or want to start a new sport, it offers a great combination of fun and relaxed training sessions whilst still offering aspects of competition during league matches and trophy cups. This year, we hope to offer at least one training session a week, with (hopefully) extra sessions focused on developing different aspects of the game as well as new stash!! We are part of a joint-college team with Trevelyan so it is a great way to meet a whole range of new people, even if you just want to join for the socials! We would love to have you join and if you have any questions feel free to send us a message!
South JCR Societies
Compass is South’s Charity Fashion Show that started in 2022. Our initiative builds up to a fashion show in June featuring models from South where all proceeds go in aid of St. Cuthbert’s Hospice. Compass is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and raise money for an amazing cause, all while gaining invaluable skills on the exec, meeting new people across years, boosting confidence and trying something new as a model.
South College Dance Society allows Southies to enjoy dance in a relaxed setting with no worries regarding ability. We run weekly sessions in the Dance Studio in the Mount Oswald Hub, where members can come along and learn routines taught by the exec, practice their dance skills, find new friends and just have fun! We work closely with Oswald’s Players Theatre Company and Comets Cheer throughout the year too. We would love to see you get involved, whether you are new to dance or have been dancing for years!
South F1 is South’s home for all Formula One fans, new or old. We run race watches in the Nest, discuss all the latest news, and run socials throughout the term when they aren’t racing. Everyone is welcome so bring all your flatmates and turn them into dedicated fans, or join us and meet new people who are just as addicted as you are.
South College Feminist Society is all about making students feel included and welcome in South College. Regular events, including both social and academic, will be a place for our Southies to discover and share feminist ideas. We will engage with a variety of topics, including intersectionality, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Join our society to learn, advocate and make a meaningful impact on South College.
Established in 2025/26, South College Law Society is a welcoming community for students with an interest in law, whether you’re studying the subject or simply curious about it. We aim to help members build meaningful relationships, develop practical skills, and explore legal careers through a range of events and initiatives. From our first-year mentorship programme and collaborative study sessions to mooting and careers workshops, we provide opportunities to learn, grow, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. We look forward to welcoming new members and continuing to grow our community together.
South College Music Society was revived last year, and we have jumped straight back into the swing of things! We offer a low pressure, no-judgement space for students to share their music through our student-run groups and fortnightly open mic nights. These are held in the Nest and provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for any level of performer. There are also opportunities available to collaborate with other performing arts societies, such as through the end of year college musical. Whatever your skill level, we would love too see you join in and be part of South’s music scene!
Oswald’s Players Theatre Company is South’s resident dramatics society. We produce plays, musicals, showcases, and the annual South College Pantomime under a casual and friendly environment with people of all abilities and theatrical interests. As well as auditioning the cast for our high-quality shows, we also actively recruit for students to lead our directorial teams, as well as all aspects of backstage and offstage crew. No matter your background in performance or reasons for joining, we’d love to welcome you into one of our shows!
