Sports & Societies
Sports and societies are at the heart of College life at John’s: student led, open to all, both fun and competitive.
SJCR Sports & Societies
The St John’s Common Room (SJCR) offers a wide range of sports and societies, with membership included in your SJCR levy. From football and frisbee to theatre and music, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced player or simply curious to try something new.
Beyond sport, students run societies in music, drama, faith, arts, and more, offering a great way to meet people and discover new interests. And if you don’t see a society you’d like, you can start your own.
Sports teams
Badminton
Basketball (Men’s)
Basketball (Women’s)
Cricket
Cheerleading
Darts
Football (Men’s)
Football (Women’s)
Hockey (Men’s)
Hockey (Women’s, with Chad’s)
Lacrosse
Netball (Women’s + mixed)
Rounders
Rugby (Men’s)
Rugby (Women’s)
Squash
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball (with Chad’s)
Table Tennis
Golf
Societies
Bailey Theatre Company
Feminist Book Club
F1 Soc
John’s Music Society
Wine and Cheese Society
Yoga and Pilates
Croquet
Arts society
Drag Race
Musical Theatre Appreciation
Law
Poker
Feminist Book Club
Board Games
Swimming
Resident, 2025 survey
The friendly community has really helped me cope with being away from home – it was just a lot of fun doing a range of different things I had never done before, such as the Ceilidh dance
Contact the SJCR Sports & Societies
SJCR Sports & Societies Officer: [email protected]
SJCBC
Founded in 1910, the St John’s College Boat Club (SJCBC) is one of Durham’s oldest college boat clubs. Based on site with its own boathouse and gym, the club welcomes rowers and coxes of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.
Each year, SJCBC runs a popular novice programme giving new members the chance to learn to row or cox and to compete in novice races, while experienced squads train and compete at collegiate, regional, and national level. Alongside rowing, the club’s strong community spirit shines through regular social events, from Welcome Drinks to the annual Christmas Dinner.
Joining SJCBC is a great way to make friends, stay active, and be part of one of John’s most historic and successful student societies.
SJCBC in the John's Chronicle
17 March 2026
Taking to the Tideway: The Women’s Eights Head of the River Race
Hannah Woodford describes her experience of racing for St John’s on the Tideway at WEHoRR, the largest women’s rowing race in the world, thanks to the support of the John’s Opportunities Fund. This March, I had the opportunity to compete in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WEHoRR) as a member of the […]
24 February 2026
Coming Home to St John’s: Rosi Jelfs on Sport, Confidence and Careers
Eleanor Arneil talks to alumna Rosi Jelfs about her time in St John’s and her advice for current St John’s students. I had the opportunity to speak to Rosi Jelfs about how her involvement in sports for St John’s College and the university shaped her Durham experience and post-university life. Rosi studied German and Spanish at […]
24 November 2025
St John’s Opportunities Fund: Student Whitewater Leaders Weekend
As part of the St John’s Opportunities Fund, Madeline Delaney was attended the first Student Whitewater Leaders Weekend in Llangollen. Read on to find out what she got up to! Thanks to the St John’s Opportunities Fund I was able to attend the first Student Whitewater Leaders Weekend in Llangollen, Wales. This training weekend was […]
Contact St John's College Boat Club (SJCBC)
Captain of Boats: [email protected]
Regatta Blue Club: [email protected]