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.
The College is also home to the St John’s College Boat Club, one of Durham’s oldest and most successful college rowing clubs, with its own boathouse and thriving community of rowers and supporters.
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
Contact the SJCR Sports & Societies
SJCR Sports & Societies Officer: [email protected]
It was at St John’s that I thought to give rowing a try, and went along to frisbee and running clubs. I’ve found that to be a real strength of the college; everything is so accessible and caters to all levels of commitment and competition.
Will, BA Politics
In the John's Chronicle
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 […]
5 February 2025
A Life Beyond: Sports and Societies at St John’s
Sports and Societies are at the heart of St John’s, sparking excitement and aspirations in both new and experienced students. Life in John’s editor, Maia Tollner, explores the wide variety of sports and societies available in college, reflecting on the community spirit they foster.
4 May 2023
An Amazing Win for John’s-Chad’s Womens’ Rugby!
John’s-Chad’s Womens’ Rugby Co-Captain Erin Lashley discusses the unexpected win for the team at the Floodlit Cup Final, which took place in March. The St John’s-Chad’s Women’s Rugby Club entered into the challenge for the Floodlit Cup after finishing fourth in the league due to difficulty finding numbers throughout term. So, both Louise (Co-Captain from […]