Life at Merton: Sports

The College offers lots of opportunities to participate in sports of all types and at all levels. Whether you’re highly accomplished, or take part for fun or fitness, there’s plenty to get involved with.   

Students currently take part in a wide range of college sports including, but not limited to, football, rugby, cricket, pool, tennis, squash, ultimate frisbee and croquet. Many activities take place at the College’s sports ground which is a 15-minute walk from the main site. Mobile floodlights allow for year-round training. For a number of sports, Merton students team up with students from Mansfield College. 

Merton has a small gym on the main site which is free to use and maintains a boathouse offering free use of three punts, four kayaks and a canoe. In the summer, a croquet set is available to play croquet on Chestnut lawn. 

Rowing:  The Merton College Boatclub is our thriving rowing community and offers rowing and coxing for all levels of commitment and ability, including those who’ve never rowed before. It is based in a recently renovated boathouse on our local stretch of the river Thames, which features two bays containing the fleet as well as a lounge area with changing rooms and toilets.  There is also a dedicated erg room at the College’s Sports Pavilion. 

Members of Merton’s Boatclub take part in two intercollegiate competitions each year (known as bumps) as well as other events, including social activities. 

Sports Grants: Students can apply for funding to contribute towards the costs of membership, facility fees and travel for those who play their sport at the University of higher levels. Grants can be made towards activities recognised as a sport by the  Oxford University Sports Federation or by the International Olympic Committee.   Funding is also available to enable participation in University and non-College sporting activities.  

University Sport:  Merton is a 15-minute walk from the University’s Iffley Road Sports Centre. Information about the sports available, facilities and membership can be found here.