College Team of the Year Award!
This award is for recognising and celebrating the teams who best demonstrate the College sport values of respect, participation, sportsmanship and enjoyment. The award could be for a College team who has actively improved the provision for the student community at their college with new or improved participation opportunities, or achieved success both on and off the pitch.
Read about the shortlisted clubs below:
Downing Table Tennis
Downing College Table Tennis Club has had a remarkable transformation both on and off the table.
At the start of Michaelmas 2024, Downing didn’t even have an official table tennis club, nor did it enter any teams in the previous year’s Lent League or Cuppers. However, significant student interest led to the club’s revival and secural of college funding providing the basis for their activities. This included free weekly table tennis sessions at Kelsey Kerridge (some with a hired coach) open to all Downing students starting in Lent. Over 40 students attended these sessions of which half also played for one of Downing's four teams in College League or Cuppers while other colleges had two teams at most. Lastly, shared table tennis equipment was acquired and an £800 competition-grade table was purchased for student use.
In competitions, Downing somehow achieved even more incredible feats. The 1st team swept all 3 major competitions (Michaelmas League, Lent League, Cuppers). The 2nd team topped Division 4 in Michaelmas and placed 2nd in Division 2 in Lent, meaning Downing will field two teams in Division 1 next year. Even the 3rd and 4th teams, made up mostly of beginners, secured respectable mid-table finishes in their divisions, mostly against other colleges’ top sides.
Within a year, the club has managed to become the best, the most active, and the most accessible college table tennis club in Cambridge so I fully believe they deserve the College Team of the Year award.
King's College Tennis
King’s College Tennis Club has seen impressive growth this year, expanding from 15 to over 70 members. This reflects the team’s inclusive atmosphere and stronger engagement across the college.
On the court, both the 1st and 2nd teams delivered a standout season, winning four league divisions—an achievement that highlights the team’s progress and commitment. Off the court, the club has become known for its well-organised, enjoyable training sessions and for securing sponsorship, which helped fund some of the most recognisable and well-designed merchandise in Cambridge. It’s been a successful and well-rounded year for the club, both socially and competitively.
Pirton Rugby Union Team (Combined Girton, Pembroke & Churchill)
College Rugby exists to provide students with challenge, opportunity, friendship, and fun, all rooted in the RFU's Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
In the 2003-2004 season, the Cambridge University and District Rugby Referees Society (CUDRRS) introduced a competition to foster respect, support, and appreciation for referees and the Laws of the Game. For the 2024-2025 season, Pirton College (Girton, Pembroke and Churchill) has been honoured with the award.
Pirton College Rugby Union Club has emerged as a shining example of respect and positive team spirit. Not only have they reached the Cuppers Plate Finals, but they have also cultivated an environment where respect, friendship, and mutual support form the foundation of their success. Their approach to teamwork, coupled with their respectful conduct both on and off the field, sets a remarkable standard for the College Team of the Year Award.
Selwyn College Mixed Netball
Selwyn College Mixed Netball has triumphed in the 2024/5 season with extraordinary and unforeseen success, ending the year as league champions and with only one game lost. They began the year in division two, winning all their games in Michaelmas, and finishing the term with maximum points and the top spot in the division.
Promoted to division one in Lent, they won the Mixed Netball League for the first time in 7 years and the second time in Selwyn history, as well as winning all of their games in the group stages of cuppers and making it through to the finals for the first time since Covid, which they take on in May.
St John’s Newnham Hockey Team
St. John's Newnham Hockey Club should be the college sports team of the year due to their on and off pitch success with strong college hockey showings and memorable and wholesome socials. This club has extremely strong integration among men and women, with combined trainings, matches, and socials. The club's achievements include winning SuperCuppers and the College League, and regularly fielding four teams in weekend matches. Newcomers are also very welcomed.
Its success stems from the work ethic and passion of all the members and its committee which make this club such an amazing environment to play hockey in.
New members said they have greatly improved in both ability and love of the sport.
