Active at Oxford

Whether it’s going for a walk to take a break from your studies, or signing up to take your place in the starting XV at Twickenham for the famous Varsity Match, everyone can get active at Oxford. Our campaign is designed to help you get involved in sport and physical activity, no matter how seriously or casually you wish to take it.

While Oxford has a truly world class pedigree when it comes to sport, we want to spread the simple message that sport really is for everyone. So whether you have ambitions of becoming a Full Blue, or simply want to meet some new friends and make some positive lifestyle choices, we want to help everyone at Oxford enjoy getting active, and experience the many benefits that come along with doing so.

 

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Active at Oxford Programme

The Active at Oxford Programme brings together some of the beginner friendly, low commitment and social sport opportunities here at Oxford. 

We have a range of sports on offer for students, staff and community members all of which allow you to:

•    Come when you want, no commitment expectation
•    Join in any time through the year
•    Take part without a trial 
•    Make new friends (and bring your friends along!)
•    Have a free taster*

*These may be at designated times throughout the year

Depending on what you are looking for, you can pick a session that is free, offers a pay as you go option, has termly memberships or if you’re ready to commit then a discounted annual membership. Sportswear, appropriate footwear and water will be necessary for all sessions but otherwise equipment can be provided. 

All sessions are open to adapting and being as inclusive as possible for those with additional access requirements within their remit. Please contact the session provider if you have any requirements that you would like to discuss.

For any general queries about the Active at Oxford Programme, please email the Sports Coordinator - Participation on sportsfed@sport.ox.ac.uk

Programme Categories

Take a look at the three different categories that sessions can fall into under the Active at Oxford Programme.

simply active

Sessions involve playing or doing the sport or activity with little to no instruction. This could mean turning up to play a team sport with others or doing an individual sport or activity on your own at a designated time. You can simply choose when you come along. 

This type of activity offers great flexibility with the focus on doing the sport or activity. There may still be a financial commitment to some sessions.

Examples: turn up and play badminton, going to the gym, going swimming
 

categories

Sessions involve training in order to improve at the sport or activity usually with a coach, instructor or session leader. There is no expectation to attend so you can sign up for sessions or come along as suits you. There may still be a financial commitment.

You can meet people who play the same sport with or do the same activity as you and attend sessions at your leisure.

Example: martial arts session, tennis lesson, fitness class, development squad
 

active events

Sessions involve one-off or periodic events or trips. These will usually be led by a coach, instructor or session leader and are targeted towards beginners to the sport.

You can sign up for events when you want - check the session-specific information below for further details. Transport to the activity may be organised by the club and may come at an additional cost.

Examples: walking trip, caving trip, back to netball event
 

 

The Sessions

To find out more about which sports are involved in the programme and the sessions available in each category please visit the College and Casual Sport Hub, using the link below: -

College & Casual Sports Hub

 

Sessions are targeted at students and staff at the University of Oxford, so you will need your Oxford SSO to login and find out more.

Being Active

If sport is not for you, the benefits of simply making a small change, such as taking a brisk walk each day, can also be hugely important, and should not be underestimated.

Oxford is a beautiful, compact and walkable city. There are also some great schemes for bike hire, so get some fresh air and save some money on your bus fares.

“There are huge benefits to sport and physical activity, with some fantastic clubs and opportunities across the University for students.

“There is always a way to balance sports with studying, and we actively encourage students to get active while they are here.”

Martin Williams
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)

How Can you Help?

Donate now to support Active at Oxford. This general fund will aim to reduce any barriers to participation and secure the quality of the programme, from equipment to coaching. Your gift will ensure that all sports are supported, regardless of the size of the club or programme, or the ability of its players; it will support existing sports, as well as champion new and non-traditional activities such as the Active at Oxford campaign and the accessible sport programme. However much you choose to give, your gift is greatly appreciated and will have a real, lasting impact.

Download Our Guides


Download our student guide to find out more about getting #ActiveatOxford

Download the Student Guide

 

Download our staff guide to find our more about supporting #ActiveatOxford

Download the Staff Guide

 

Contact Us


   sportsfed@sport.ox.ac.uk

   01865 611487