Whilst it may seem odd to say as HEX’s Sports Editor, I was rather apathetic towards sports until recent years. Throughout my time at Durham, however, I have rediscovered a love for sports and movement. 

I am the first to admit that I have never been particularly athletic. This, combined with how off-putting I found the physical education system in school, meant that sports were never on my radar for a large portion of my life. In primary school, I tried my hand at dance and tag rugby. Although I was never very good at either, I found joy in these activities. However, in moving to secondary school, physical education became more of a humiliation ritual to me than a way to enjoy movement and exercise.

My family are fans of sports such as rugby and athletics, and so I would occasionally tune in to big international events. It is also hard to escape the Olympics on television. I have also worked in a football stadium for years, but I only now consider myself to be a sports fan. I tune in to different versions of motorsport any chance I can, and I even participate in a sport now – my teenage self would be shocked.

I could rave about the college sports system here at Durham for hours. 

But why the big shift in my attitude towards sports? Whilst not wholly responsible for every aspect of my new love for sports, I attribute a large portion of this shift to college sports. I could rave about the college sports system here at Durham for hours.  

In my second year, I plucked up the courage to join Trevelyan College Boat Club’s (TCBC) novice program. Rowing is not a sport that really exists where I live, with the nearest clubs being over an hour away. Therefore, I took the chance to embrace TCBC’s program and how accessible a typically exclusive sport became. Whilst I was nervous to join as a second year, the experience was nothing but positive. To say the start of learning to row was rocky would be an understatement. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I nevertheless felt encouraged and supported by the senior members of the club. A year on, I am certainly not a great rower by any means, but I find great joy in the club and the sport. 

At least in my opinion, a large part of the genius of the college sport system comes from how easy it is to get involved and start something new. There is no expectation that you are going to be a world-class athlete, and you are given space to progress and learn. This patience and space for progression is one thing that really helped heal my relationship with sports and movement. Participating in sports has become a genuine hobby for me without the fear of needing to be perfect instantly. You can make mistakes without major criticism, and those around you want to help you improve and progress. College sports are the perfect bridge to university-level sports. There is less pressure but also room to be competitive if you wish. 

…the genius of the college sport system comes from how easy it is to get involved and start something new.

College sports also make sports more accessible. Whilst rowing with a college can still cost a lot of money, the costs are still lower than otherwise. You get access to so much great equipment and many training opportunities, and this is invaluable. Sports that you never had the opportunity to play at school are opened up through college sports. This, I believe, is crucial in breaking down some of the stereotypes that are associated with certain sports. It widens the field of who participates. 

Additionally, like most societies, college sports introduce you to so many different types of people. They widen your circle beyond those just in your year or on your course. There are so many people I have met and many valuable friendships formed that would not exist without rowing. College sports expand your circle and provide a fun, low-pressure environment to exercise and compete.

Whilst I have also rediscovered sport through other avenues, the college sport system at Durham has undoubtedly been impactful. It has really helped to show me that sports can be for anyone, and you do not need to be amazing or naturally athletic to enjoy and develop yourself. College sport has healed my relationship with movement and exercise, helping me rediscover the joys and benefits of sport whilst at university. 

Image: Sarah Margerison