Sports and societies

Fitz has recently been very successful in athletics, winning Autumn Cuppers in 2019. We always enter a large team, so whether you’re aiming to be the next Jess Ennis or just fancy giving it a go you’re always welcome to compete. Fitz Cross Country team was revived recently, and has also been very successful. There are two races in each of the first two terms, one of five miles (three for women), and a relay of two to two-and-a-half miles per leg. This year, instead of the annual Cuppers competition, the University Athletics club is organising a college league of smaller event specific competitions, where we compete as part of a team with Lucy Cavendish and Clare College.

Fitz has its very own badminton court (in the auditorium) and a friendly club running weekly practices. All standards of players are welcome (from complete beginners to blues!). We run social sessions as well as team practices – and you can come along as often as you wish. Each year, Fitz enters both Men’s and Women’s doubles teams into the intercollegiate leagues, as well as entering Cuppers. Casual members gather once a week in the auditorium, while the Men's team participates in at least one game per week against other colleges, as well as Anglia Ruskin University, in addition to weekly two-hour training sessions, which may take place either in Fitz or in the university sports centre at West Cambridge.

The Fitz Basketball Club was set up last year comprising a handful of students who enjoyed playing basketball. As such, the atmosphere is quite relaxed and informal. Normally we would compete against other colleges in the College Basketball League but that has had to be postponed until at least Lent Term due to the current Government restrictions. No matter your skill level, if you think you might enjoy playing basketball, you’re welcome to come along!

Fitz has dominated the intercollegiate cricket scene in recent years, winning all four Cuppers competitions from 2016-19. We schedule fixtures around exams throughout Easter Term and it makes for an excellent break from work, with plenty of opportunity for those of all cricketing abilities to shine through a range of ‘friendly’ fixtures against other colleges, local teams, the staff and the old boys. Winter nets take place during Lent term and will be rigorously observed for the slightest hint of hand-eye co-ordination.

We are the newly-formed Fitz branch of the Cambridge University Dancesport Team! In response to the COVID pandemic, we are organising practices within our colleges, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable experience. If you're interested in learning any style of Ballroom or Latin dance (cha cha, jive, waltz, quickstep... basically anything you might see on Strictly Come Dancing), we encourage you to ask about joining a practice. The Cambridge Dancesport Team organise lessons and competition teams from beginner to national level, so everyone is welcome. There were no competitions for a promotional film this year, here is last year's video compilation of the type of dance we learn.

Men's First and Second teams - Fitz is THE college if you want to play competitive college football, winning silverware as part of a friendly, inclusive team. We have been nicknamed the "Fitzvincibles" having won the league in 2016/17 and 2018/19, and Cuppers three years on the bounce in 2017-19, being cheered on by a 100-strong fan base in the finals. Fitz’s Second also continues to perform strongly, demonstrating the traditional depth and strength of Fitz football, in 2019/20 being the only non-First-team in the Second division. The secret to our success? A great balance of regular weekly training, tactical thoroughness and a fantastic team spirit, galvanised through the occasional "Pizza and Pints" night, and always playing for the badge.

Men's Third team - Fitzwilliam College Thirds Football Club is a spiritual home. A place where boys can become men, and men can climb over the wall or into the hedges to fetch the ball. We are Orange. We will always be Orange. Thirds was created by players and will always be run by and for players. No training, just turn up to the mostly weekly matches. And kick the ball. Simple.

Women's - At the Fitz/Corpus Women’s Football Team people of all skill levels are welcome. We meet once a week to train and play competitive or friendly matches on weekends. Each member can come to as many or as few sessions as suits them. Socials, like our curry night, and a friendly atmosphere make this a great way to meet amazing new people from Fitzwilliam as well as Corpus Christi. We had a great season last year having moved up in the league tables and now have Cuppers in our sight!

Trinity-Fitz, coined ‘Titz’ is a joint-college hockey club! We play weekly games against other colleges in both men’s and mixed games. We have a range of abilities, and we would love you to come and give hockey a go if you think that you would enjoy it!

We have a very welcoming atmosphere and would love to see some new faces this year!

We have been successful in college hockey in recent years, winning the college league in Michaelmas Term, and then ‘Suppercuppers’ - a match against the College league champion of the Oxford Uni league - in Lent!

Fitz has an enthusiastic and rapidly growing mixed lacrosse team, which is great fun both on the pitch and on the social scene; it is a joint team with Murray Edwards and Peterhouse so is a great way to meet new people outside college, as well as a perfect place for a run out on a Sunday afternoon. Saying that, we had a great run in Cuppers last year and we come away with many a win in our weekly matches! It can be as relaxed (with just an occasional game) or as competitive (train and join the Uni team - which is even more fun) as you like, so get involved!

Ladies' - Netball is one of the biggest societies at Fitz and has great team spirit. We play weekly league matches (on Saturdays or Sundays) from October to March, and are looking to repeat last year’s impressive league and Cuppers performances in the upcoming season! Netball at Fitz is friendly and enjoyable, with the perfect balance of fun and serious. It is open to all levels and you do not need to trial to participate, so please come along! 

Mixed - Mixed Netball at Fitz is friendly and relaxed. Players of all abilities are welcome, whether you have some experience or have never played before! We play one match per week, which we don’t take too seriously, with many players learning the rules as we play. Join our Facebook group to stay up to date as matches are announced.

Fitzwilliam College has a free Pool table located in the JCR, as well as a Pool team that regularly enters into the College League as well as the Cuppers Tournament, and were able to play against the other colleges in Division One last year. The Fitz Pool Team welcomes players of all levels of skill and commitment and encourages all players to enjoy the game. We’re hoping to keep our spot in Division One this year with the classic Fitzwilliam grace, skills and banter.

Fitz Boat Club 

Fitz Boat Club (Facebook page here, look up @fitzbc on Instagram) offers students a completely new opportunity, and encourages current athletes to train at a high level. In Michaelmas term we aim to put out three men’s and three women’s novice crews, plus at least one senior crew on each side. Each boat contains eight people plus a cox (who steers and shouts), and is coached by senior members of the club. Throughout the year you will train with the senior squad and be coached by external professionals in order to race. The highlights of racing are the bumps, which involve catching the boat in front whilst being chased by boats behind. Aside from the sport aspect, FCBC offers a variety of social events including the Boat Club Dinners each term, and gives students a great way of meeting new people from throughout College and Cambridge as a whole. Have a look at our promotional video here!

Fitzwilliam College, founded in 1869, has established itself as Cambridge’s top sporting college, dominating Football, Cricket, and Hockey over the past decade. This is now true for Rugby, as the FSCRUFC secured a historic double in 2020 – winning both Division One and Cuppers – validating Fitz as Cambridge’s top rugby college. Modern-day successes echo historic ones and FCRUFC alumni includes Alistair Hignell (England), and Eddie Butler (Wales and British Lions) who spoke at the club’s annual ‘Old-Boys’ fixture and AGM. The club is proudly partnered with Sidney Sussex College, with whom many players have established firm friendships. The partnership, now in its fifth-year, has also allowed the FSCRUFC’s Sevens line-up to flourish taking nine members of the squad to the United States on tour playing Harvard, MIT, and Princeton. The tour translated into victory in the annual intercollegiate Sevens competition that year. Full-squad tours also occur annually, and the team has recently travelled to Slovenia, Spain and Sheffield. Closer to home, social events are staged in Fitz’s rugby bar – the only designated College rugby bar in the University – built by members of the college in 1970 to remember alumni who lost their lives in WWI. These include post-game socials, international screenings, and termly beers. The bar sits with the team’s clubhouse on Oxford Road pitches, maintained by Groundskeeper Dave Norman, which is considered the best quality pitch in Cambridge. The club welcomes players of all abilities and experienced squad members, including Blues, LX, and U20 players, are always keen to help others develop their game. Find regular updates on our Facebook page.

Women's rugby is a rapidly growing sport that can’t be recommended enough! There are no college-level women’s rugby teams however there are at university level (CURUFC Women). There are three teams (lions, tigers and jaguars) so there will be always be a fit for you depending on level experience you have and time commitment you want! No experience is necessary, and it’s easy to pick up! You can sign up directly here.

Important to note that the Squash courts are currently closed and unlikely to open in the near future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fitzwilliam College possesses two of the best courts in Cambridge. The courts are available for all to use, and can easily be booked in the Porters’ Lodge. The college will be entering several teams into the intercollege leagues (which are incredibly friendly, and non-pressurised), and in the Cuppers competition, for both men and women. Fitz has a history of high performing squash teams; both men’s and women’s firsts will be pushing for Cuppers glory this season. All standards are welcome so don’t be put off giving it a go if you’ve never played before. The teams will even have access to subsidised coaching starting next year. Squash is among the most relaxed of the team sports in Fitz and games are arranged to suit both teams. You can of course play squash at Fitz without being part of the teams – if you don’t have a racket there tend to be one or two kicking around at the Plodge, or you’ll probably be able to borrow one as lots of Fitz undergrads have their own.

The College takes part in the intercollegiate Swimming Cuppers competition, which is held during the Easter Term - Fitz have done well in previous years. 

Contact: Elif Karanis (enk20@cam.ac.uk) 
 

Important to note that the Squash courts (where Table Tennis is also played) are currently closed and unlikely to open in the near future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fitzwilliam has one of the strongest teams in the University. Over the last year the team was brought back and has reached the finals of both Cuppers and University League. Nevertheless all levels of players are welcome specially beginners. Training happens regularly through the year during the weekends. We have a great squash court with an excellent table tennis table and multi balls for fast pace training. So we guarantee that after learning the basic movements it will be a good cardio exercise.

Tennis fields strong Mens' and Ladies' teams that compete in Cuppers each year and there is plenty of opportunity to play socially as well. With our own hard court at Oxford Road and three more grass courts in Summer term, facilities are excellent and the club places great emphasis on everyone getting involved, whatever your level.

We are an Ultimate Frisbee team which participates in the college league. Every weekend we organise a match against another college team across the university, a good hour’s worth of relaxed, fun, outdoors exercise. Winter (indoor) and summer (outdoor) Cuppers are organised which bring together every team across the collegiate university for a day of playing ultimate. Through all these activities we provide the ideal introduction for the University-level Ultimate team, Strange Blue, which have created this video to explain Ultimate. 

Your college team, The New Thundercatz, represent six colleges (St Catharine’s, Trinity Hall, Fitzwilliam, Girton, Caius and Magdalene) so it's a great chance to meet players from other colleges and play a competitive sport in a highly-spirited manner.

For Varsity Ski - find the College Rep at the start of the Michaelmas Term.

The Varsity Ski Trip is the annual Cambridge and Oxford University ski trip and is the largest and oldest trip of its kind in the world. This coming March (from March 19-27) over 3000 students will travel from Cambridge and Oxford to Tignes. Every year Fitzwilliam has a great turnout of numbers to the trip with students of every year attending. On the trip aside from skiing there is yoga, après, mountain meal, bar crawls, bingo, opening and final night parties and of course the Varsity Races. Over this term there will be some promotional events to get to know others attending the trip. These will be COVID-friendly socials.

Water polo is a thriving sport at Fitzwilliam. We compete in college league as well as Cuppers and have recently achieved many successes. This squad is accessible to all members of the College and is comprised of individuals of a variety of skills and experiences. For the 2020-21 season, we are very lucky to have the University Men’s Water Polo Captain and Coach leading the Fitzwilliam side, providing a strong backing to our already strong side.

Cambridge University Amnesty International is an active student society, that has been operating for over 40 years. Amnesty International is a movement of ordinary people standing up for humanity and human rights across the world. Our purpose is to promote human rights wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied. During term time, we meet regularly, holding weekly meetings at 5pm on Sundays in the Sidney Sussex JCR, and organising campaigns, and exciting speaker events. We hope to hold Amnesty formals, letter writing sessions and virtual events for Fitzwilliam, to fundraise and raise awareness for the movement.

ArtSoc is a newly revived society at Fitz, which runs weekly art activities as well as providing access to the Fitz Art Room, which is managed by the society. We aim to provide a relaxing space for people of all abilities to try their hand at some art, running a range of activities from Pictionary & prompt weeks to museum trips and Bob Ross evenings.

If you’re interested in joining, or would simply like help with art room access or purchasing art materials, please contact us via our Facebook page.

The Chapel Choir is an auditioned choir which sings for the chapel’s choral service every Sunday, as well as performing at many of the college’s important events throughout the year. There is also the opportunity to sing secular music at concerts and garden parties during the year. More information can be found on the Chapel Choir's page.

Contact: Catherine Groom (music@fitz.cam.ac.uk)

FCCU is a group of students who seek to make Jesus known in Fitzwilliam. We run weekly Bible studies in which we welcome anyone to come and join to explore what Christianity is all about. So if you're a committed Christian or just interested what all the Christian stuff is about get in touch and we'd love to get to know you! We also run events throughout the year such as Text a Toastie and Summer Rounders (and we plan for some new things that are COVID safe!) so keep an eye out for those throughout term. We are also a part of the larger CICCU which runs across the University and runs larger scale events such as carol concerts and events week.

Fitzwilliam College Debating Society hosts a popular programme of fortnightly debates on a wide variety of issues. Our main principles are as follows:

• To provide an accessible forum for students to undertake debating facilitate freedom of speech and the exchange of diverse ideas in a civilised manner which enriches the perspectives of all involved
• To provide an avenue for expert external speakers on the topics we are debating to visit Cambridge and provide a more experienced perspective on the issues we discuss
• To provide a friendly and accessible social forum for like-minded students (i.e. those interested in contemporary issues that shape society) from both Fitzwilliam College and the wider University be a location for members of the public to participate in debates as audience members, thereby helping to bridge the gap between ‘town and gown’

Our debates involve student speakers from all colleges and are followed by a short talk by an external guest, who in many cases also takes part as a debater. 2020-2021 will be an important year.

For more info, have a look at our Facebook page!

We host regular events throughout the academic year accessible to all members of the college. These are comprised of a mix of academic and career focused speakers, as well as more informal gatherings, often accompanied by a formal hall.

Fitz Barbershop is an all-singing, all-dancing, all-male a capella group sporting boaters, bow ties and impossibly garish waistcoats, seen performing at May Balls and all kinds of events around Cambridge. Though based primarily at Fitz, we attract some of the best male vocal talents from across the University to put our distinctive harmonious spin on anything from Disney to West Side Story to cheesy pop tunes. To find out more, have a look at our website. 

More information on the Fitzwilliam College website and Fitz Barbershop Facebook page.

The Fitz Sirens are Cambridge's original all-female and non-binary a-cappella group, established long before Pitch Perfect thrust a-cappella singing into the spotlight! We are experts at mixing sass, style and singing and enjoy performing old barbershop favourites alongside arrangements of current chart hits. Our gigs, often shared with the Barbers, have included busking, formals, private functions, Fitz cheese and wine evenings, May Balls, and even tours to the Edinburgh Fringe and Jilin University, China! We are based at Fitz but have members from a range of colleges, making up a tight-knit friendly group of 10-12, typically from all years. We rehearse twice a week, devising cheesy dance moves as well as nailing our harmonies, and enjoy the odd social too. Auditions take place at the beginning of every Michaelmas term, and we are looking for lively, confident and committed singers. Musical qualifications and/or choral experience are not essential!

More information on the Fitzwilliam College website and the Sirens' Facebook page.

Fitz Swing is a 20 piece big band which, although based at Fitz, takes in talented players from all over the university. With frequent gigs, social events and tours abroad, it’s a great way to meet new people and have fun at Cambridge while at the same time playing some great music! Find us on Facebook to have a listen to a track from our latest CD.

Fitz Theatre is Fitzwilliam College’s society dedicated to the performing arts. Whether you’re interested in drama, comedy or musical theatre, being on stage or working behind the scenes, Fitz Theatre is the place to let your creative imagination go wild. Through a mixture of productions, showcases and workshops we aim to create an inclusive and innovative space for theatre at Cambridge. Past productions include Greek tragedy ‘Medea’ and ‘All the Jingle Ladies’ - a Freshers’ Sketch Show - and future performances could range from Shakespeare to fresh, new student writing. So get involved!

Find a poster with more info here and feel free to send an email (see the contacts' list) for more information or any questions you might have. We're also on Facebook and Instagram so find us there!

The gardening society is a small community at Fitz who meet informally to grow food, eat food and visits gardens. We have access to four allotment beds, seeds, plants and tools, as well as some indoor space. Everybody is welcome- no equipment or prior knowledge required!

If you're interested in getting involved then you can join our Facebook group.

Accessibility: There are no steps to access the allotments. The ground is uneven and mixed terrain. Outdoor chairs can be provided for seating.

Fitzwilliam College History Society hosts exciting events and socials involving leading historians and provides academic support to students. This term, we hope to run our events in person (pending COVID-plan approval), but will run online if this is not possible. Find our termcard, Facebook page and Facebook group with these links! (Sign up via our Facebook group).

We are the Fitz Horror Society! We are a group of students who enjoy all things horror, thriller, and gothic, be that literature, games, or movies. We hold weekly virtual screenings of horror movies followed by a discussion and a short review from each person. Our sessions are relaxed and informal, so if you enjoy horror and would like to join a low-pressure social society then come along for one of our screenings!

Jack & Master is an actor-musician theatre ensemble based at Fitz, run by Emily Beck (she/her, third year Classics at Fitz). For our purposes, an actor-musician is someone who uses acting and music together to create theatre (you could be an actor who plays an instrument, an instrumentalist who acts or something in between the two, but crucially you play at least one instrument).

We want to make a supportive environment in which you can learn about and explore actor-musicianship practically. The theatre we aim to create is joyful, organic and playful, using acting and music not to compete with but to inform and develop one another. Basically, we want to focus on the process of making theatre and put less pressure on the end result!

The Fitz Jewish Society (JSoc) is a society for celebrating and engaging with Judaism whilst at Cambridge, and developing a social network of Jewish students at Fitz and across the hill colleges. We provide a pluralist and inclusive space for Jewish people of all levels of observance. Throughout the year, we host events to celebrate jewish festivals, and host an annual formal (with Kosher food provided!). We can also help with accommodating religious observance in college. We're open to all people joining and anyone interested should get in touch!

Feel free to have a look at the following links for more info: 

• Fitz JSoc Facebook group, 
• Cambridge University Jewish Society (CUJS) Facebook group, 
• Cambridge Jewish Chaplaincy Facebook page

Counting amongst its members distinguished alumni such as Sir Peter Bazalgette (Chair of the Arts Council England), Sir Dennis Byron (President of the Caribbean Court of Justice), Judge Dean Spielmann, (President of the European Court of Human Rights), and Dame Sarah Asplin (High Court, Chancery Division), the Society's focus is on establishing strong links between alumni and current students. It is thanks to their generosity, that we are one of only a few colleges in Cambridge that fully funds all core textbooks for law students, for every year of their undergraduate degree. We host a triannual dinner open to all students of Fitz, past and present.

During term, the society supports the current students. In addition to providing termly talks on pressing topical issues, and liaising with leading law firms and barristers' chambers for talks on graduate jobs and careers, there is a yearly mooting competition, which is always hotly contested.

Contact: Jack Bailey and Millie Chisholm (jasb4@cam.ac.uk, mc2123@cam.ac.uk)

'A forum for all kinds of literary and related events'. Since reforming in Michaelmas 2013, the Fitzwilliam Literary Society has been engaged in all sorts of exciting events: from film screenings to play readings, from talks by invited speakers to creative writing workshops and online 'conversations' about literary matters. We're starting to think about what to do next! We welcome new members and new ideas - whatever they are studying. 

FCVMS is a society that represents the medical and veterinary students of the college. We host regular talks and social events for students and an annual society dinner in Lent term. While most of our members are medics and vets, we also offer membership for students taking any other subject who might be interested in the life sciences. We have a range of resources available that support our members undertaking any of the MVST 1A/1B subjects or any shared Natural Sciences 1A/1B subjects.

MixBillys is a new mixed-voice acapella group with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Singing an array of arrangements from folk to pop to classical, this will be a group where singing is a form of relaxation and enjoyment and not a burden on its members in terms of time, commitment, or expectation.

The College’s Music Society regularly organises both professional and student concerts, and organises one of the best garden parties in May Week. Look out for our ‘Music on Mondays’ series at 7pm each Monday, in a variety of COVID-safe venues, including Freshers’ and Christmas Concerts, an evening of original composition and singer-songwriting & Fitz Swing’s 30th Birthday.

The Fitzwilliam Natural Sciences society acts to both support and run events for both Natural Sciences students and anyone interested in science. From providing academic resources to running talks and events, the society aims to be useful and fun for all. (Stash is also planned!)

If you're interested in getting involved then you can find us on Facebook.

We’re a  university-wide society, however we are based at Fitz with all of our screenings being shown within the College. We show a film every week of term time, usually on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. We aim to screen a diverse range of films made by directors from a variety of countries, cultures and backgrounds. We also host special film seasons, including our “queer turn-of-the-century” showcase we screened during LGBT history month last year, and our upcoming “indigenous cinema” showcase which will be screening at the end of Michaelmas term. See below details of our mailing list and social media as well as a link for you to chat with us during the societies fair. Through any of these you can find out what we’ll be screening over the next few weeks (our first screening is planned for this Wednesday). We will also publicise details on our social distancing and COVID-19 safety measures.