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CUKS Football

History of football and the Cambridge rule

Our urge to kick a stone or such objects had led to many football-like activities in the past. Such activities predate recorded history in all parts of the world, and hence the earliest forms of football are not known. But the modern game has its roots firmly in the traditional football games played at the public schools of England. Football was used as a way of encouraging the competitive spritit and keeping the students fit. Different codes of play was adopted at different schools. Public schools in the North, such as Rugby, Marlborough and Cheltenham, favoured the carrying of balls using hands. The others, which include Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Charterhouse, preferred kicking and dribbling of football. Students from the public schools kept up their interest in football at Cambridge University. In 1846, the Cambridge University Football Club was formed by H. de Winton and J.C. Thring, former students at Shrewsbury School, who managed a group of old Etonians to join. In 1848, the first set of modern rule, known as 'the Cambridge Rule' was formed at Trinity College with representatives from Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Rugby and Shrewsbury. Copies of the Rule were distributed and pasted up on Parker's Piece. A revised version was formed in 1863, which played a significant part in developing the rules that became association football.

CUKS Football

History of CUKS football is short, perhaps because of smaller number of CUKS members and footballers in the past. Until 3 or 4 years ago, football matches with other college teams were not so frequent and instead there were practice or kick-about sessions on Saturdays. This allowed footballers to get to know each other better and hence served an important social function, but not much more. However, this was changed in 2004/2005, when CUKS became a member of Cambridge MCR football league. This brought in more focus and competitive elements to our game as we played against other college teams every Saturday. In 2006/2007, CUKS team is in the second division of MCR league where our aim is the promotion into the first division. But CUKS football has not lost its original colour: its primary function is still a social one. It provides a relaxed environment where undergraduates and graduate members can mix. Anyone who is interested in football is welcome to come along to practice and matches.

CUKS vs OUKS Football Match

Every year our football fixture terminates with a match against OUKS football team. This is a traditional match, which have been going on for more than 10 years. It is usually held just after Easter holidays. Last year we won with 3-0 score line, extending our unbeaten run to 9 consecutive years.