ABOUT US

THE OXFORD LANCERS

The University’s American Football Club

Oxford University Lancers American Football Club is the University of Oxford’s full-contact American football team. The squad includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical students, supported by volunteer coaches and an elected student committee.

The club competes under Oxford University Sport, BAFA, BAFCA and BUCS. Its season includes BUCS league competition, the Cavalier Cup against Oxford Brookes, and the Varsity Bowl against Cambridge.

Our History

From flag football, to the Cavaliers, to today’s Lancers.

1986

Peter Church arrives at Oriel College, finds no American football club at Oxford and begins working towards creating one.

1988

Oxford University American Football Society is founded as a flag football club.

1989

Oxford wins the first Varsity meeting with Cambridge, played as flag football.

1991

The Cavaliers begin full-contact football, win the first full-contact Varsity Bowl and finish their league season 6–2.

1995–2009

Oxford and Oxford Brookes compete together as the Combined Cavaliers. No Varsity Bowl is played during this period.

2001–02

The Cavaliers begin full-contact football, win the first full-contact Varsity Bowl and finish their league season 6–2.

2010

A BUCS rule change ends combined university teams. Oxford and Oxford Brookes separate.

2012

The Oxford Lancers take the field and Varsity resumes with a 14–14 draw at Cambridge.

2014

Oxford defeats the ARU Rhinos 64–0, setting the club record for points in a game.

2015–16

Under head coach Andy McKenzie, the Lancers go 14–1 across a season and a half, complete an 11-game unbeaten run, win three consecutive Cavaliers Cups and earn promotion to Division One.

2016

Oxford defeats Cambridge 49–0, wins Varsity for the first time since 1995 and receives Half-Blue status.

Rivers Gambrell becomes the first woman to play American football for Oxford University.

2018

Ian Hiscock becomes head coach, and Oxford defeats Cambridge 48–6.

2019

Oxford wins Varsity 19–9 at Cambridge, its first away Varsity victory since 1995.

2021

Oxford defeats Cambridge 36–0.

2022

RC Millsap Pitch opens in University Parks, giving the club its first purpose-built home field.

Cambridge defeats Oxford 14–12 at Grange Road after an undefeated Oxford regular season.

2022-23

First players selected to play in the BUCS All-Star game

2023

Oxford defeats Cambridge 41–7 at RC Millsap Pitch.

2023–24

Oxford finishes 5–2–1 and records a 26–12 victory over Hertfordshire, five-time national champions and league leaders at the time.

First playoff win since 15-16 season, 27-6 vs Kent.

⁠Reached Division 1 Semi-Final losing to eventual national champions.

⁠Won Varsity Bowl 48-3

2024–25

Narrowly missed out on playoffs, gave the eventual national champions the closest game they had all season

Won Varsity Bowl 48-0

RC Millsap Pitch
A Home of Our Own

For three decades, the club trained and played wherever suitable ground could be found.
Alumni support enabled the opening of RC Millsap Pitch in University Parks, a purpose-built American football field with permanent goalposts. The pitch now hosts home fixtures, Sunday training, and the Oxford-hosted Varsity Bowl.

Confidence First

Players learn to trust themselves, take initiative, and grow through every challenge.

Discipline With Purpose

We teach consistency, responsibility, and mindset—qualities that stay with players forever.

Technique That Builds Talent

From footwork and agility to game intelligence and mental readiness, we build complete athletes.

A Supportive, Positive Environment

Every player feels seen, supported, and motivated. We grow together.

Real stories from families who’ve seen their children grow in skill, confidence, and love for football.
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Daniel Roberts
“Before joining, I was shy on the field. Now I play with focus and passion — I even made captain this season!”
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Oleg Dameniuk
“The sessions are organized well and keep kids interested. They balance learning with fun.”
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Mathew Daniels
“My daughter learned to play football and believe in herself. The coaches create a supportive environment.”
READY TO
LEAD THE CHARGE?
join the Lancers
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“Every kick brings you closer to your dream.”
“Train hard. Play harder.”
“Champions are made on the training ground.”