GKT v KCL: Here’s a recap of everything that went down at the Macadam Cup

The iconic rivalry has been put to bed for another year

3 weeks ago

Macadam is one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events in the King’s College London calendar. But if you’re new to KCL sports, you might be wondering—what exactly is Macadam, and why does it hold such a special place in the hearts of athletes and supporters alike?

Macadam is KCL’s annual intra-university sports competition, where teams from King’s College London (KCL) and its medical part, Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ (GKT), battle for supremacy.

The event is named after Sir Ivison Macadam, a King’s alumnus best known for being the first ever president of the National Union of Students. His legacy represents student unity and leadership, making him the perfect namesake for this historic event.

The Macadam Cup was founded in 2004 by Michael Champion, the then-incoming President of the Students’ Union, who wanted to celebrate the unique identity of GKT.

Amidst KCL’s rebranding efforts, he saw the competition as a way to keep GKT in the spotlight – because, let’s face it, GKT never misses a chance to get some attention.

Over the years, Macadam has grown into a beloved tradition – a day filled with intense sporting clashes, fierce rivalries, and a whole lot of school spirit.

This year, Macadam took place on the 23rd April. Throughout the day, teams from a variety of sports went head to head to defend their honour and claim bragging rights.

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The divide between KCL and GKT dates back to the university’s history. Originally, Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ were separate institutions. When merging with KCL, GKT decided to continue operating as an independent identity, keeping their established sports teams. This often leads to two clubs for the same sport within KCL—one under KCL Sport and the other under GKT.

If you’re wondering whether there’s a real distinction between the teams, the answer is… not really. Although people tend to join the club associated with their home campus, many simply pick based on team culture, vibes, and where their friends play.

So, while every athlete technically represents King’s, this event lets both sides settle bragging rights in an all-out showdown.

Macadam isn’t just about medals or trophies—it’s about proving which side truly rules King’s sports. While Varsity is about taking down an external rival, Macadam is a battle for dominance within our own university.

For GKT, it’s about proving that they bring more to the table than just med degrees and sports nights at Guy’s Bar. For KCL, it’s about defending their turf and reminding everyone why the university is called King’s.

And let’s not forget, this was the last major event of the sports season, making it especially significant for the teams. For many athletes, it marked their final match with their beloved team—a bittersweet goodbye to their uni sports experience. For supporters, it was the last opportunity to soak in that uni spirit before exams take over, the afternoon providing a well-deserved break from your studies.

The atmosphere on 23rd April was electric. From early morning warmups to the final whistle of the day, Honor Oak Park buzzed with cheers, chants, and unwavering team spirit.

via @cheungs.album on Instagram

The women’s football team from KCL delivered an outstanding performance, beating GKT 4–1. After an early goal from GKT, KCLWFC found its rhythm and went goal after another, scoring bangers left and right.

The GKT men’s football team responded in kind, storming to a 6–1 win that kept the rivalry neck-and-neck.

KCL’s women’s rugby team put on a show, racking up an incredible 78–0 scoreline in what might’ve been their most dominant performance of the season. Between this match and Varsity, KCLWRFC has proved to be the best team in the whole of London.

Unfortunately, the men’s rugby match was cut short following a serious injury to a KCL player, leaving both teams and fans with a sense of unfinished business. With the score still wide open, the early end of the game left a bittersweet feeling in the air. Fans from both sides are now calling for a rematch to settle the score and ensure the game is given the conclusion it deserves.

Netball, hockey, lacrosse, squash, fencing, tennis and cricket also went head to head.

The day ended with a visit to Guy’s Bar, where both sides came together to celebrate the rivalry. While most kept things lighthearted, a few couldn’t resist a bit of sharp banter, reminding everyone that even in rivalry, the spirit of competition stays strong.

The Macadam Cup is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of school spirit, fierce rivalries, and the pride that comes with being part of either KCL or GKT. It’s the grand finale of the sports season, where the energy is high, the stakes are even higher, and everyone comes together to cheer for their teams in one last, unforgettable showdown.

Whether you played, supported, or just soaked in the atmosphere, Macadam was a must-attend event that wrapped up the year with a bang.

Until next year Macadam…

Featured pictured via @cheungs.album on Instagram

Lena Autet | Features