The department of Physical Education came into being in 1927-28 when the college was raised to the level of First Grade. Mr. K.V. Thomas, (who was simultaneously a member of the English Department) was appointed Special Officer with the designation of Physical Instructor. His duty was to attend to the physical exercise and gymnastics of the students. Necessary facilities for football, volleyball, tennis, badminton and hockey were provided. Subsequently two basket ball courts facing the Science Block were built. On 7th February 1941 the New Football Ground was formally opened by Mr. C.V. Chandra Sekharan, Vice Chancellor of the Travancore University. That year the College won the University rolling cup in Football and Volleyball.
In 1942-43 Prof. D. Varghese, who was a member of the Economics Department was given also the charge of Additional Physical Director as he had a Diploma in Physical Education. Hockey and Football Grounds were extended. Sri. K.V. Thomas Pottamkulam, a planter from Kanjirappally donated Rs 3000/- for the extension of the Ground. In recognition of this noble gesture the ground has since been called Thomas Pottankulam Grounds (present Football Ground) Later Hockey was shifted to the present venue, the ground in front of Archbishop Kavukatt Hall. Mar Charles Lavigne Indoor Stadium was opened in 2021. The College has consistently won laurels in Inter-collegiate competitions. Our Hockey, Football, Basketball and Athletic Team have won several Championships and brought many trophy to the College. 1963 was a memorable year as the College Basketball Team became victorious in all the tournaments in Kerala. Flaunting all the trophies the team was taken around the town in a decorated jeep receiving accolades from all around. It was a historic moment in the history of the College.
In 1965-66 Mr. P.J. Thomas joined the Department. He passed away in 1991 while in service. In 1970-71 Prof. D. Varghese left the College to take charge as the Principal of St. Dominic’s College Kanjirappally. Mr. Joseph Athikkalam joined the Department in 1975-76 and retired in 2002. At present there are two members on the staff : Mr. Moby Thomas and Mr. Soji Joseph.
As a tribute to the memory of Rev. Fr. P.C. Mathew, former Principal, in 1969 the College started Rev. Fr. P.C. Mathew Memorial Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament. It is a major event in which participation by all the leading college teams in Kerala is ensured.
To preserve the memory of Rev. Monsignor Francis Kalacherry, former Principal in 1992 the College commenced Rev. Msgr Francis Kalacherry Memorial Intercollegiate Football Tournament which is held annually. All the major college teams in Kerala regularly participate in the event.
St Berchmans College has achieved a remarkable position in the field of sports and games in the state and across the country. The consistent performance of the department of Physical Education over the years is the primary reason for this achievement.
Roll of honour of Service
1. Mr. K.V. Thomas B.A 1927 – 1943
2. Prof. D. Varghese M.A 1942 – 1970
3. Sri. P.J. Thomas, B.Sc, D.P.Ed 1965 – 1991
4. Sri T. Gangadharan, B.P.Ed 1983 – 1984
5. Sri Joseph Athikkalam B.Sc, M.P.Ed 1975 – 2002
6. Sri Moby ThomasM.P.Ed, M.Phil 1997 –
7. Sri Soji Joseph, B.A, M.P.Ed 2004 –