Harlequin F.C.
Surtees was educated at Rugby School, the home of rugby union, and on entering Cambridge, he joined the University team. He won a sporting 'Blue' in 1886 when he took part in The Varsity Match. After leaving Cambridge, he joined London based club Harlequin F.C., and by 1890 was invited to join the newly formed touring club, the Barbarians, becoming one of its original members.