Loughborough Schools Foundation Sport Newsletter

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Wow! I can honestly say that this has been an exceptionally busy year for the Sports department and our pupils have performed superbly throughout. With the high number of fixtures and events that have taken place, there really has been something for everyone. This term always seems to focus on the sport for our sports days and we were delighted to see all of our pupils rising to the challenge of competing against their peers within these.

The term started with the National Finals and it was so exciting to have the opportunity to attend the Badminton National Finals with the two Loughborough Grammar School teams, who had both won their County and Regional Finals They finished seventh and eighth in the county. This was closely followed by the Fairfield U11 football team at St George’s Park for the Independent Schools Football Association National U11 Football Finals, where our young team played superbly all day. In the same week we went to Beeston Hockey Club for the Under 13 National Hockey Finals with the Loughborough High School U13 team, who won every game on their way to reaching the final in which they played a superb game. Despite the nail-biting penalty flicks to decide the overall winners, they finished the day as Into Hockey National Hockey Champions.

Over the course of this term as we watch the world of sport around us and the stories that this creates, we reflect on the sad passing of Rob Burrows losing his fight again MND. His departing message to the world was ‘In a world full of adversity we must dare to dream’. I hope that all of our pupils enjoy the global sporting summer and they all dare to dream about what their future sporting aspirations could be.

Sports Scholarships

We have an exceptional opportunity for talented athletes: a tailored sports programme, bespoke to individual sporting needs, underpinned by outstanding facilities and excellent staff, enabling athletes to reach their maximum performance limits. We welcome applications from both current LSF pupils, as well as prospective pupils.

As well as fully participating in the sporting life of the Foundation, our Sports Scholars will make a strong contribution by being sporting ambassadors for their School. They will be the pinnacle of their year group in terms of sporting excellence by demonstrating leadership potential and being a role model to other pupils. Scholars will have the opportunity to work closely with the Sports department through commitment to the Physical Education programme, curricular sport and co-curricular fixtures and sporting activities programmes.

Applications for scholarships from September 2025 are now live and will remain open until December 2024.

We are delighted to offer the following opportunities:

• Sporting Talent Award - Available to pupils entering Year 7 (11+) or Year 8 (12+)

• Sports Scholarship – Available to pupils entering Year 9 (13+) or Year 12 (16+)

For further details on requirements, applications and assessments, please scan the QR code.

Jo Hackett Director of Sport, Loughborough Schools Foundation

SPORT REPORTS

Boys’ Cricket

The start of the new cricket season has meant all age groups have played lots of games and overall, the weather has stayed dry. Multiple teams across the Foundation have been successful in a number of cup competitions and still have some games left to play. Across all teams playing regularly on a Saturday there has been close to 50 games played and we have won over half.

The 1XI team has had a great start to the season winning six out of eight games played and being top of the County Cup standings so far with one game left to play. Having started the year against some tough opposition, the boys managed to come together as a team to win the next six games in a row. Highlights include being a 55-run win against Nottingham High School in our Friday Night Lights game at school, including three wickets on debut for Year 10 pupil Ted B. Additionally, a 60-run win away from home against Warwick including a brilliant 98 from Veeran P to set the game up for LGS.

Our U15s have had a good start to the season including making it to the semifinal of the County Cup after beating Oakham in the quarter-final which included a five-wicket haul from Ted B. Another standout performance included a 74 not out from Freddie R in a winning cause against Kimbolton.

The U14s have had a few nail-biting games. The first game of the season against Trent College saw them narrowly lose by two runs and beating Warwick on the final ball of the game, needing two to win. A highlight from Jonathan W against Solihull saw him score 55 runs off just 28 balls including six 4s and three 6s to try and set the game up. The U14B team made a positive start to the season after beating local rivals Trent College by five wickets after a debut three-wicket haul from Benson B opening the bowling. James W helped secure the win after scoring a classy 31 not out off 28 balls.

The U13s are five unbeaten this year and have made great progress in the National Bunbury Cup. They are due to play the Dragon School, Oxford in the final of the Midlands section of the competition. If they win this game, they will go onto represent the Midlands in the competition where they will play the winners of the North. Standout performances include a ten-wicket win against Nottingham High School including a 53 not out from Vidyut S, a debut five-wicket haul from Baxter D in the A team against Kimbolton and a dominant batting performance in a win against Warwick including 54 from Enzo C, 42 from Aaryan B and a dominant 40 off 12 balls from Freddie R!

The B team also had a great start to the cricket season after matching the A team with a ten-wicket win against Nottingham High School with wickets shared around, a classy 90-run win against Kimbolton which included a 55 not out from Yuvraj S off 44 balls and the

highest score of the summer from Seth C against Solihull where he scored 100 not out off just 58 balls!

The U12s have made some good development from the start of winter nets and are starting to put in some positive performances. Highlights include a three-wicket haul in a narrow loss to Trent College from Josh C.

Towards the end of term, the U15, U14, U13 and U12s have the Solihull six-aside competition where the now U15s are looking to defend their title after winning last year’s competition. We also have cricket week in the penultimate week of term where our 1XI team play against the MCC, Old Loughburians and the annual two-day match against Manchester Grammar school.

The U13s have a three-day trip to Leeds where they will play against local schools before going to Headingley to watch the Yorkshire Vikings play the Birmingham Bears in a T20 blast game.

SPORT REPORTS

Girls’ Cricket

This year the weather really has been against us. We have had several games cancelled due to rain with neither home nor away teams being able to find a pitch dry enough to play. However, this has not dampened the girls’ spirit and enthusiasm to train and play, with so many girls turning up to co-curricular clubs, many of whom have never played the sport before.

This year, we have been able to field teams at U12A and B, U13A and B, U14, U15 and U18 age groups which is a huge push in the right direction for girls’ cricket at the Foundation. We have also been able to offer both softball and hardball opportunities for girls across the age groups, with one of our

Inspiring role models

Two of our pupils, Prisha T (Year 12) and Olivia B (Year 13) are both members of the Blaze Academy, and alongside studying for their A Levels are achieving huge success in high performance cricket.

Prisha has been playing in the Academy for three years and has had many opportunities along the way. She bowled to the Australian women’s team in preparation for their Ashes Test Match against England in the summer of 2023 and did the same for the England team for their matches against Sri Lanka. She has had the opportunity to bowl at some of the best players in the world and gain lots of experience. This season she scored her first 100 for the Blaze Academy, which is the first century ever scored by any player in T20 format. Following this performance, she was selected in the squad for The Blaze 1st XI in the Charlotte Edwards cup (national competition), which they went on to win. This season she hopes to get scouted for a place in the U19 World Cup for England, which takes place in January 2025 in Thailand. We wish Prisha and Olivia the best of luck going forward with their cricketing journey and are proud of their achievements.

Year 13 students playing a game for the Grammar School 1XI. This year, the demand for girls’ hardball games has definitely increased, with more and more of them feeling confident to challenge themselves to the next level.

Team Leicestershire Competitions

Our U15s drew Uppingham in an away match in the first round of the Team Leicestershire Competition. They won the toss and put us into bat.

We scored a respectable 78 runs and went out to try and hold them off. We started with some very good bowling, keeping their run rate down at the start of their innings. Despite us taking a few wickets, they managed to get some momentum and won the game.

Our U13s played Ratcliffe at home in the opening game of their competition.

They won the game with a brilliant team performance which meant they were through to the final against Leicester Grammar School.

They restricted Leicester Grammar to 62 runs, which they then followed up with a strong batting performance surpassing

Girls’ Cricket Trip

On Saturday 11 May, over thirty girls from Fairfield, Amherst and the High School went to watch England play against Pakistan in the women’s IT20 game at Edgbaston Stadium. This is the second year running that we have run this trip, and it was another success, particularly as this year England were victorious! It was a great day out and a superb opportunity for the girls to see the best players in the country battle it out at an amazing venue.

Indoor Cricket

Our season started off with the Indoor Cricket competitions for our U13 and U15 age groups. Following our success in the county rounds, both age groups made it through to the regional finals, which this year were held at the Edgbaston Indoor Cricket Centre, a venue used by the professional Warwickshire County Cricket Club squad. Both teams travelled down on different days to take part in a tournament against the best teams in the region.

62 with 48 balls remaining and were crowned Team Leicestershire County champions for the second year running in this competition!

U18 cricket

This year we had a keen group of senior cricketers. The girls played a softball game against Leicester Grammar School which was a very tight match. The girls bowled and fielded very well under pressure and were victorious!

The standard of play was very high, and it was a really good challenge for our girls who learnt so much throughout the tournament. Our U13s finished fourth overall which is our best finish to date at this level; an outstanding achievement for this group of girls. Our U15 team

Prisha T
Olivia B

SPORT REPORTS

Rugby

The rugby players have had a wellearned break, taking the opportunity to play the summer sports that the Foundation has to offer. However, our Year 10s have been introduced to the Rugby Player Pathway Programme and are well underway with their preparations in the gym and swimming pool, as well as touch rugby after school.

The Year 12s have been training during their games session on a Tuesday afternoon in preparation for their preseason camp at Nottingham University, where they are very much looking forward to training in some world-class facilities, as well as some team bonding ahead of what promises to be another exciting season.

Look after yourselves over the summer break boys, keep fit and be excited for another strong season.

Training at the Leicester Tigers!

A Year 9 mixed touch rugby team, which included players from the Grammar School and the High School, took their training to the Leicester Tigers ground this month where a round robin of fixtures was played. This was followed by a tour of the stadium; it was an experience they thoroughly enjoyed.

SPORT REPORTS

Athletics

Mr Nick Carroll

Foundation PE Teacher

Mrs Emma Hopper

Head of PE at Loughborough Amherst School

This year, our athletics programme saw enthusiastic participation from many pupils, particularly during after-school clubs. Despite limited competition time due to poor weather conditions, the dedication and energy displayed were commendable.

A total of 80 pupils represented the Foundation at the Area Athletics Tournament, showcasing impressive performances across various events. Some honourable mentions that will compete at the county event include:

U15 LHS

• Eva C - First, 100m

• Anna P – First, 200m

• Ayesha G – First, Javelin

• Fifi B – First, 800m

• Polly D – First, High Jump

• Esme McG – Second, Shot Put

• Hollie W – Second, High Jump

• Avani K and Freya SM – Second, Long Jump

• Milly Harrison – Second, Hurdles

• Anna P, Hollie W, Darcie W and Andrina O - First, Relay

• Milly H, Ruhia K, Eva C and Polly DSecond, Relay

U15 LAS

• Eva H – First, Shot Put

• Conn B – First, Long Jump

U15 LGS

• Jonathan W – First, Discus

• Shaam P – First, High Jump

• Rayeen A - 100m

• Kieran J - 800m

• Oliver S - 1500m

• Freddie P - Hurdles

U13 LHS

• Mila W – First, 100m

• Oreofe S – First, Shot Put

• Elodie CG – First, 800m

• First Relay – Oreofe S, Lily H, Mila W, Isobel T

• Lily H – Second, Hurdles

• Lizzy Mcl-S – Second, High Jump

• Isobel T– Second, Shot Put

U13 LAS

• Mollie W – First, 200m and Long Jump

U13 LGS

• Ben A – 70m Hurdles

• Ethan P – High Jump

• Torres Y – Long Jump

• Unathi M – Shot Put

• Ryan T - 100m

• Ben A - 200m

• Harry R - Shot Put

• Alastair McK - 800m

For our senior athletes the district rounds were rained off but with recorded performances the following boys qualified for the County Finals:

U17s

• Ewan McK - 1500m

• Alex C - Long Jump

• Anthony C - 100m

U20

• Alvin L - 100m

On Thursday 20 June 18 boys qualified to represent North Leicestershire taking part in the County Athletics Finals at Loughborough University.

Every single athlete did themselves and the school proud in an amazing competition at the University track. Notable results included:

• Oliver S – Third, 1500m

• Alex C – Second, Long Jump

• Shyam P – Second, High Jump

• Harry R – Second, Shot Put

• Alvin L – First and County Champion, 100m

• Ben A - First and County Champion, Hurdles

• Keiran J – Second, 800m - competing in an age category with boys a year older than him, and Keiran managed to break the School 800m record that has remained unbeaten since 1981!

Well done everyone who took part.

SPORT REPORTS

Athletics

Midlands Independent Schools Association (ISA) Athletics

Over the last term, both Prep and Senior Amherst pupils have embraced a range of athletics opportunities, demonstrating exceptional spirit and dedication throughout. A total of 24 junior and 23 senior pupils competed in the Midlands ISA athletics competition before halfterm, where we witnessed several standout performances.

Junior:

• Henry B: First overall - Year 6 boys cricket ball throw

• Amelie K: Second overall - Year 6 girls 600m

• Iris H: Third overall - Year 4 girls 40m

• Zahra N: Fourth overall - Year 6 girls High Jump

• Amelie K: Fifth overall - Year 6 girls 150m

• Dillon L: Eight overall - Year 5 boys 600m

Senior:

• Lauren P: Second overall - Year 10/11 High Jump

• Hermione M-F: Fifth overall - Year 8/9 100m Sprint

As a result of their outstanding achievements at the Junior ISA athletics competition, Henry B and Amelie K have been selected to represent the ISA Junior Midlands team at the National ISA event.

SPORT REPORTS

Hockey

On Friday 10 May our U13 girls set off for their U13 National Finals at Beeston Hockey Club. Having no idea of what was to come the group decided to embrace everything that came before them and have fun whilst doing it.

The girls kicked off their finals campaign with a well contested game vs Alleyns School. Two quick-fire goals from Anna P and a third from Imogen S gave us a 3-2 win and the perfect start to the day.

Our second game was against Kings’ School, Winchester and despite an early setback the girls regrouped and came out with a comfortable 3-1 win with two goals from Anna P and one from Ayesha G. This result meant that the girls would definitely come away from the day with a medal, but they weren’t finished there.

Our final pool game was against Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, a team we have previously met and lost 5-3. With both teams on six points, this game became a winner takes all, with a place in the National Final up for grabs. The game started in a similar fashion to the last one with Newcastle taking a quick 2-0 lead and maintaining that into halftime.

However, a quick two-minute team talk and confidence boost saw the girls step up in the second half and play their best hockey of the season with some big saves coming from Hollie W and scoring three goals in the process from Rosa B, Isla F and Anna P to secure a 3-2 win and a place in the final.

Our girls came up against Kingswood School in the National Final. In a game that was played in 24 degree heat, both teams struggled to produce the same amount of energy as before and the game was a cagey and close affair with limited chances on either end.

Kingswood struck first just after half time and our girls had to dig deep in order to find an equaliser. They did this with three minutes left in the game, Rosa B popping in a rebound from a short corner.

Both teams pushed for a winner but neither were successful and so it all came down to the dreaded penalty strokes. Isobel B, Isla F and Anna P stepped up for LHS and all three held their nerve to convert. The competition went to a double sudden death with Isla F putting us ahead before Hollie W came up with her biggest save of the year to eventually seal the deal and crown us as U13 National Champions!

Miss Grieve, Mr Willars and the whole Sports department are incredibly proud of this young group of girls. We are so happy that they have been rewarded for all of their hard work and commitment over the past two years. They have truly written themselves into the history books at Loughborough High School!

SPORT REPORTS

Football

Perry Wild

This term included the regional Futsal final for the U15 girls. They gave a great account of themselves considering their limited Futsal experience. It was a wonderful experience for them, and the school, as we look to involve more Futsal into the programme.

The U12 girls’ team took part in the Girls’ School Association (GSA) National competition held at Warwick High. It was a fantastic event all round, seeing them lose only once in the morning rounds to the eventual winners. This was the only goal difference between them not winning the Trophy Competition.

There was a similar story for the U13 girls in the Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) Regional Finals, going into the final game of the group they had to win to progress due to a goal difference disadvantage. Again they only lost one game in the whole day and again to the eventual winners.

The U11 boys made it to the ISFA National Finals held at St George’s Park. Against very strong opposition with a team of mainly Year 5s, our boys held their own throughout the day. I was incredibly impressed in the way that they played football, being brave in possession, always wanting the ball at their feet and then fighting for each other when out of possession.

A special mention to Lewis H who played for Leicester FC Academy in the Flint Micasa U14 Cup 2024. Lewis played every game, the team narrowly missed out on penalties in the final against Liverpool FC Academy. Seeing Lewis competing at such a level should serve as inspiration for all our pupils.

In June, William L, also a player at Leicester FC Academy, represented their U12s at the California Cup in San Francisco, with the opportunity to play Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon.

Next year we are expanding the football programme. Every year group will have the opportunity to represent their school and will be entered into regional and national competitions, along with a friendly fixture programme to supplement this. Training sessions will continue and it’s vital that all interested footballers continue to attend.

Thank you to the parents who have supported their children throughout the season. None of this could be possible without you.

Badminton

Mr Utkarsh Arora

Last month, the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 badminton teams travelled to the National Schools Badminton Finals at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes. After an opening ceremony the matches got underway.

Both teams played some great badminton against very strong opposition. The Key Stage 4 team fought hard throughout the day with superb singles wins from Marco C and Alex V as well as some very close 2-3 finishes. The team finished eighth in the country!

The Key Stage 3 team started the day with a win, and a special mention must go to Joshua T who won every singles match that he played at the finals. There were only two players in the competition to do this which showed rhetorical strength of his singles play.

The rest of the team played well but the opposition was too strong with us losing most games 2-3. The day finished much like it started with a 3-2 win and Max Z and Ibthiha O winning the last match of the day 21-20. The Key Stage 3 team finished seventh in the country!

What superb achievements and clearly very bright futures for our badminton teams.

Lewis H William L

SPORT REPORTS

Swimming and Triathlon

LSF Triathlon Club

Many of our senior and junior Tri Club members have started to compete in the East Midlands triathlon series which have various races continuing throughout summer.

Fairfield took part in the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) national triathlon event, which was hosted in a beautiful setting and course layout in Bath. We had eight racing including some first-timers who all pushed hard to the end and loved the experience.

LSF Swimming

This term we took a Year 5 and a Year 6 team from Fairfield, who have been training weekly in the swimming academy, to the World School Games event in the London Aquatics Centre. They were joined together to form a Foundation squad with senior swimmers across LGS, LHS & LAS

There were lots of amazing performances and personal best swims with standout performances gaining medals at these World Championships

Katherine F (FFD Year 6) picked up multiple individual medals along with Seth G (LGS Year 8) and Ellie P-B (LHS Year 7) both gaining an individual medal. Fairfield also took home a team relay medal over the weekend’s racing in London.

SPORT REPORTS

Fairfield

Mr Adam Hoult

This term has been exceptional for the Upper Prep pupils at Fairfield. Every child has had the opportunity to represent our school in various sports, with some advancing to county, regional, and national levels. It’s wonderful to see our children excel in their sports, and we eagerly anticipate the future achievements of our Year 6 leavers.

Cricket has particularly flourished, with all pupils in Years 4, 5, and 6 learning and enjoying the game through regular sessions, interhouse events, and whole year group fixtures. A highlight was the fiercely contested House cricket afternoon, involving every child. We are immensely proud of their progress and look forward to further advancements next year.

Our athletes shone brightly at the East Area Championships in Bedford and Cambridge. Congratulations to the entire team and special accolades to our medallists:

• Simi I – Bronze Medal in 100m

• Simi I, Cole S, Taher M, Kiean Pl – 4 x 100m Relay. The boys’ relay team will now represent the East area at the National Athletic Finals in July.

The World School Games Swim Championships at the London Aquatics Centre also saw stellar performances from our pupils, achieving numerous personal bests and finals appearances. A special well done to Katherine F for her Gold in the 50 Free, Silver in the 50 Fly, Silver in the 100 IM, and Gold in the 100 Free, and to the Boys’ Medley Relay team for their Bronze Medal. Swimming continues to thrive with participation in IAPS Regionals and the English Schools’ Athletics Association (ESSA) County Relays, leading to several pupils representing us at the national level:

IAPS National Swimming:

• Katherine F – 50m Butterfly

• Rose N – 50m Freestyle

ESSA National Relay Finals:

• Katherine F, Leni T, Florence F, Rose N – 4 x 25m Free and 4 x Medley Relay

• Hugo M-G, Harry M, Simi I, Joseph C – 4 x Medley Relay

ESSA National Primary Relay Finals

In June our boys’ and girls’ relay teams had the privilege of swimming at the internationally renowned Ponds Forge Swimming Arena. They excelled at the regional festival, earning the opportunity to compete on the national school stage. While they did not make it to the finals, each child gave an outstanding performance, achieving new personal bests in every race. Well done to all!

IAPS National Tennis Festival

Our U11 girls’, and boys’, tennis teams travelled to Bristol for the National IAPS Tennis Championships last month. Making their debut at this event, our pupils exceeded expectations. Both the boys and girls competed brilliantly in every match, even against top-ranked schools. The teams gained valuable experience and celebrated some victories. They look forward to the opportunity to compete again next year. Well done!

The House Sport Cup has been a source of inspiration, with 30 events leading up to a closely contested final Sports Day where points were doubled. Congratulations to the Saxons for not only winning the Upper Prep Sports Day but who are also House Sport Champions.

Beyond trophies and victories, the joy and enthusiasm of our children representing the school is invaluable. We are proud to provide numerous opportunities for our pupils, fostering resilience, teamwork, and a drive to improve.

We eagerly await another exciting year of Fairfield Sport.

SPORT REPORTS

Loughborough University National Tennis Academy (LUNTA)

The transition from the clay courts of the French Open to the grass of Wimbledon is well underway for our LUNTA tennis players. While they are very excited, it marks the end of another academic year and so it’s time for Henry and Alex to move on to new adventures.

I can’t believe that it is almost a year since Henry’s win at Wimbledon and his transition to the senior pro ranks is going really well. In Tallahassee in April, Henry beat a top 100 player for the first time, further establishing his name on the pro circuit. As I write he is playing Dan Evans, who is ranked 62nd in the world, at an ATP challenger event in Nottingham. When I wrote last term, Henry had just broken into the top 1000 for the first time and as he leaves us just a term later, he has improved his ranking to 630.

Alex is heading to a tennis academy in Bath to continue his tennis journey and he is finishing his time with LUNTA on a high having just won the doubles national title with Rhys (Year 10). Having had significant injuries last year it has been wonderful to see Alex return to playing well and we wish him all the best as he finishes his junior tennis career.

We will miss both Henry and Alex as it has been a pleasure to see them develop and mature into such wonderful young men during their time at Amherst and the LUNTA academy. We wish them the best of luck with their next adventures.

In addition to Alex and Rhys’s win in doubles at nationals, Hollie (Year 10) won the U16 singles national title which comes with a coveted wildcard to Wimbledon. Hollie did really well in the U14 competition at Wimbledon last year, but she is very excited about playing in her first Junior Grand Slam this month. Training has been going really well and Hollie made a J100 final in Sweden and semi-final in Estonia in May.

While some players are excited about a first junior grand slam, Mika and Ben have just returned from the French Open and are already preparing for Wimbledon. Unfortunately, many players this year at the French Open struggled with illness, which also hit some of our junior players. However, Mika and her partner made the quarterfinals in doubles and Ben played well in his first round game pushing his opponent to a nail-biting final set.

Overall, Wimbledon will draw an end to another incredible year for all our LUNTA pupils even though I have only given a brief glimpse of it here. I am sure there will be some excitement again this month when we get to watch them play against the best in the world at Wimbledon and they all have busy schedules of tournaments over the summer.

Finally with two players leaving us, LUNTA has been busy identifying the next talented juniors who will join the Academy and we look forward to introducing them to you in the Autumn term newsletter.

SPORT REPORTS

Tennis

In April, our U12 girls’ tennis team participated in the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Youth School league matches at home. After a quick warmup practise, our team was ready to face Twycross House School. Maya N, Bella G, Maysie B, and Mila W, all played a singles match against very strong and higher ranked opponents. The girls showcased exemplary skills and dedication in their matches. It was followed by a doubles match which was also a close one. Though the team lost, they showed high potential for winning tournaments in the future.

In May, the Loughborough High School U15 girls faced Oakham School in the LTA Youth School League Matches at home. Oakham had a really strong and high-ranked team but when it came to the singles matches, Loughborough High School girls Farron B, Phoebe B, Safiya D, and Martha K proved to be strong opponents for them. They fought really well and showcased the same enthusiasm in their doubles matches. Though they lost the match they all showcased the core skills of a good sports person.

We have been pleased to see so many more pupils accessing our tennis clubs this summer. We introduced a programme with Matt Wilford which contained tennis sessions before school, at lunchtime and after school. These have proved hugely positive and the numbers taking part have reached just over 200. Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to our fixture programme and a number of matches have had to be cancelled.

Basketball

Mr Milo Sigmund Basketball Coach

Following a successful season, resulting in a County Championship for our Year 11 team, we hope to continue developing the basketball talent at LSF. A special mention must go to Noah B-B who won most valuable player for the Leicester Riders U16 team! Noah will be leaving us to join Charnwood Basketball Academy and pursue his basketball aspirations. We wish him the best of luck in his career!

Sporting achievements

Golf achievement

William S, Year 10, entered the British Junior Golf Tour Rai Challenge which took place at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, Ascot. It was a handicap ballot, where the best twelve applicants from the UK were invited to play in each age category.

After 54 holes over two days, William made the cut and was First when finishing, only to be nudged into Second by a near hole in one by the nearest challenger.

This is a tremendous achievement – well done William!

Cricket achievement

Congratulations to Year 8 Edward B from Loughborough Grammar School, who has recently had a classification by the England and Wales Cricket Board as an S9 disability cricketer. Edward had a successful trial with Warwickshire over half-term and has gone straight into their squad as their youngest player. These are open age teams with competitive selection playing in regional and national competitions. Edward made his debut for Warwickshire at the end of June in an eight-run win over Staffs in the S9 regional competition and he is in contention for the D40 national league fixture against Cheshire.

William S
Edward B

SPORTS DAY

Loughborough Amherst School

Pupils from Years 3 to 12 embraced the scorching summer heat and took over Quorn Playing Fields for the annual Amherst Sports Day! Pupils rotated around a range of traditional and new sports in their year groups whilst competing for those all-important House Points.

There were impressive performances on the track in the 100m from both Freddie W, Year 10, and Henry W, Year 8, securing new school records, whilst Georgie R, Year 8, showed amazing athletic promise both in sprints, long distance and field events.

The hotly contested Tug of War, Swap Stompers and Egg and Spoon races created that special Amherst House spirit and this year pupils had the opportunity to trial a rowing competition with Loughborough Rowing Club coaches.

Peter House was the House Spirit Cup winner, while the House Sports Cup was won for the sixth year running by Agnes House. Congratulations to them both!

Pupils also enjoyed learning and playing Flag Football, which will be introduced to the 2028 LA Olympic Games, with Year 7 pupils from Teresa House showing off their advanced tactics by making their own play book.

Loughborough Schools Foundation hosted the Flag Football National Development Team training at Quorn Playing Fields, where the coaches have been looking for future starts to join the teams.

SPORTS DAY

Loughborough Grammar School

On Saturday 22 June we welcomed the sunshine for the LGS Sports Day. The event took place in the morning with all staff, pupils and parents arriving looking forward to the athletic events ahead.

The day did not disappoint with the boys all working hard to show how their athletic pursuits had developed over the Summer term. Highlights of the morning included the inaugural staff egg and spoon race, the superb announcing by Mr Dowsett, as well as the range of wonderful performances across track and field events.

The day was interspersed with excellence and the whole of Sports Day paused to see if it would indeed be possible for Alvin L to break the school record in the 100 metres, which has remained unbroken since 1960. The time of 10.9 has been matched but never beaten in 64 years and if we were honest we weren’t sure if it ever would be. Alvin became county U20 champion this week and having set a PB of 10.7 this season we were all quietly optimistic. An exceptional run saw Alvin finish in the superb time of 10.87 seconds. I wonder if this record will last as long as the last one.

In other news, Keiran J, not to be outdone, in the last event beat the U14 Long Jump record with a leap of five metres and 33cm beating the previous record by over 10cm.

In each year group the exceptional athlete was awarded with a Victor Ludorum Trophy; this is for the boy who has achieved the most points for his House across the events that he has taken part in.

The Victor Ludorum

SPORTS DAY

Loughborough High School

Where else would you find a bumble bee in a staff Vs students relay, dinosaurs in a Long Jump pit and a duck running the 100m? The answer to this is of course, a Loughborough High School Sports Day!

Our annual whole school Sports Day was hosted at Quorn Playing Fields and as per tradition, the whole school travelled in style via the Great Central Railway, adorned with an array of Housecoloured face paint, accessories and fancy dress.

Throughout the day pupils took part in a combination of more traditional events in track and field such as Javelin, High Jump and 100m, as well as events such as Tug of War, Team Obstacle, Egg and Spoon and a new event called the Swedish Relay. The whole day culminated in a staff Tug of War and a staff Vs prefect Relay, with Burton staff team taking the Gold in both events!

The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible, and there was a real buzz of excitement from pupils, staff, and spectators. Aside from the sporting events, there were a number of charity stalls and a wonderful BBQ lunch, all of which helped to create a wonderfully ‘brilliant and bonkers’ atmosphere, enjoyed by all!

The final results were:

Position House Points

First Storer 757

Second Fearon 737

Third Burton 731

Fourth Hastings 730

Special mentions go to Hermione in Year 10 of Storer House who broke the school record in the Shot Put for the second year running with a throw of 11.90m and to Mila W in Year 7 of Fearon House, who broke the 40 plus year school record with an amazing time of 28.87 in the 200m.

The following pupils were awarded trophies for outstanding performances on the day:

• Sophia and Sukaina, Year 12

• Hermione, Year 10

• Polly and Liberty, Year 9

• Fifi, Cara and Maisie, Year 8

• Abigail and Mila, Year 7

STAFF NEWS

Staff achievements

Congratulations to Miss Ellie McKenzie, Graduate Sports Assistant who last month travelled to Paris with the senior women’s Scotland Hockey Squad where she played and trained as part of the squad.

Mr Martyn Gidley, PE Teacher and Cricket Coach, has continued to impress this summer representing England in the Over 50s team. He was asked to captain the side against Ireland and was selected for the Ashes this summer, which the team retained! This is a superb achievement, a huge congratulations to Mr Gidley and the whole team.

Foundation Head of Swimming and Triathlon Mr Chris Perham has just started the summer triathlon season, and has been representing GB in the international races, looking to improve his world ranking as he finished fifth in a continental event in Egypt and 16th in a World Cup in France. His season aim is to achieve a World Cup podium by the end of the season. His next event is the European Championship qualification event where he is hoping to qualify again and improve on last year’s 16th place at the championships, followed by a few more World Cup events this summer. Mr Perham is also going to help as a training partner in Paris for this summer’s Olympic Games triathlon event.

Miss Ella Clark has worked her way back into the Loughborough Lightening Super League Netball Squad after recovering from her injury. We are delighted to share the success of Miss Clark and the Loughborough Lightening team who beat Manchester Thunder 70-54 and therefore won back-to-back Super League titles.

STAFF NEWS

Welcome to our new staff

Mr Ravi Chopra will be joining our team in September as Head of PE at Fairfield Prep School. Ten years ago he was a fresh faced graduate joining Loughborough Grammar School as a Graduate Sports Assistant. Since then, Mr Chopra has been teaching for eight years in two different ‘Outstanding’ schools in Hertfordshire and London respectively.

He enjoys a wide range of sports having played many throughout his school career and in the past has represented his school, county and district at football, basketball and cricket and still enjoys playing all three, as well as spending time on the golf course.

We are delighted that Mr Milo Sigmund who joined us last term as Basketball Coach, will be staying on next year and taking the a lead on our basketball programme.

Mr Tom Halfhide will join our Foundation teaching staff in September and will be in his first year as a qualified teacher having recently graduated from Loughborough University. He showed his sporting prowess representing the university in rugby and netball.

Mr Halfhide is an experienced coach holding Level 2 qualifications in both netball and rugby, and has experience coaching grass roots up to international and academy level players. He has also represented the British Army in basketball at age group and senior level whilst serving in the Household Cavalry for seven years prior to starting university.

Mr Harris Williams also joins our PE teaching staff in September. Mr Williams worked with the team this year as a student PE teacher and having now completed his degree from Loughborough University we are delighted he is joining our staff.

Originally from Wales he moved to Loughborough in 2016 before studying Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln and completing his PGCE at Loughborough University.

Sport has played a massive part in his life, through playing, coaching and teaching. His favourite sports include football, rugby, athletics, fitness and tennis, and he represented Swansea and Cardiff in football as well as being a qualified exercise instructor. We are looking forward to Mr Williams joining our teaching team.

We are very pleased that Miss Katie Trevarthen will be joining the team as our apprentice PE teacher based at Loughborough High School. Miss Trevarthen has worked with us over a number of years as an apprentice sports coach whilst also coaching and taking a lead on the University Women’s Rugby Programme. Miss Trevarthen is looking forward to furthering her education in a teaching capacity and we will welcome her input this coming year.

Goodbye and good luck

This term we say goodbye to Mr Sam Smith and Miss Jessica Walsh. They have now completed their apprentice sports coaching qualifications through Loughborough College whilst working within the PE team at Fairfield. Both are moving onto exciting opportunities; Mr Smith has accepted a role as a House Parent at Abbey College in Cambridgeshire and Miss Walsh will become a sports coach whilst touring the world on The Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, which will travel the gulf of Mexico from September for six months. We wish them both every success in their new ventures.

Miss Megan Davey has also completed her teaching qualification with Nottingham Trent University whilst based at Loughborough High School. She will be using next year to continue with her aspirations in women’s rugby whilst teaching in local secondary schools, as well as some time here at LSF too!

A number of our sports coaches are also moving on at the end of this term to return to studies or to more permanent positions. We say goodbye to Mr Louis Gosrani who pursuing his love of travelling and heading to Japan to teach English, whilst Miss Ellie McKenzie and Mr Tom Moorhouse will both continue to progress their hockey journeys having finished their degrees. We have some great new coaches joining the team in September and will share more information on them next term.

It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to Mr Adam Hoult this term. Adam joined the Foundation as a PE teacher at Amherst School on a temporary maternity cover basis and we could all see his strengths. We were delighted when after six months he started a new role as Head of PE at Fairfield. Adam has worked hard to develop the sports programme at Fairfield. He has made sure that every child from Year 4 to Year 6 has represented the school termly, as well as coaching teams through to National Final in every year that he has been with us. Adam leaves us to join Foremarke Prep as a Boarding Housemaster. Whilst we are sorry to see him go, we have no doubt that he will be brilliant in his new role.

Miss Jess Weaver is also leaving us at the end of this term. Jess joined us firstly as a volunteer rugby coach, and then progressed to complete her apprentice teaching qualification and has just finished her first year as an Early Careers Teacher. Jess has shown the strength, determination and skillset to become a superb practitioner, and she leaves the department to take up a new role enjoying the sunshine in Dubai where she will be a PE teacher at Kent College Dubai. She is a fierce rugby player and coach, and will be greatly missed by all the staff and pupils that she has worked with.

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