Badminton

This term has yet again seen USSC packed full of senior badminton players during our scheduled training sessions and matches, as well as in the evenings and on a Sunday afternoons for informal social games.

Our senior mixed teams retained both of the East Midlands Independent School League titles won last term, giving Uppingham three consecutive titles at both 1st and 2nd VI levels.

It has been a superb term for the girls’ team, with Emmi Malai (C) and Denise Wong (L) leading from the front, defeating Bromsgrove at 1st team level for the first time ever in badminton, and contributing hugely to the success of our mixed teams (played 29, won 28) this academic year.

After some tough defeats last term, our senior boys came back fighting and beat Rugby and Stowe at 1st and 2nd team levels this term. With more than 60 seniors playing badminton this term, our strength in depth really showed and the boys’ 2nd team were unbeaten this year. Congratulations to all the boys who played for those teams.

The attitude of all our school seniors has been exemplary this term and our players have made superb progress under the expert tutelage of our coach, Mr Barron, and the badminton staff. Thank you to these staff members and the Vice-Captains of badminton, Maverick Chow (Hf), Maku Tianzhong (Fgh), Katie Judd (Fd) and Eva Deng (Sa) for their enthusiasm and help in ensuring that the term ran smoothly.

We wish next year’s players all the very best and hope they build on the standards reached during 2022-2023.

Edward Zhang (Fgh) Junior Basketball Captain

Mr Fletcher Head of Basketball

I take pride in the way the U15 basketball team were able to bed in quickly at the start of the term. Despite not knowing each other well, we managed to swiftly settle into the pace of training, and embodied the critical values such as inclusivity, encouragement, respect and communication during our sessions.

There has been significant progress in these areas within our group. The passion for basketball among the players is evident and is a result of the improvements we have made over the term. Notably, we have improved our communication and court awareness during matches, enabling us to find the best scoring opportunities. Additionally, the weeks of training have built trust and friendship between us. We have learned to support each other, and to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Our team consists of many strong and talented young players who have quickly developed a strong relationship in sessions and matches. Our results in the last four matches have been a reflection of our diligent practice, communication and selflessness during games.

We have a diverse range of players on our team, yet we work together efficiently and consistently during training sessions. For instance, at the start of the term, we did not know how to cooperate well and played more selfishly in training and in our first match. However, we have overcome these issues through persistent effort, successfully carrying out a range of plays during games and believing in each other.

As the team captain, I am proud that our players have forged stronger relationships and played more effectively as a whole at the term has progressed. I am pleased to have worked with such a group of mates who are so passionate and committed to basketball. I hope to see them in the senior team next year!

Ned Hercock (F) and Tabitha Todd (Sa)

Cross Country Captains

Mr Matthews Head of Cross-Country