There is so much wonderful talent in our schools’ sports programmes – it’s time to celebrate!
Nothing but Net – ACS Cobham hosts first-of-its-kind beach volleyball tournament for schools across England
Students from across England gathered in London to compete in the UK’s first-ever beach volleyball tournament for independent schools. During the event, hosted by ACS International School Cobham, at the Barn Elms Sports Centre on 6 May, students also received exclusive coaching from England’s highest-ranking beach volleyball players, Joaquin Bello, Javier Bello, Jess Grimson and Daisy Mumby; all of whom are due to compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Twenty-seven pairs of students, aged 14-17, entered the event, representing nine independent schools from across England: Sevenoaks School, Lycée Francais, Brighton College, Epsom College, Lakenheath High School, TASIS, Tiffin School, ACS Cobham and ACS International School Egham.
Lycée Francais won the Division 1 Boys’ tournament and ACS Egham placed second. ACS Cobham won the Division 2 Boys’ event and Brighton College placed second. In the Division 3 Boys’ tournament, Epsom College placed first, with Tiffin landing a close second.
Winning the Division 1 Girls’ tournament was Lakenheath High School and ACS Cobham achieved second place. In Division 2 Girls’, ACS Egham placed first and Brighton College second. In the Division 3 Girls’ event, ACS Cobham landed first place, with ACS Egham achieving second place.
Alongside the student tournament, the world-renowned beach volleyball stars also played their own adrenaline-filled matches, giving students a chance to see the best of the best in action on the court. Impressed by the high standard of the students’ performances, the professional players also each selected a Most Valuable Player (MVP), who will receive a special award. The MVPs were:
Arthur from TASIS, nominated by Daisy Mumby
Sammy from ACS Egham, nominated by Javier Bello
Chloe from Lakenheath High School, nominated by Jess Grimson
Isabella from ACS Cobham, nominated by Joaquin Bello
Chris Hykiel, ACS Cobham’s beach volleyball team coach, says: “We hope the event is a small stepping stone towards putting the UK on the world map for beach volleyball and, importantly, will inspire more children and teenagers to take up the sport. ACS Cobham students benefit from state-of-the-art sports facilities on campus, with an arena housing a volleyball show court featuring tiered seating for 280 spectators. These outstanding facilities are also offered to ACS Cobham’s local partner state schools for their use. ACS students also have the opportunity to train regularly at beach volleyball courts in London.”
Javier Bello, comments: “It was great to see so many young players enjoying beach volleyball and we really hope to see it consolidated in the school sports event calendar. It was a perfect day in the sunshine, and the tournament produced some exciting matches and rallies. We look forward to seeing the students and staff again at ACS Cobham’s Sport Awards and being a part of this vibrant community.”
Something New – According to Claremont, the key to success is trying new things and encouraging others to do the same
Students on the Claremont Sports Leaders programme have been visiting local primary schools across East Sussex this term to help organise and run their own sports day events, and provide on-field coaching for aspiring young athletes. Following the success of their community hockey tournament earlier this year and work with Sussex Cricket Foundation, they have also hosted a primary school cricket tournament this term to inspire the next generation of cricketers. Claremont take an inclusive approach to sport by creating a learning environment where every child can learn and develop skills in a broad range of sporting pursuits, and test them out in competition. Pupils are encouraged to develop a life-long love of sport, to step out of their comfort zones and try something new, but to also aim high and master skills in the sports that they love.
Recent successes include Year 10’s Charlotte Watkins being selected for the England U16 hockey squad and Will de Wilde (Year 11) who was awarded a scholarship at Gillingham Football club. Both started their school days at Claremont Prep School.
Ride of your Life – Hickstead success for Mayfield School’s riders
Mayfield School’s Equestrian team won two national titles at the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Inter-County Dressage & Show Jumping Championships at Hickstead. In Dressage, Mayfield won the Inter-County Team Championships for a fifth year in succession, with the team comprising Year 13 students Eloise, Alice and Isabella. Eloise also came out on top in the individual standings, winning the Preliminary County Dressage Title. Mayfield’s Showjumping Team, featuring Ella, Anabelle, Daisy and Eloise, followed this up by winning the Inter-County 1m Showjumping Title for the second year in a row.
We are the Champions – Ashford School proudly celebrates cricket success
Ashford School embarked on a journey which started with over 900 schools competing to become the best U15 girls indoor cricket team in the country. Undefeated in the preliminary rounds the girls were filled with high hopes. The finals were played at the prestigious Lords Cricket Ground where the school hope to be watching their stars in the future! Ashford girls won their first three games, one comfortably and two coming down to the last over. They were set for the final against very tough opposition – Ipswich School. The girls saved their best for last and set their highest total with the bat scoring 94 runs in 8 overs, shutting the game down with two overs to spare. What a performance from a group of girls who showed talent, understanding, teamwork and most importantly enjoyed the journey! Well done to the new NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
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